The Route to Competence
Knowledge + Experience = Competence
The scheme comprises three main sections – a formal ‘open book’ examination, a review of a competence experience log and periodic surveillance.
Knowledge
The Exam (assessment of relevant knowledge)
The exam will take the form of multiple choice and verbatim questions, and will comprise of several mandatory units as well as optional units to suit the individual's scope of skills.
Examinations will be held at regular intervals throughout the year, at national venues. Click here for details.
Sira has developed the scheme so as to offer training courses to assist candidates to gain the knowledge they need to sit these exams (there is no mandatory requirement for training, it is possible to undertake the examination if you consider you already have sufficient knowledge of the subject).
Knowledge Levels
Dependent upon the results of the Examination, delegates will be awarded with the following ‘knowledge’ levels:
Level 4 – Trainee
Requires further training before being considered competent.
Level 3 – Supervised Practitioner
Carries out tasks under the supervision of an expert or practitioner involving engineering judgement within a field defined by detailed written specifications.
Level 2 – Practitioner
Carries out tasks involving engineering judgement within a field defined by detailed written specifications.
Level 1 – Expert
Carries out tasks involving exercise of engineering judgement within broad parameters and general principles.
Gaining the Knowledge Through Training
The Scheme recognises organisations that can provide training courses that mirror the requirements of the Assessment Units.
Sira Test & Certification Ltd is a Recommended Training Provider for Competence Professional and can offer the full range of courses to give you the knowledge to go down the competence route. Please visit the training section of our sister company, Sira Test & Certification Ltd, by clicking here
Experience
The Experience Log (assessment of relevant experience)
Individuals will submit an experience log or journal which will include sections such as length of experience, job scope and details of any in-house/external training etc.
The log will be reviewed independently, and satisfactory review of this log, along with the results from the examination, will provide you with an Accredited Competence Certificate.
Surveillance
In order to ensure that the individual keeps up a high level of Competence, delegates will be required to re-submit an updated experience log annually, for an independent review.
The Competence certificate is valid for 3 years, at the end of which the process will begin again (i.e. sit another examination and another review of an experience log).
This way, Sira can ensure that the delegate always demonstrates a high level of competence within their given fields.
For more information about our range of services, please email
info@siraenvironmental.com or
tel +44 (0) 1322 520 500