Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET) - Level A
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a number of frequently asked questions about the Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (awarded by The British Psychological Society).
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
- When does the course start?
- How long will the course take?
- What is the content of the course?
- Is it very difficult?
- How will my progress be monitored and assessed?
- Who will be responsible for assessing my competence?
- How advanced are the statistical concepts?
- What level of computer skills will I need?
- What are the benefits of doing this course for me?
- What will the course enable me to do?
- What tests will I be qualified to administer?
- Will this course enable me to give intelligence tests?
- Will I be able to make recommendations for Reasonable Accommodations in Certificate Examinations (RACE) and resource hours?
- Will I be able to diagnose pupils with dyslexia/autism/ADHD with this course?
- Who can apply?
- Will I get course days by doing this course?
- How do I apply?
- Can I pay in installments?
When does the course start?
There are two types of study, online and intensive.
The online course can be started at any stage throughout the year.
.
The intensive 3 day course is run at various times throughout the year course. Keep an eye on our website for upcoming courses or contact us for information on upcoming courses around the country.
How long will the course take?
Online Course: The course is designed for you to start when you want and to work at a pace that suits you. Most people will require 10-20 hours per unit to complete units 1-4 and 7. Units 5 and 6 will probably require about 15-25 hours per unit. It is estimated that the whole 7 units would take about 7-9 months to complete.
What is the content of the course?
The British Psychological Society, in association with some major test publishers, has determined the 71 core competences, which are required for professionals to safely administer and interpret psychometric tests within an educational context. These are grouped in seven units.
Unit 1: |
Why are tests used? What are psychometric tests? Different types of tests and testing Formative and summative assessment |
| Unit 2: Basic statistical principles |
Averages and standard error Confidence in the scores obtained Using statistical tables and converting raw scores to standard scores |
| Unit 3: Reliability and validity |
Correlation as an estimate of relationship between two measures Does the test measure what it says it measures? Does it measure it accurately? |
| Unit 4: Using the right test |
Using catalogues and practical considerations when using tests Using norms and identifying restrictions and bias |
| Unit 5: Test administration |
Test practice Planning and preparation Establishing rapport |
| Unit 6: Test results |
Scoring and interpretation of results Integration of test data with other assessment information |
| Unit 7: Confidentiality |
Maintaining security Use of results Data protection, rights and responsibilities |
Is it very difficult?
The Units are designed to work sequentially to build up your knowledge and understanding gradually. When you book a place on the course, you are allocated a tutor who is an experienced psychologist.
How will my progress be monitored and assessed?
There are a number of assessed tasks to be completed within each Unit. An MCQ test must also be completed and passed before the end of Unit 4. You must also supply a portfolio of three different tests you have given and a DVD demonstrating aspects of your test administration and scoring.
Who will be responsible for assessing my competence?
Assessment of your competence will be the responsibility of suitably qualified assessors from Éirim whose assessment methods have been verified by the British Psychological Society. The Assessor will confirm that you have demonstrated each competence satisfactorily.
How advanced are the statistical concepts?
Units 2 and 3 deal primarily with the basic statistics required to apply and interpret psychometric data. You will need a basic knowledge of mathematics but qualified psychologists are on hand to answer any queries that you may have.
What level of computer skills will I need?
The on-line course works on a very simple, easy to use step-by-step process. Some degree of computer literacy is required; however if you are competent in sending and receiving e-mails and browsing the Internet, this will be sufficient.
What are the benefits of doing this course for me?
The course will provide you with confidence and competence when undertaking assessments using psychometric tests. You will also be eligible to join the British Psychological Society Register of Competence in Psychological Testing (Education), as it is an internationally recognised qualification. You will have access to expert advice and tuition from experienced psychologists.
What are the benefits of doing this course for my school?
Professional qualifications are an excellent way for your school to develop its capability and effectiveness. A qualification in this area will provide you with the skills and ability to interpret tests as well as how to use them and choose them. It also usually allows those who hold the qualification to buy higher level tests. It is likely that demonstrated competence will be necessary for any teachers involved in standardised testing at school level.
What will the course enable me to do?
This course will enable you to:
- Understand how educational tests are developed and standardised
- Use educational tests with great confidence and competence
- Analyse test manuals to decide if a test is reliable, valid & appropriate for your students
- Develop hypotheses about your students' learning
- Know when it is appropriate to undertake a test
- Interpret test scores and integrate test score information with other forms of assessment
- Analyse your students' needs thoroughly
- Write reports to communicate your understanding to others
- Understand and confidently interpret reports from other professionals
- Comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act in your assessment processes
- Develop your competence, provide career opportunities and enhance your confidence
- Access higher level tests
What tests will I be qualified to administer?
The Certificate of Competence is a nationally recognised qualification that enables holders to purchase tests, although the type of test can vary from test publisher to test publisher. The British Psychological Society developed the Certificate in association with three major test publishers and is actively working with other test publishers and distributors, encouraging them to supply relevant tests for use in educational settings only to people who hold a Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing.
The Society is also publicising the standards so that all will be aware of the importance of ensuring that tests are used only under the supervision of people who hold a Certificate of Competence. Having completed the training course and attained the Certificate, you can register with the appropriate Test Publisher in order to access specific tests. By presenting a Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing you will normally get access to a wider range of tests; this is at the discretion of the publisher.
Suppliers of tests may, of course, require evidence of additional areas of competence as being required for particular tests or may require users to have additional specialist training in the use of particular instruments.
Will this course enable me to give intelligence tests?
The Certificate will not qualify you in the use of certain tests (such as the Wechsler Ability Scales, BAS-II, Stanford-Binet, McCarthy Scales, etc.) used in the formal assessment of cognitive abilities, which require a more detailed knowledge of test construction and interpretation.
Will I be able to make recommendations for Reasonable Accommodations in Certificate Examinations (RACE) and resource hours?
Currently, the Department of Education regulations require psychological reports as evidence for resources or accommodations. This qualification will not qualify you to give the specific tests that psychologists give.
Will I be able to diagnose pupils with dyslexia/ autism/ ADHD with this course?
This qualification will not qualify you to make a diagnosis, as it is a multi-faceted process performed by a multi-disciplinary team. You will have access to various tests that will allow you to make a contribution to the team.
Who can apply?
The CCET is relevant to anyone who works in the education sector and who wishes to use tests in education. It is an open access course, which means that no pre-qualifications are necessary. Any person will be eligible to apply for training and to receive a Certificate. The certification arrangement will dispense with the distinction between psychologist and non-psychologist in this context. Instead it will enable two groups to be identified:
- People who can provide evidence of their competence;
- People who cannot provide evidence of their competence.
Those holding a Certificate may have their names placed on a Register of Competence in Psychological Testing (Educational).
It must be stressed that the Certificate is not a qualification in educational psychology, but a qualification in the theoretical background and practical aspects of educational testing.
Will I get course days by doing this course?
At present, the Department of Education and Science are not offering course days for those who undertake the qualification.
How do I apply?
You should complete the application form and send it, together with the appropriate fee, to Éirim. You will be given a username and password to enable you to log on to the online site.
Can I pay in instalments?
You can pay in two instalments. One half of the course fee must be paid before beginning and the remainder must be paid before the end of Unit 4.
