Centre-based exam leaves candidate 'looking forward' to taking more qualifications
'Earlier today I took my Level 2 Manual exam at the Pearson Vue centre in Norwich and I wanted to write to say how impressed I was, both with the exam format and the staff at Pearson Vue.
'I was their first 'ICB' candidate but the staff were very helpful, friendly and efficient. The exam itself was very easy to navigate through and complete, even with exam nerves. Getting the results there and then was also much better then waiting anxiously for the post to arrive. I'm now actually quite looking forward to taking my Level 3!'
Samantha Phillips AICB CB.Cert
July saw an exciting evolution in the ICB's centre-based testing practice, with the introduction of on-demand examinations. Existing members will recall that students used to have to choose from one of only three examination dates per year, completing their tests in a college hall full of other nervous candidates completing the same examination.
The ICB's recent partnership with the global examination delivery company, PearsonVUE, means candidates wishing to complete their Level II or Level III manual bookkeeping examinations, can now book their own examination appointments using a state of the art online booking facility. We have been able to increase the number of available centres to 5,200 around the world and it appears that candidates are really benefiting from being able to decide for themselves when they are ready to take their examination.
Another happy candidate
Charles Turner AICB CB.Cert passed his home-based Level II Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping in May before booking in for his centre-based Level II Certificate in Manual Bookkeeping in August. Mr Turner, whose birthday is coming up, wanted to pass on his account of the examination:
'The last time I took an exam I was sitting in a large hall, with rows of desks, and an Invigilator walking up and down glaring at you on the way past. You were instructed when to start and almost with a sadistic tone when to stop, as you struggled to write those last few vital words, or get your Balance Sheet to balance.
'What a difference an ICB exam was. On arrival I was greeted by friendly and helpful staff, who assisted me with the checking in procedures. I was given my “exam kit” a re-useable board to write on, a felt pen and even a calculator. My terminal was in the corner of the room which was really good as I was not disturbed by the coming and goings of other people doing their best to pass their driving test theory. The two hours went very quickly but the time allowed is quite adequate, I must admit a cup of coffee would have been nice half way through.
'At the end of the exam you are given your results which is great, because you don’t need to go home and spend time trying to work out if you have done enough to pass. Flushed with my success, and the really smooth operation at the PearsonVUE centre, I have now begun studying Level 3 and who knows when the exam comes ……. I may just get that cup of coffee.'
Things to look out for
No doubt coffee would be an excellent addition to the examination, but future candidates may wish to take note that beverages are not permitted into the examination room under normal circumstances. The ICB would like to remind all future candidates to familiarise themselves with the information published on the Centre-Based Examinations page of the website. Candidates are expected to have read and agreed to comply with the Test Centre Rules which are available on our website.
It has come to our attention that more than one student has been caught out by not following the strict guidelines regarding the required identification. Candidates at centre-based tests are reminded to please bring with them two forms of ID. Both forms of ID must have a signature and one of them must have a photo. The ID should be in date. Accepted forms of photo ID are passport, driving licence, or National Identification Card. Accepted forms of secondary ID showing signature are credit or debit cards.
Please note you will not be permitted entry to your examination using any ICB-issued card as ID. Similarly, any other form of non-government issued and nationally recognised photo ID (such as a laminate pass for work) will not be accepted as valid photo ID. For more information please see ID Requirements and the FAQs published on the main Centre-Based Examinations page.
If you have any queries, or cannot satisfy the ID Requirements, please call the ICB on 0845 060 2345 so that we may assist you.