Lee Davies on 2020 UK Qualifying Examinations

The PEB has agreed to provide the UK qualifying examinations online this year, as an alternative to cancelling the examinations.

This is really good news. It is a big ask for the PEB. Professional examinations are not like those sat at university and setting professional examinations online cannot be achieved by simply porting in a university model. The PEB is facing an enormous task which must be done at pace to secure the examinations for 2020. CIPA Council is appreciative of the hard work that is going on behind the scenes at the PEB.

I know that there are many unanswered questions for trainees and for employers. I know that this is frustrating and that you will be looking for answers so that you can make informed decisions about sitting the examinations. I know that you look to CIPA and the PEB to provide these answers. Regulation by IPReg required there to be a separation of governance and operation between CIPA and the PEB. It is not always apparent that, to all intents and purposes, CIPA and the PEB are separate organisations. I am sorry that this separation sometimes means that communication is not as effective as it could be if we were one organisation.

This is an opportunity for CIPA and the PEB to show we are listening and are working together to give an indication of when questions will be answered when it cannot be immediate.

On the detail, such as the arrangements for proctoring, the scanning of examination scripts and other administrative functions, it is not yet possible to provide specific information. This is entirely understandable. CIPA has suggested that online FAQs, updated as and when possible, would help keep trainees and employers aware of developments.