The CA2 Model Documentation, Analysis and Reporting module should be viewed primarily as an assessment rather than a course. This document contains questions posed by employers, and answers by the Profession.

Do people need any specific computer knowledge?

The assignments will require knowledge of computer spreadsheets and word processing. Guidance is on the website on the level of knowledge required. The purpose of the first day of the module is to help ensure that all students present are starting from the same level playing field. Specimen projects are also published on the website to help students understand the level of knowledge required. Employers are encouraged to look at these to provide guidance to students.

Can sample questions be made available?

Yes, there are sample projects on the website, including two previous examination assignments.

Can you delay attendance if the work on the pre-course assignment suggests that the student is not yet competent? Will a refund be given if a student does not attend?

If a student has registered for attendance on the module and cannot cope with the pre-course assignment then attendance may be deferred but there will be some additional charge. The Sample Projects are intended for students to try before submitting their application.

What is the emphasis in the assessment?

The emphasis is on the audit trail developed in the spreadsheet and the ability to analyse outputs and interpret the results obtained so that conclusions may be drawn. The key assessments are clear communication through both the audit trail and summary. The aims of the module are that the successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Analysis and summary of data
• Development of a model with clear documentation (including an audit trail) 
• Ability to analyse the methods used and the model's outputs 
• Ability to apply and interpret the results
• Communication of the approach, results and conclusions to a technical audience.

Is everyone attending expected to pass or what will be the pass rate?

It is hoped that only well prepared students will attempt the module and thus the pass rate should be high. Initially the pass rate was within the range 85% to 95%. However we have relaxed the eligibility criteria and pass rates have fallen. Better candidates are those who have experience of communicating technical material to peer and senior colleagues. Hence, students may wish to wait until they have tackled CA3 or CA1 before taking this module.

How will students fail?

The main reasons for failing are:

• producing a poor audit trail that would not allow a colleague to carry out a proper check of the work
• producing an inadequate summary of the work for a senior colleague.

Will there be feedback to failures?

For courses from 1 May 2008, candidates who fail will be given a fail grade, as for other subjects.

Will there be an appeals process?

Yes.

How much of the course do retakers have to do?

Candidates can retake the two day course to benefit from the learning experience of Day One. Alternatively, retakers can apply to attend one of the 'Exam only' dates which are now available - please see the application form. Or retakers can apply to sit the exam under the Distance Learning route (spaces permitting).

Will a student who performs badly on Day One be sent home?

If a student appears really badly prepared then this might be a recommendation but we do not envisage this happening often.

What happens if a student keeps failing?

We hope that this will not be the case. We are considering offering exam counselling in this subject.

Will marking of assessments be too subjective?

An Assessors’ handbook has been developed with detailed criteria to ensure that assessors follow a similar approach.  Assessors receive training and all results are reviewed by the Principal Assessor's team to ensure a consistent standard.

How long is the assessment?

The student will be able to spend all day on the assignment if they wish.

Will it be open book?

Yes, relevant Core Reading will be available in the room.

How much study time is needed?

It is unlikely that the student will need a lot of study time for this. Our suggestion at present is 20 hours plus the experience likely to be gained through work-based skills.

How will a student practice if s/he has no home computer, or will it have to be done in office time?

We hope that employers will allow students an opportunity to practice if they do not have easy access to a computer.

When and where will modules be held?

We are continuing to research venues and university type venues are offering the facilities we need. The majority of the courses are currently hosted in Oxford.

Can it count towards work-based skills log?

The development in the office is likely to form part of work-based skills but the attendance at the two-day assessment is less likely to count.

Could the whole module be done by an individual at home?

A distance learning version is available for students who would find attendance at an assessment centre difficult.

What happens if the IT system crashes?

Procedure notes are available on alternatives for each venue.

Will there be security in exam centres?

This is one of the requirements we are making on venues.

Will ActEd provide training?

Yes, a course with a marked practice assignment is now available.

What happens if an employer does not use the spreadsheet package at the venue?

One of the purposes of the first day is to help students understand the spreadsheet tools provided.

Will a pass list be published on the website?

Yes.

Will the courses be available in overseas locations?

Yes, separate information is available on the website.

What are employers doing about rewards for successful students?

This must be for employers to discuss among themselves but the Profession will consider doing a survey on study support in the near future.