New technology which can replicate an exam hall environment remotely will allow agronomy education provider BASIS to offer candidates the option to complete courses and assessments online while ensuring industry standards are maintained.
The body worked with the HSE Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) and accreditation partner Harper Adams University to allow several key courses to go fully digital.
Written exams will be completed using online exam and invigilation software, followed by oral examinations carried out over video call.
Sue Mason, BASIS exams and training manager, explained the new invigilation software, QMark, enables BASIS to deliver examinations under stringent conditions – akin to being held in traditional exam format without the need to meet face-to-face or in groups.
“We know a number of candidates have either completed their training, or were near finishing earlier in the year, so this gives everyone the opportunity to finalise training and undertake the exams to gain the qualification,” she said.
“The online exams will mirror the format of a formal written test. We’ve worked closely with Harper Adams to ensure the software is quality assured so we’re delivering exams in the same conditions.”
What if I have paused my studies?
Should candidates have halted training mid-way through the course due to lockdown, BASIS is still offering this online alternative, with the new exam format taking place once the course has been completed.
BASIS chief executive Stephen Jacob said this online offering means important training and certification can still go ahead, despite the current restrictions, to maintain industry standards and customer or employer expectations.
We want to ensure all those looking to complete exams and become accredited members of the Professional Register in 2020 can do so. The process hasn’t altered; we’ve just gone digital.
“I would advise those looking to take their exams to speak to their BASIS approved trainer to discuss the next steps to undertake their exams,” he said.
