Examinations
Our qualifications include assessments designed to allow you to demonstrate the knowledge, understanding and skills you have developed during your studies. Depending on your qualification, assessments may include online examinations and coursework. Where online examinations are required, we aim to make the arrangements as straightforward and convenient as possible. This page explains how examinations work, what you need to prepare and how to arrange your assessment.
Online examinations
Complete eligible examinations online under approved supervision.
Exam duration
Most online examinations take approximately 30 minutes; check your specific assessment requirements.
Pass mark
The published pass mark for these examinations is 50%; confirm the requirements for your specific qualification.
Learner support
Guidance is available to help you prepare for your examinations.
Qualification
Receive an NCFE certificate of achievement on successful completion of the applicable customised qualification.
Cost
The cost of your first attempt at each examination is included in your course fee.
Resits are charged at £40 per examination and must be paid for before the examination is taken.
Examinations
Where your qualification includes online examinations, you will be provided with information about the assessments you need to complete and when you are eligible to take them.
Where permitted, online examinations may be completed at your workplace under approved supervision after completing the relevant learning and coursework. Most examinations take approximately 30 minutes; the published pass mark for these unit examinations is 50%.
If you do not achieve the required pass mark, you may resit the examination up to three times under the current published policy. Resits cost £40 per examination and must be paid for in advance.
Once you have successfully completed all the required units of the applicable NCFE customised qualification, you will receive your NCFE certificate of achievement.
Taking the examination at work
Where permitted by your qualification, you may complete your online examination at your workplace under approved supervision. Please read the Instructions for Candidates document below.
Your examination must be supervised by an approved invigilator who meets the eligibility requirements, including professional registration where required. Full eligibility requirements and responsibilities are explained in our Instructions for Invigilators. The invigilator must remain present throughout the examination and follow the applicable supervision, identification and security procedures. Invigilators can find out more details on this by reading the Instructions for Invigilators document below.
Preparing for your examination
Before your examination:
- Complete the required learning and coursework for your unit.
- Review the assessment guidance provided through MyIOTA.
- Confirm your examination date and arrangements.
- Check the required equipment, internet connection and examination environment.
- Ensure your approved invigilator understands their responsibilities.
- Have the identification and any other permitted materials specified in your instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I fail an examination?
Under the current published examination policy, each examination may be resat up to three times. A resit costs £40 per examination, payable before the assessment. Contact our examinations team if you need help arranging a resit.
How do I arrange an invigilator?
Your invigilator must meet the applicable eligibility requirements and follow the Instructions for Invigilators. Contact our examinations team if you need guidance.
For details about online learning and support, see How Our Courses Are Delivered. For further help, contact us.
Booking your examinations
For Scottish Level 5 and Level 7 learners, you will see your online test dates on your timetable and on MyIOTA
If you are studying on a flexible programme and your examination date was not arranged when you enrolled, please contact examinations@insight-optical.co.uk with your preferred date and time.
Our awarding organisation
Our customised qualifications have been developed to meet the needs of learners working in the optical sector and are accredited by NCFE. NCFE is an awarding organisation recognised by Ofqual. However, these NCFE Customised Qualifications are unregulated and must not be confused with nationally regulated qualifications.
The learning outcomes and assessment criteria have been benchmarked against relevant national framework level descriptors to indicate the complexity and depth of learning; this does not make them regulated qualifications at the corresponding level.
On successful completion of an applicable customised qualification, learners receive an NCFE certificate of achievement providing evidence of the knowledge and skills gained.
