It was necessary for IRATA International to amend and add additional clauses in their Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme (TACS). These changes relate to unsuccessful candidate assessments and the required timeframe for candidate training, assessment and reassessment. Full details are below. Also, at the bottom of this article are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the changes made to IRATA’s TACS.

Changes to TACS clauses 9.4.3 and 9.4.4
9.4.3 Where a candidate fails a revalidation assessment, the candidate’s existing certification shall not remain valid (see 9.4.5 and 9.4.6).However, depending on the candidate’s performance, the Assessor may continue the assessment to allow the candidate to attempt revalidation at a lower level.

9.4.4 Where a candidate fails an upgrade assessment, the candidate’s existing certification should remain valid until expiry (see 9.4.5) and 9.4.6). However, depending on the candidate’s performance, the Assessor may continue the assessment to allow the candidate to attempt revalidation at their current level.

Addition of clauses 9.4.5 and 9.4.6
9.4.5 Revalidation and upgrade assessments resulting in a fail, due to a major discrepancy on any syllabus item, cannot be continued for the purpose of revalidating the technician to a lower level. In such cases the technician is permitted to be reassessed at the same level, or lower level, within 60 days of the failed assessment attempt without the requirement for further training.

9.4.6 Level 2 and 3 revalidation and upgrade assessments resulting in a fail due to a third minor discrepancy can continue for the purpose of revalidating the technician to a lower level, providing all the required syllabus items of the lower level are passed with a maximum of two minor discrepancies, subject to the following:

1. All syllabus items performed during an unsuccessful revalidation assessment shall be carried over to the downgraded assessment unless the syllabus item is not performed at the lower level.
2. All minor discrepancies identified during an unsuccessful revalidation assessment shall be carried over to the downgraded assessment unless the syllabus item is not performed at the lower level.
3. All minor discrepancies for syllabus items that only require awareness (A) shall not be carried over to the downgraded assessment and shall be reassessed at the downgraded level.

Change to clause 7.3.2
7.3.2 Training programmes shall comprise at least 30 hours training over a minimum of 4 days. This time is specific to the level of course and will not normally include any refresher time for lower-level requirements. Training member companies shall ensure that training programmes are suitable for the trainee’s ability and be aware that the minimum requirements may not be sufficient. The IRATA Assessment shall be conducted on a calendar date which is separate from the calendar dates of the training provided and shall be independent of training activities.

Your Questions Answered

Q – “Can Assessors still recommend further training to be completed by a failed candidate within 60 days of a re-assessment?”
A - Currently, as per clause 9.4.2 of the TACS, where appropriate, the Assessor should recommend further training (1-4 days) and/or experience before re-assessment.

Q – “If a candidate fails an assessment and continues their assessment at a lower level, should a second (new) Technician Assessment Form [FM-025] be completed?”
A - A new Technician Assessment Form [FM-025] must be created for each assessment. The Assessor is required to write an explanation in the comments box on the new FM-025 to inform IRATA that the candidate undertook an assessment at a lower level, following a failed revalidation assessment.

Q – “If a candidate fails a revalidation assessment, is their current certification still valid?”
A - No. If a candidate fails a revalidation assessment, their existing certification shall not remain valid. This has been a requirement since TACS edition 2 which was published in March 2015.

Q – “If a candidate fails an upgrade assessment, is their current certification still valid?”
A - Yes. If a candidate fails an upgrade assessment, their existing certification remains unaffected.

Q – “If a candidate fails an upgrade or revalidation assessment by committing a major discrepancy, can they continue their assessment at a lower level?”
A – No. Revalidation and upgrade assessments resulting in a fail due to a major discrepancy on any syllabus item, cannot be continued for the purpose of revalidating the technician to a lower level. In such cases the technician is permitted to be reassessed at the same level, or lower level, within 60 days of the failed assessment attempt without the requirement for further training.

Q – “If a candidate fails a revalidation assessment by committing 3 minor discrepancies, can they continue their assessment at a lower level?”
A – Yes. Providing no more than 2 of the syllabus items the minor discrepancies were applied to are performed at the “lower level”.

Q - “Can a candidate have more than 1 downgrade assessment attempt after a failed revalidation?”
A - No. A revalidation candidate can only have 1 additional attempt to revalidate their certification to a lower level, on the same day. Therefore, no certification can be awarded to the candidate on that day. The candidate is permitted to be reassessed at the same level, or lower level, within 60 days of the failed assessment attempt without the requirement for further training.

Q – “9.4.6 a. states that all syllabus items performed during an unsuccessful revalidation assessment shall be carried over to the downgraded assessment unless the syllabus item is not performed at the lower level, does this include upgrade assessments?”
A - No. If a candidate fails an upgrade assessment, the candidate’s existing certification remains unaffected. The candidate is permitted to be reassessed at the same level, or lower level, within 60 days of the failed assessment attempt without the requirement for further training.

Q – “Providing a minimum of 30 hours training has been completed over a minimum of 4 days, can the candidate be assessed on the last day of training?”
A - No. The IRATA assessment shall be independent of training activities and shall be conducted on a calendar date which is separate from the calendar dates of the training provided. For example, if the IRATA training started on Monday 24th May and finished on Thursday 27th May, the earliest date the IRATA assessment can take place is Friday 28th May.

Should you have any additional queries, please contact [email protected]

An updated version of TACS will be available shortly.