Certification Candidate Handbook

Transcription

1 Certification Candidate Handbook The Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS) User Guide details the process from beginning to end, program requirements, what to expect at the testing center, how scores are calculated, and everything in between. Certification Website The BEAC certification programs are clearly and completely detailed on the website under the Certifications and Qualifications tab. The website features links to required forms, policies, and administrative directives governing certification and qualification programs; quick access to the Certification Candidate Management System; the Document Upload Portal; and everything there is to know about BEAC certifications. To access the Certifications and Qualifications area of the website, go to Pages/Certification.aspx. Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS) CCMS is the system of record for The IIA and The BEAC global certification and qualification programs. Candidates and certified individuals administer their own requirements for computer-based examinations through this system, which also allows candidates to: Apply to individual global certification and qualification programs. Register for exams. Upload application documents. Review certification status. View official exam results. Monitor progress in your chosen certification program. Report Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit. Interact directly with The IIA s Global Certifications staff for inquiries and assistance. If you are also a member of The IIA, CCMS works to a limited degree with The IIA s membership system/association management system, meaning both systems hold demographic and contact information on IIA members and certification candidates. The key difference is that if you update your information in one system, it will not automatically update your information in the other system. A project is underway to streamline this process, but until that occurs, you must make updates to both systems individually.

2 NEW APPLICANTS: If you are new to Certifications and have never taken a BEAC or an IIA certification exam before, you must create a new record in CCMS: Step 1: From the main CCMS login screen, click on First Time Users in the upper right corner.

3 Step 2: You must read and agree to the Terms of Use. This is also the screen where you can access The IIA s privacy policy. It is recommended that you review the page fully (including additional links) prior to agreeing to the terms and conditions. NOTE: If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you will be unable to create a record in CCMS and you will not be able to proceed with your BEAC application.

4 Step 3: Once you have agreed to the terms, you will need to create a profile. Since you do not yet have an IIA username or password, click on Create a profile Step 4: You will be prompted to create your user profile in CCMS, entering information as appropriate. Items marked with * are required fields. This information is used for a variety of purposes including keeping you informed of your certification process through the various stages of becoming and remaining certified. The IIA does not allow third parties to create records or administer certification activities on behalf of a candidate. Candidates must administer their own account in CCMS.

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6 Once you complete this step, you will get an verification similar to the following: Your user login to The Institute of Internal Auditors' (IIA) Certification Candidate Management System has been created. Your IIA ID number is: xxxxxxxx To activate your account, please go to Once you activate your account, you will be able to create a username and set your password. You will be able to access your account immediately. After you have activated your account, you will not be able to access the link above. Please note that the account activation link will expire on mm/dd/yyyy. If you have questions regarding your application or are unable to access this site, please contact customerrelations@theiia.org. Best regards, The IIA Global Certifications Team Providing the Keys that Open the Doors to Your Career Growth ***PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS *** This is a system generated response. If you require further assistance, please log in to your CCMS record and submit a New Incident. You must click on the link provided in the in order to proceed.

7 Step 5: When you click on the link, you will see a screen which provides you with a Username, and asks that you set a password. Once you submit the New Registration information, you will be taken to a screen to review and verify your personal information. You must verify your record and agree to the license terms.

8 Step 6: Once you have activated your account, you will get a summary of your personal information, and can proceed to the application form. You will do this by clicking on Complete a Form on the menu column on the left side of the page.

9 Complete a Form This area allows candidates to take specific action within their certification programs. Form examples include, but are not limited to: Applications Exam registrations Continuing Professional Education (CPE) reporting Certificate request. You will only have access to forms for which you are authorized based on your certification status. For example, you will not see the Certificate Order Form until you hold a certified status. Scroll down until you see The BEAC application forms, towards the bottom of the page. Once you click on the application you are seeking, you will be taken to screens requesting additional information. Step 7: Complete the application information as indicated on the next five screens.

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13 Step 8: Once you complete the initial questions, you will be taken to the payment form. The amount of the fee will depend on whether or not you are a member of The Institute of Internal Auditors.

14 Once you complete and confirm the payment information, you will get a confirmation page:

15 Upload required information Step 9: Once your user account has been set-up, and your application and payment have been processed, you will need to submit supporting information to have your application approved. Required information includes: Photo identification Educational degrees (transcript or copy of degree) Work Experience Formal Training record Audit Experience Confidential Character References (2 are required) You will do this via the Document Upload Portal. From the Certification screen, click on the access icon:

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17 After reading the information page, click on the icon again to access the upload portal. You will need to have your supporting documents scanned and saved on your computer in either a pdf or tif format. Complete the information requested, then click on the browse button to locate the file on your computer. Click Submit when you have selected the form.

18 Once you have submitted the information, you will receive an acknowledgement screen:

19 Once your document has been reviewed and accepted, you will get an message acknowledgment similar to the following: Dear (Username): This message is to inform you that we have approved your (document type). We recommend that all candidates download a copy of the Candidate Handbook for full details on completing requirements. To check on your certification progress, please follow these steps. Step 1: Log in to your CCMS record. Step 2: Click on the Certification Progress link, then click on your certification and a drop down menu will appear. Click on Requirements to see all requirements you have completed thus far. To transmit additional documents in support of your certification application, please upload them to our safe and secure Document Upload Portal. Please contact us if you submitted documentation more than seven (7) business days ago and your requirements have not cleared. To contact us, log in to your CCMS record and submit a New Incident. Best regards, The IIA Global Certifications Team Providing the Keys that Open the Doors to Your Career Growth IIA Candidate ID: (Your ID) ***PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS *** This is a system generated response. If you require further assistance, please log in to your CCMS record and submit a New Incident.

20 EXAM REGISTRATION Once you have submitted all required information and your application has been approved, you will have four years to successfully complete the required exam parts. When you are ready to take the exam, access the CCMS Dear (Your name): We are pleased to inform you that your (application) has been approved. You may now register for examinations in the Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS). Next Steps Register for an Exam. Log in to CCMS and click on the Complete a Form link on the left navigation panel. You can choose your exam registration under the New Forms tab. We recommend that you download a copy of the Candidate Handbook for full details on sitting for exams. To see your certification progress, click on the Certification Progress link in your CCMS account, then click on your certification and a drop down menu will appear. Click on Requirements to view your progress. If you need assistance regarding your certification process, log in to CCMS and submit a New Incident. Best regards, The IIA Global Certifications Team Providing the Keys that Open the Doors to Your Career Growth IIA Candidate ID: (Your ID) ***PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS *** This is a system generated response. If you require further assistance, please log in to your CCMS record and submit a New Incident.

21 All of the BEAC certification program examinations are presented on a module basis: Part 1 (multiple choice); Part 2 (multiple choice and/or short answer); Part 3 (essay). EXAM EXEMPTIONS: Applicants holding the following certifications are exempt from Part 1 of any of the BEAC exams: CIA, CPA. Part 1 is the same for all certification programs, therefore an applicant who passes Part 1 of one certification program exam may be exempt from Part 1 of additional certification programs, within five years. Applicants holding the following certifications are exempt from Part 2 of the BEAC Health & Safety exam: CSP, CIH, CRSP Applicants holding the following certification are exempt from Part 2 of the BEAC Environmental Compliance exam: CHMM Your registration for an exam part allows you to take that exam part one time. If you do not pass, you need to register again to retake the exam part. Note: If you have a documented physical or medical condition that requires modification to the normal test administration conditions, you must contact the office for information on how to apply for special accommodations. Requests for test administration modifications will be processed as quickly as possible but may take 30 days or more to arrange. Available special accommodations with no extra charge include a large key keyboard and a track-ball mouse. Other special accommodations available at additional cost are extended appointment time, private room, human reader, human signer, human recorder, and extended breaks. SCHEDULE THE EXAM Scheduling is the process for you to make an appointment to take a BEAC exam or part of an exam. BEAC has contracted with ExamSoft to deliver the BEAC exams on laptop computers at a proctored site. BEAC will set up your registration in the ExamSoft system, and you will receive an from ExamSoft regarding scheduling the exam. The registration confirmation will be similar to the following:

22 Hello <First Name> < Last Name>: IMPORTANT: Your ID and Password information are located at the bottom of this ! Please keep this information secure and safe! ExamSoft will arrange for you to take the exam on your own laptop computer in a proctored setting. You can arrange to take one or more exam parts, at a date, time, and location convenient to you. If you are NOT able to take the exam on your laptop computer, please send an to wacha@beac.org, and BEAC will work to arrange an exam delivery solution for you. If you are able to take the exam on your laptop computer, send the following information to testing@examsoft.com. ExamSoft will attempt to locate a proctor within 50 miles of the address you provide. Name & ID (ID is provided with this message) Address Contact Phone Number Address (City, State, Zip) Exam(s) you are scheduled to take Three preferred (weekday-only) testing dates per exam, at least 2 weeks out from the date of exam scheduling request. ExamSoft will contact proctors to try to attempt to set up the exam within 50 miles of the address you provide, but site distance may vary. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions BEAC ID and password BEAC ID: <Your ID> BEAC Password: <Your password> Depending on how many exam parts you will be taking, you will have several scheduling options available. For example, if you are required to take 3 exam parts, you will have the following options:

23 1. Schedule a two hour appointment for each exam part on separate days. 2. Schedule two 2-hour appointments to take two exam parts one day, and schedule a separate appointment for the third exam part. 3. Schedule a six hour appointment to take all three parts on one day. NOTE: No official break time will be allotted in between any of the exams, but you may have time in between each exam module to take a brief break. Experience has shown that it is much easier to schedule three 2-hour appointments than one 6-hour appointment. TEST CENTER LOCATIONS If ExamSoft is unable to locate a proctored setting for you, BEAC will attempt to arrange a proctor. Eligible proctors may be local CPEAs who have no relationship to you or your organization. APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION LETTER Upon completion of the scheduling process, ExamSoft will an exam appointment confirmation to you, which will confirm your appointment and provide information about the location of the test center. Print this letter and take it to the test center with you when you go to take your exam. CHANGES TO YOUR APPOINTMENT Once you make an appointment, you will be allowed to re-schedule your exam without penalty 3 or more calendar days prior to your appointment. If you do not cancel at least 3 days in advance and do not appear for your exam at your scheduled location on your scheduled date and time, you will be considered a no-show, and you will be charged a penalty to reschedule your appointment. TEST CENTER CLOSINGS DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER EMERGENCY If severe weather or other local emergency requires a test center to be closed, every attempt will be made to contact you. However, if you are unsure if your test center is open on the day of your exam, you should call the contact number provided on your appointment confirmation letter. If the center is open, it is your responsibility to keep the appointment. If the center is closed, you will be given the opportunity to reschedule without penalty. BEFORE EXAM DAY You will need to download the ExamSoft software and exam on your laptop computer prior to exam day. You will be provided with a link to detailed ExamSoft Instructions Before Exam on how to do this.

24 TAKING THE EXAM ARRIVE AT THE TEST CENTER EARLY The ExamSoft appointment confirmation letter will provide you with the location of your testing center. Plan your travel carefully so that you will arrive at the test center at least 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment time. BRING YOUR LAPTOP AND POWER CORD You must bring the same laptop on which you previously downloaded the ExamSoft software and exam. You are not allowed any other materials. BRING YOUR ExamSoft APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION WITH YOU You should bring the exam appointment confirmation that you received from ExamSoft with you to the testing center. BRING PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION The proctor will need to verify your identification. You must present at least one form of valid government-issued identification bearing a photo. Acceptable forms of official photo identification include: Driver s license with photo Passport Military ID Police ID State ID Resident alien ID Federal Employee ID ID cards with a physical description but no photo generally are not acceptable. IDs are only valid through the expiration date printed on them. No photocopies or faxes will be accepted. If you do not present acceptable identification, you will not be allowed to take your exam and you will be considered a no-show even though you appeared at the exam site. If you are considered a no-show you will be charged a penalty to reschedule your appointment. 1. You will be seated at a designated workstation. 2. You will not be allowed to bring any food or drink into the testing room.

25 BEGIN THE EXAM Please see the separate detailed ExamSoft Instructions Day of Exam for what to expect during the exam. Once you begin the exam, the computer screen has a built-in timer to let you know the time remaining to complete the exam. The time allotted for each exam part is as follows: EXAM SPECIALTY AND PART FORMAT TIME ALLOTTED Part 1 Auditing Standards & Principles 131 multiple choice questions 2 hours Part 2 Environmental Compliance 120 multiple choice questions 2 hours Part 2 Health & Safety 152 multiple choice questions 2 hours Part 2 Management System 60 multiple choice questions and 2 hours 7 short answer questions Part 2 Responsible Care 60 multiple choice questions and 2 hours 7 short answer questions Part 3 Environmental Compliance 4 essay questions 2 hours Part 3 Health & Safety 4 short answer and 2 hours 4 essay questions Part 3 Management System 4 essay questions 2 hours Part 3 Responsible Care 3 essay questions 2 hours YOU CAN VIEW A DEMO VIDEO OF THE EXAM PROCESS AT THE EXAMSOFT WEBSITE. BREAKS There are no scheduled breaks during the exam. You are allowed to take a restroom break, but any time taken for breaks counts towards the overall time allotment for that exam part. You will need to check out/in with the exam proctor if you leave the testing room. FINISHING When you finish the exam, the proctor will dismiss you after completing all necessary procedures. Please do not ask the proctors any questions concerning the exam contents or exam scores as they will not be able to assist you. COMPLETE A POST-EXAM SURVEY In an effort to enhance the testing experience for future candidates, BEAC and the test center rely on feedback from current candidates. At the completion of the exam, both ExamSoft and BEAC will send you an with a link to a feedback survey. Your responses will be confidential.

26 SCORING Your multiple choice score is based on the number of questions that you answer correctly. Each scored question contributes equally to your final test score. There is no penalty for incorrect responses or guessing, so it is to your advantage to attempt to respond to every question in the exam. Short answer and Essay questions are graded by two independent graders. You will not receive your exam scores at the testing center. Your exam results will be mailed to you from BEAC in approximately 4 6 weeks. An overall average score of 70% is required to pass the BEAC exam. Your overall score is calculated as an average of all exam parts you are required to take, and will be calculated once you have taken all required exam parts. RETAKING EXAMS If you do not achieve an overall passing score of 70% on all of the required exam parts, you are required to only retake those parts that you did not pass. You can register to retake the exam part(s) and schedule your new test appointment as per the regular exam registration process. You are not required to wait to register. There is no limit to the number of times a candidate can retake the exam, however you must achieve an overall score of 70% within five years of submitting your application. EXAM MISCONDUCT NOTICE The proctors are trained to watch for unusual behavior and incidents during the exam. Exam sessions may be audio/videotaped to document the occurrence of any unusual activity, and examinee misconduct will be reported to BEAC for investigation. If you violate any of the testing rules, your exam may be terminated and/or your test scores invalidated. BEAC considers examinee misconduct related to the certification process a serious breach of the BEAC Code of Ethics, and incidents of candidate misconduct will be referred to The BEAC Ethics Committee for action. Actions by BEAC s Ethics Committee may include invalidation of exam results, or disqualification from participation in all BEAC certification programs (current and future). If evidence of misconduct is discovered after a candidate has been awarded BEAC certification, the certification may be revoked. BEAC may also take other actions to the extent permitted by law. REPORTING EXAM CONCERNS If you have questions, comments, or concerns regarding the testing experience or with exam questions, please them to info@beac.org. The BEAC Examination Committee will review all comments provided regarding exam questions, and will take them into consideration in future exam development / improvement.