Previously exempt waste activities
Many previously exempt waste activities now require an environmental permit and operators must demonstrate they are competent to hold a permit. The Environment Agency (EA) is making special provisions for operators who have to move from being an exempt activity to a permitted activity. These provisions apply to individuals who held a management role in relation to an exempt activity which now requires a permit. Further guidance is available from The Environment Agency.
Individuals who are moving from an exemption to a permit can demonstrate technical competence by taking an initial test which is available through the CIWM/WAMITAB scheme. This Generic test comprises questions on legislation, health and safety and environmental protection. An operator has 12 months from the date their first permit is issued to arrange for all nominated managers to pass the initial competence test. This means that the issue of a permit will not be delayed by the need to demonstrate competence. The transitional timetable is shown on the EA web site together with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) entitled Waste Exemption Review – Getting Ready for Change.
These special provisions do not apply to anaerobic digestion activities.
This section is structured to provide information on the initial test as follows:
• Who does it apply to
• When does Continuing Competence have to be demonstrated
• How will Continuing Competence be demonstrated
• What is the format for the test and what does it cover
• How will I know if I have been successful?
• How much will it cost?
• Generic Syllabus
• Continuing Competence Practice Test
• Centres offering Continuing Competence Training
• What if I want to cancel or reschedule my test booking?
Who does it apply to?
Some of those previously exempt activities now requiring a permit as specified by the Environment Agency.
When does Continuing Competence have to be demonstrated?
The revised regulations came into force on the 6 April 2010 and the EA has determined that different existing activities will move into this new system at different times over a three-and-a-half year period (see EA Waste Exemptions Review and EA web site for timetable).
How will Continuing Competence be demonstrated?
In order to be 'competent' individuals will need to have successfully completed an initial Continuing Competence 'test'. The method for this will be computer based and delivered through a suite of 'independent test centres' located across the UK.
Proof of identity will be required before taking the test. Those successfully meeting the requirements will be issued with a CIWM/WAMITAB Continuing Competence Certificate which 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 test encompasses 20 questions covering legislation, health & safety and environment protection. The 'test time' allowed will be half an hour, experience has shown that this is sufficient time to complete the various questions. The fee for the test is £105 and will be paid by credit or debit card at the time of booking.
The syllabuses for the test are published on this website to 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.
How will I know if I have been successful?
Candidates will need to achieve an overall pass mark of 65%. You will be notified by WAMITAB shortly after the test if you have been successful or not.
How much will it cost?
The cost for the test is £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.
What if I want to cancel or reschedule my test booking?
See information on Pearson Vue booking system.
Centres offering Continuing Competence Training
If you believe you will benefit from training prior to your initial test training providers can be accessed here.