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There is now a requirement for managers of waste facilities to keep their competence up to date. This is known as Continuing Competence. The Continuing Competence scheme is applicable in England and Wales and is relevant in the following circumstances:
- If you obtained your CoTC/NVQ before 22 December 2008, then you are affected by this requirement and will have to demonstrate their continuing competence by the end of a 3-year competency period starting from 1 March 2009;
- If you achieve your competence qualification after this date (12,6 and 4 unit qualifications, VRQ and EPOC), then you are affected by this requirement will have to demonstrate their continuing competence within the second two-year period starting on 1 March 2012;
- If you were 'deemed competent’ by the Environment Agency (EA) i.e. you did not need to gain a “WAMITAB COTC” when they came out in 1994 as you were the manager of a facility already and nothing has changed on the site since, then you are affected by this requirement and will have to demonstrate their continuing competence within the three-year period starting on 1 March 2009;
- If you were originally 'EA assessed', then you are affected by this requirement, but will fall into two categories:
(i) individuals who passed an EA assessment for a non-CoTC activity prior to 1st March 2009 will be expected to complete a continuing competence assessment between the period 1 March 2009 and 1 March 2012;
(ii) individuals who passed an EA assessment to benefit from a 2 'year grace period and who obtain their competence qualification after 1st March 2009 will be expected to complete a continuing competence assessment during the 2'year period starting on 1 March 2012 and finishing 28 February 2014 i.e. they will skip the first cycle of continuing competence.
What happens after the first period?
Following the completion of the first competence period (29 February 2012), the periods will continue on over fixed two-year periods (1 Mar 2012- 28 Feb 2014 etc). You can complete the test at any time within theses two years.
How will Continuing Competence be demonstrated?
In order to continue to be 'competent' you will need to have successfully completed a Continuing Competency 'test' before the end of the relevant competency period. This is computer based and delivered through a suite of 'independent test centres' across the UK.
The format for the tests is based on a question and multiple choice answers; the questions cover two aspects, a generic section, which is common to all competences, and an 'activity-specific' section, for example, landfill, treatment or transfer. If the person holds more than one competence award and wants to maintain all their competencies then they will have to choose multiple, 'activity specific options'.
You will need to correctly answer 50% or more of the questions in the generic section and 50% or more of the questions in each option(s) chosen and achieve an overall pass mark of 65%.
Refresher Training
We deliver a refresher training course will bring you up to date with the latest legislation and will provide you with the confidence to sit the test. As part of the course you will complete a mock test to confirm your current knowledge and to give you some confidence for the real thing!
Whilst the course will give you a boost, you need to be aware that attendance is not a guarantee of passing the test. The cost of the course is only £140 (plus VAT) per delegate.
If you would like to discuss the course or any aspect of your Technical Competence in more detail, please give the Centre a call on 01204 658691.
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