When and how can exam candidates apply to the CII for reasonable adjustments? Natalie Dawes, DipPFS – Candidate Support & Business Development Adviser, Bespoke Training Solutions, offers some advice.
Every time I ask a candidate if they have applied for reasonable adjustments, I am astounded at the response. In the main, it seems that candidates are just not aware that there is support available to them, when sitting their exams with the CII. This awareness alone, is something that needs to change.
I’ve not had to apply for adjustments myself with an exam so my experience with this has been limited. However, I’ve looked into it at depth and spoken to quite a few candidates that have applied for reasonable adjustments. I’m going to share one of these candidates’ stories with you.
A story worth sharing
For the purposes of this article, the candidate’s name, is Tom. He got in contact with BTS to ask for some support around his R03 exam. It’s a unit that is renowned for being a bit of a pickle, largely because of the time pressure of the exam – not to mention the ‘taxing’ subject matter!
Long story short, we were discussing a plan of attack and it came out in conversation that Tom had an ADHD diagnosis, and that it was likely having an impact on the time he was taking to read and process question stems and of course to answer them. He was looking for some help around strategies that could help him with his time management and to ensure that he was confident in his knowledge. He wanted to maximise his chances of banking marks throughout his exam, considering that he might not have enough time to answer all of the 50 questions in his allocated hour.
Of course, we talked about strategy and the options for support from BTS. I also asked Tom if he had enquired with the CII about reasonable adjustments – he hadn’t, but only because he was blissfully unaware that this was even a possibility. So together, we looked into this.
Great service and simple process
There’s a criteria that needs to be met and yes, evidence must be supplied but, what I will say is that the process was excellent. There was a little bit of back and forth but, Tom dealt with the same CII staff member throughout. This was fantastic – there’s nothing worse than having to explain to multiple people about your situation each time is there?! It was kept easy.
The CII kept Tom informed, they were helpful in detailing what needed to be done and most importantly, support was granted in the form of 25% extra time.
Great news
Tom continued his prep towards his exam using BTS materials and he attended one of our workshops, all of which supported his knowledge and application. Having the extra time granted though, was a HUGE help. The additional pressure that Tom was feeling around this exam, was somewhat lifted, enabling him to worry less and focus more.
I received the following email:
‘Hi Natalie, I thought I’d update you. I’ve sat and passed the R03 exam today. Thought I’d share the news as it was you who informed me of adjustments available for my ADHD. Thank you.’
It is absolutely wonderful to hear how candidates get on (hint, hint, please do let us know!!). Receiving Tom’s email though, meant so much because his R03 story has highlighted the importance of applying for reasonable adjustments. Having that extra time, was the reassurance that Tom needed, that extra bit of support. It’s also something he will now have for all exams going forwards – it’s what’s known as a ‘permanent adjustment’.
Permanent or temporary adjustments
In addition to Tom, I am also aware of candidates with other diagnosis’ that have been able to secure support for their exams with the CII. So, if you’re reading this and you’re wondering what support is available for you, my advice would be to explore the options.
Tom’s reasonable adjustment application was for a permanent adjustment. It is also possible for candidates to apply for a ‘temporary adjustment’. As an example, perhaps a candidate has suffered a bereavement, or perhaps they have a health issue, that could impact their exam sitting. There are of course scenarios outside of these examples but the point is that if a candidate has an upcoming exam and are extenuating circumstances, support might be available.
Talking with another candidate recently, they told me about how they had suffered a close family bereavement in the lead up to their exam. They contacted the CII, explained the circumstances and support was granted by agreeing to uplift their exam mark by a nominal percentage. It turned out they didn’t need the uplift in the end, but the reassurance it offered, was absolutely worth going through the process of contacting the CII.
Please explore your options
BTS cannot guarantee that the CII will be able to grant you support but our view on the matter is simple. First of all, it’s important that you know that there is support available and second, if you are wondering if you might be entitled to support, please do explore your options.
You can read more about reasonable adjustment requests here: cii-qualifications-accessibility-and-special-circumstances-policy-and-guidance.pdf You’ll find details of the process of applying and scenarios where support might be available.
Please also feel free to get in touch with any one of us at BTS, we’ll guide you where we can. We are always happy to chat and have conversations, just like the one we had with Tom – it’s even better if the outcome is adjustments to your exam that are absolutely, reasonable.
Bespoke Training Solutions have been supporting regulated exams for 20 years this year! Known as ‘the exam experts’ within the industry, BTS provide support for the CII regulated exams by way of study guides, e-learning resources, and workshops for the full R0 suite and many AF units. Visit https://www.bespoketrainingsolutions.comand check out the brand-new Careers Zone for study plans, answers to exam FAQs and lots more to support your journey.
