ALL WASTE ACTIVITIES

Introduction

CIWM and WAMITAB's 'Operator Competence Scheme' (the Scheme') for England and Wales only has a requirement for individuals to keep their competence up to date. Therefore all competent persons falling within the Scheme will be required to demonstrate Continuing Competence and this will be appropriate to the level of risk posed by the facility so that it remains proportional.

This section is structured as follows:

Who does it apply to?

The Continuing Competence scheme does not currently apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is applicable in England and Wales for those individuals who are:

  • Existing holders of a CoTC/NVQ who achieved their CoTC/NVQ before 22 December 2008, which was the date our Scheme was approved;
  • New entrants who achieve one of CIWM/WAMITAB's new competence qualifications after this date (12,6 and 4 unit qualifications, VRQ and EPOC);
  • 'Deemed' competent by the Environment Agency (EA).  In this case individuals will have to demonstrate their continuing competence within the three-year period starting on 1 March 2009.  The test will reflect the type of activity carried out on the site.  Consult the Environment Agency to determine the specific activity.
  • 'EA assessed'; Other than those where EA assessment is a pre-requisite for obtaining the two-year CoTC exemption.

When does Continuing Competence have to be demonstrated?

A number of deadlines apply which are as follows:

  • All CoTC/NVQ holders who achieved their CoTC/NVQ before 22 December 2008, which was the date our scheme was approved, will have to demonstrate their continuing competence by the end of a 3-year competency period starting from 1 March 2009;
  • New entrants who gain their initial competence award, one of CIWM/WAMITAB's new competence qualifications, after 22 December 2008 will have to demonstrate their continuing competence within the second two-year period starting on 1 March 2012;
  • Deemed competent individuals will have to demonstrate their continuing competence within the three-year period starting on 1 March 2009;
  • EA assessed individuals, these fall into two categories:

(i) individuals who passed an EA assessment for a non-CoTC activity prior to 1st March 2009 will be expected to complete a continuing competence assessment between the period 1 March 2009 and 1 March 2012;
(ii) individuals who passed an EA assessment to benefit from a 2 'year grace period and who obtain their competence qualification after 1st March 2009 will be expected to complete a continuing competence assessment during the 2'year period starting on 1 March 2012 and finishing 28 February 2014 i.e. they will skip the first cycle of continuing competence.

What is the validity of my Continuing Competence Certificate?

Competence periods are fixed 2-year periods not two years from the date of achievement. The actual start of the first two year period was 1 March 2009 and anybody passing the test will receive a certificate with information on the renewal period for the certificate. After that date the individual will have to pass another test between 1 March 2012 and 28 February 2014 which will remain valid until 28 February 2014.

In considering the Continuing Competence period, one year was considered too short to be resetting objectives/tests and subsequent learning for candidates. A three year period was considered too long to wait for confirmation that changes had been absorbed. To be pragmatic CIWM/WAMITAB proposed a 2 year competence period especially while the pace of legislation/policy change in this sector remains high.

How will Continuing Competence be demonstrated? 

In order to continue to be 'competent' individuals will need to have successfully completed a Continuing Competency'test' before the end of the competency period. The method for this will be computer based and delivered through a suite of 'independent test centres' across the UK.

Proof of identity will be required before taking the test. Following the test candidates will be issued with a test report confirming that he/she has taken the test at an approved centre. Those successfully meeting the requirements will be issued with a CIWM/WAMITAB Continuing Competence Certificate, for the appropriate risk tier, which will be dated and will expire at the end of the 2 year period. This will enable competent individuals to demonstrate this to both the Regulator and other interested parties.

What is the format for the test and what does it cover?

The format for the tests is based on a question and multiple choice answers; the questions cover two aspects, a generic section, which is common to all competences, and an 'activity-specific' section, for example, landfill, treatment or transfer. If the person holds more than one competence award and wants to maintain all their competencies then they will have to choose multiple, 'activity specific options'.

The syllabuses for the tests are published and will allow individuals to undertake activities to obtain the necessary knowledge, skills etc in any way that is appropriate to their specific needs. This could include an organisation's own in-house training or coaching programme, 3rd party training courses (possibly using WAMITAB's Centres) or self learning e.g. via the internet. In other words gaining the required knowledge will be a self-managed process. This takes into account that everyone will have a different starting point, different learning preferences, different time and budget constraints etc.

The test encompasses 20 questions for the generic part (covering legislation, health & safety and environment protection) and a further 6 questions for the activity specific elements/options, depending on how many are chosen. The 'test time' allowed will be 30 minutes for the generic section and 10 minutes for each option.  Experience has shown that this is sufficient time to complete the various sections/questions.  Fees for the test are available on the 'test booking' section of this web site and will be paid by credit or debit card at the time of booking.

How will I know if I have been successful?

Candidates will need to correctly answer 50% or more of the questions in the generic section and 50% or more of the questions in each option(s) chosen and achieve an overall pass mark of 65%.  In the early stages of the Continuing Competence scheme you will be notified by WAMITAB shortly after the test if you have been successful or not. Eventually it is planned that candidates will be informed of their results on the day of the test.

For example: If a candidate achieves 50% (10 marks) in the generic test, and a 100% pass (6 marks) on the activity part of the test, they will not achieve the 65% overall pass required and therefore will fail the test.  If a candidate achieves 50% (3 marks) i the activity part of the test, they will need to achieve 70% (14 marks) in the generic test to achieve a 65% overall pass.

How much will it cost?

The cost for each test will be £105.The cost for a re-test is the same.

Please Note: if you are paying by Barclaycard, you will need to have your password available when booking to avoid being timed out.