Key Changes Announced at 3rd National BIIAB Conference
21-Feb-2008
Removal of compulsory section of NCPLH
Translation service for exam papers
e-learning and e-assessment strategies
New qualifications being launched in 2008
BIIAB today announced a number of significant changes and improvements to its qualifications strategy at its 3rd Annual Conference, held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. The event was attended by over 200 delegates representing approved training centres and organisations involved with delivering BIIAB qualifications throughout the UK.
First on the agenda was the announcement that, as of 10th March 2008, the BIIAB Level 2 National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (NCPLH) examination will no longer include a compulsory section. This major decision has been taken in order to bring the England and Wales version of the BIIAB qualification in line with the Scottish equivalent, the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (SCPLH).
Candidates will continue to be questioned on all the key issues surrounding social responsibility and licensing objectives. The stringent monitoring and development of the exam programme to ensure it meets industry needs is ongoing.
Cathie Smith, director of BIIAB, went on to explain that an agreement has been drawn up with the Institute of Translators and Interpreting (ITI) to offer examination papers in Turkish, Polish, Chinese and Welsh. An interpreting service for other languages is also being made available.
Cathie Smith commented: “This translation and interpreting service has been introduced in response to customer demand and has been trialled for its effectiveness. By working with the ITI we have access to top quality translators and interpreters who are guaranteed to be neutral and have no interest in the outcome of these important public examinations, thus ensuring quality assurance is not compromised.”
BII director of ICT Jonathan Stemp then updated delegates on the organisation’s strategy to move away from a paper-based examination system towards e-learning and e-assessment. The increased use of technology has many benefits for centres delivering the qualifications, including lower costs, less reliance on traditional postal methods and the associated time delays, and the flexibility afforded by accessing required information truly ‘on demand’.
Finally, Michelle DeBrett-Watson, BIIAB head of qualifications, presented a summary of qualifications being introduced in 2008. These include the Level 2 Award in Cooking Skills, the Award for Music Promoters and a portfolio of qualifications to support the management of the night time economy. A suite of qualifications to meet the requirements of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 is also available.
| michellel@bii.org | |
| Contact | Michelle Luscombe Corporate Communications Manager 01276 417863 |
