CIPS has revised its policy on reasonable adjustments and special considerations. Here, we outline the main changes and explain how they affect you.
The purpose of “reasonable adjustments” is to try removing the adverse effect that a disability or learning difficulty has on a learner. CIPS has a number of measures it can apply. For example, it can extend the time allowed for one of your exams or it can provide a separate room for your exam away from others. All such adjustments are at their own discretion and any requests for them must be accompanied with medical evidence.
Special considerations are a post-exam adjustment that CIPS chooses to make to take away any disadvantage, disruption or inconvenience you experienced during your exam. Again, requests for this need to be made in line with their policy. The level of consideration they offer is minimal, generally up to 5% additional marks for an exam.
So, what has changed?
The main changes in CIPS’ policy are:
All applications to CIPS must now be made via your study centre. Here at Cordie, we have a wealth of experience in making these applications on your behalf, and we have worked closely with CIPS for more than two decades.
Reasonable adjustments have now been re-classified into those that are ‘temporary’ (e.g. an illness or a broken bone) or those that are ‘permanent’ (e.g. neurodiversity or a learning difficulty). Applications for temporary reasonable adjustments must be made each individual exam series, whereas permanent reasonable adjustments only need to be applied for once.
The appeal window has now been reduced to two working days. CIPS has always had the full discretion on its decisions and there has always been the right of appeal. However, the window has now tightened to just two days.
Lastly, and perhaps of most interest, CIPS has removed the right to appeal against inappropriate exam questions for the multiple-choice (OR) exams. It argues that in recent years there have little or no successful challenges to the questions it sets in these exams and that therefore they must be rigorous, fair and appropriate. In their thinking, this justifies the removal of the opportunity to appeal in the future.
These changes to CIPS’ policy have meant that we at Cordie have also have had to update our policy to keep it in line with that of CIPS. You can find a copy of our Reasonable Adjustment & Special Considerations Policy here.
As always, we will continue to support all learners through your learning, exam preparation and assessments. If you think you qualify for either a reasonable adjustment or a special consideration for one of CIPS’ exams, then do please reach out and discuss this with us in confidence.
We will manage the application on your behalf using the documentary evidence you supply and at all times we will keep your best interests at heart.
Please get in touch on the Contact Form below, or by contacting us directly at the Cordie offices.
In the meantime, we wish you the very best for your continued professional studies!