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1 © Chartered Institute of Housing 2013

Chartered Institute of Housing

Guide for the IRPM Member Examination

January 2013


Contents Contents .............................................................................................................................. 2

1. IRPM Member Examination………………………………………………………………….3

2. Regulations in respect of administration of Member examinations ........................ 7

2.1 Assessment…………………………………………………………………………7

2.2 Extenuating circumstances………………………………………………………..8 2.3 Examinations administration………………………………………………………8 3. Instuctions to Invigilators ..........................................................................................10

4. Instructions to Candidates .........................................................................................12

Annex A Candidate extenuating circumstances form ....................................................13


1. IRPM Member Examination The IRPM has commissioned CIH to design and manage the Member Examination to enable IRPM Associate Members to progress to the Member Grade of the Institute. This examination is based on the national occupational standards for Residential Property management developed through Asset Skills, the Sector Skills Council. 1. Why is CIH involved in the examination? 2. What will I have to do to pass the Member Examination? 2.1 Part 1 2.2 Part 2

CIH is a nationally recognised Awarding Organisation for housing qualifications. In addition CIH approves qualifications delivered by Universities and Colleges within the UK and overseas. This provides CIH with considerable experience and expertise in the design and delivery of qualifications to nationally quality assured standards. The Member Examination has been designed as an unseen examination paper and is divided into two parts, Part 1 and Part 2. The time allowed will be two and a half hours. The pass mark is set at 60%. Candidates will also be required to demonstrate that they have fulfilled and filed up to date CPD requirements before being granted Member status. Part 1 will consist of a single compulsory question and will carry a potential 40 marks. It will present a detailed problem or ‘crisis’ and candidates will be asked to respond to this problem from the perspective of their specialist area of expertise, as well as being expected to understand the wider implications of block management. Part 2 will require candidates to answer three questions from a total of eight questions. The questions will be taken from a range of four specialist areas: service charge accounting, general property management, technical/building surveying and affordable housing. This section carries 60 marks.


3. At what level is the examination set? 4. When will the examination take place? 5. Where will it be offered? 6. What if I need special arrangements for the examination? 7. How can I prepare for the examination?

The qualification has been designed to be assessed at level 1 of an undergraduate programme (level 4 of the National Qualifications Framework). This would be at least the same level as HNC year one or NVQ level 4 qualifications. The unseen Member examination will be available at a number of centres twice a year. Candidates will be informed of their results within 10 weeks of taking the examination. The examination will be available at a number of locations across the country. This will depend on the location of candidates and we will endeavour to provide a centre within reasonable travelling distance for all candidates. Should you require special facilities or support you must make CIH aware of your needs when you apply for registration. CIH and IRPM are committed to providing access to all and will endeavour to meet all requests for support and/or provide special facilities to enable open and comprehensive access to the examination. Visit the IRPM website – www.irpm.org.uk – for further details on the Member examination and links to resources and training courses to aid your preparation. The series of one and two day training courses run by ARMA help to prepare candidates for the examination. Visit the ARMA website – www.arma.org.uk ARMA has also complied a comprehensive reference source which IRPM members can obtain free of charge.


8. What are the regulations for the examination? 9. How will the examination be assessed? 10. What can I do if I fail?

Whilst the Residential Block and Estate Management Open Learning Course (OLC) forms the basis for the IRPM Associate Examination, it is also a very informative reference tool for members given its comprehensive technical content. The OLC and the occupational standards for the sector which are a useful guide to the subject areas can be accessed through the Asset Skills website.

The examination will be conducted according to the CIH/IRPM regulations. It is important that you read these regulations to ensure that you fully understand your rights and responsibilities relating to the conduct of the examination. Should you wish to appeal against the decision of the examination board you should contact CIH and request a copy of the appeals procedure. You must submit any appeal within ten working days of the receipt of the decision of the examination board.

Candidates will need to pass both Part 1 and 2 of the examination. The answer scripts from the examination will be marked by academic assessors. The scripts will then be sample marked by an external examiner appointed by CIH. The final decision will be taken by the CIH/IRPM examination board. This will comprise of the assessors, the external examiner, representatives from IRPM and CIH.

The results of the examination board will be sent by CIH to candidates following the examination board meeting.

Candidates who fail the examination will be allowed to retake the examination at the next sitting. Candidates will be required to retake the whole examination. There will be an

http://www.assetskills.org/PublicationsServicesandProducts/ResidentialBlockManagement.aspx

http://www.assetskills.org/PublicationsServicesandProducts/ResidentialBlockManagement.aspx


11. What does it cost?

12. Where can I get a registration form?

13. Who do I contact if I have any questions?

administration fee of £100 for a first retake of the examination. Should the candidate fail the second attempt a full resit fee will be charged.

Candidates who fail the examination will be provided with extensive feedback on their strengths and weaknesses to enable them to prepare for the second attempt.

The cost for both parts of the examination is £360. This must be paid in full before the candidate sits the unseen examination. Should the candidate decide not to proceed with the examination a refund of the fee can be made subject to an administration charge. Fees cannot be refunded to any candidate who withdraws from the programme less than 3 weeks before the examination date. However, the candidate may be transferred to the next available examination session. No fees can be refunded once the unseen examination has been taken.

You can obtain a registration form from the CIH website – www.cih.org – or e-mail [email protected]

For questions relating to the administration of the examination please contact CIH:

Tel: 024 7685 1739 / 024 7685 1754

Email: [email protected]

For questions relating to IRPM membership please contact IRPM:

Tel: 020 7935 8478

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]




2. Regulations in respect of administration of Member Examinations

2.1. Assessment 2.1i The Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM) promotes the professional conduct of its members and recognises their professional skills. The Chartered Institute of Housing, as a nationally recognised Awarding Organisation for housing qualifications, has agreed to undertake the administration for the Member Examination of the IRPM. 2.1iiThe design of the examination will be specified by the IRPM. The assessment will be based on the written answers to the questions in the examination. The questions will be set to test the learning outcomes specified by the IRPM for the comprehensive understanding of the syllabus (available from the CIH and IRPM websites) for the profession of Residential Property Management. 2.1iii The papers will be marked on the basis of the evidence provided by the candidate that they have a sound knowledge of the requirements of the profession of Residential Property Management as set out in the syllabus. 2.1iv The pass rate for the examination will be 60%. 2.1v The assessment will be at least up to Level 1 (NVQ Level 4) of an undergraduate programme and as such candidates should be able to provide evidence to meet the following in relation to Residential Property Management: Knowledge and Skills

• Develop awareness of appropriate sources and how to locate them; • Generate a range of appropriate responses to unfamiliar problems; • Evaluate information and use it to plan and develop investigation strategies and

responses; • Communicate effectively.

Tasks and Procedures

• Carry out non-routine activities and be able to interpret new information; • Show judgement in planning and carrying out prescribed tasks.

Autonomy and responsibility

• Undertake directed and a limited amount of self directed activity


2.2. Extenuating Circumstances

2.2i Extenuating Circumstances are serious adverse factors, outside a candidate’s control which may affect their performance in the examination. These may include: an accident, illness or family problems. 2.2ii If a candidate considers their performance has been adversely affected they should complete an extenuating circumstances form and return it to CIH within 7 days of the examination. All information received on the form will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. A copy of the form is attached at Annex A. 2.2iii The Examination Board may choose to: A Accept the extenuating circumstances and compensate the examination paper for borderline cases. B Accept the extenuating circumstances but not change the outcome of the result. C Not accept the extenuating circumstances.

2.3. Examinations Administration 2.3i An invigilator will be appointed for every examination centre and a reserve invigilator arranged as considered necessary by CIH. The instructions to invigilators are noted in section 3. 2.3ii An external Examiner will be appointed to oversee the process of the examination administration. 2.3iii The examination papers will be prepared with due regard to the confidential nature of the contents. 2.3iv The layout of the papers will follow an agreed format, page one will include the time and date of the examination, instructions to the candidates, the options on which questions should be answered and the time allowed. 2.3v The papers will be sent from the examining body to IRPM/the test centres by courier along with blank exam scripts and instructions to invigilators. 2.3vi The Instructions to Candidates are set out in section 4. 2.3vii Candidates with disabilities and special needs should have advised the examining body in advance of the examination (at registration). The examining centre will be advised in advance of any special circumstances that may apply to the administration of the examination. 2.3viii Invigilators will be required to complete a report at the end of the examination.


2.3ix The scripts will be returned to CIH for onward despatch to the markers. 2.3x The Examination Board will consider the details of the results including:

• Reports of any extenuating circumstances • Reports of any unusual circumstances from the invigilators • The assessment regulations governing the marking of the scripts • The marks awarded • The report of the external examiner • Any other business • The dates for any resit examination board


3. Instructions to Invigilators Invigilators should satisfy themselves that the examination room is adequate for the purposes of the exam. Wherever possible there should be an invigilator and an assistant on standby to supervise the exam. Where more than 20 students are taking the exam then an additional assistant should be available to support the invigilation team. A mobile phone should be available to the invigilator (switched off) should assistance be required. The Invigilator shall be responsible for the security of the documentation (sent in advance) required for the exam centre. He/she should arrive 30 minutes before the exam is due to start and ensure the room layout is satisfactory, there is adequate lighting and ventilation, a clock should be visible to all candidates and each candidate has the required materials, exam paper, answer book etc. Candidates will not be admitted into the examination room until the invigilator is satisfied all arrangements are satisfactory. Candidates will be seated as instructed by the invigilator. The invigilator will complete the examination register and advise the candidates of any appropriate health and safety information (evacuation procedures etc.). They will reiterate the instructions to candidates, particularly that;

• They must not communicate with each other, orally or in writing • They must check they have the correct examination paper • They must not have any material about them that might be construed as an aid to

the examination (paper, magazines etc.) • Switch off all mobile phones and other personal devices • Read the instructions on the first page of the examination paper • Remain in their seats throughout the exam except by permission of the invigilator • They should attract the attention of the invigilator by raising their hand • They should remain silent until all the exam scripts have been collected • They may not leave the examination room in the first half hour or the last 15 minutes

The format of the exam should be explained again Part 1 consists of a single compulsory question, which candidates will be required to answer within one hour. The invigilator will advise when 30 minutes and 50 minutes (10 minutes left) have expired. The completed Part 1 papers will be collected and the Part 2 papers will be distributed. Silence must be maintained at this time.


Part 2 consists of 8 questions, 2 in each of four sections. Candidates are required to answer three questions, one from 3 different sections, in one and a half hours. The invigilator will advise when one hour has expired and there are 10 minutes left. Examinations will commence at the time specified and finish after the two and a half hours, allowing for the collection of papers from Part 1 and distribution of papers for Part 2 after the first hour. If a candidate wishes to leave the room they must be accompanied by an invigilator or an assistant. In the event of a query on the examination paper this should be noted on the invigilator’s report but no attempt to advise or interpret the answer should be given. Any candidate causing a disturbance should be warned and shall be required to withdraw if the disturbance persists. The details shall be noted in the invigilator’s report. If an invigilator suspects a candidate of cheating the candidate should be allowed to continue the exam. Any unauthorised material should be removed. The details should be written in the invigilator’s report. In the event of a candidate becoming ill the invigilator should take whatever emergency action is necessary and submit a full report. In the event of a fire/emergency candidates may be allowed to return to the examination after any evacuation and given five minutes to re-read the examination paper and review their work. The candidates should be kept under supervision and not allowed to confer with each other or other people. Should this not be possible the invigilator can abandon the examination and notify CIH of this decision. CIH will arrange for a new examination sitting and a new examination paper. At the end of the examination all the scripts will be collected and placed in the return envelope together with the invigilator report. Candidates may take the examination paper with them when they leave the examination room. The invigilator should then contact CIH who will arrange for the package to be collected.


4. Instructions to Candidates Entry to the examination room will not be allowed until 10 minutes before the start of the examination. Entry will not be permitted after 30 minutes from the start of the examination. Once the examination has started candidates may not leave the examination room in the first half hour or the last 15 minutes. Candidates must not communicate with each other, orally or in writing. Candidates must not have any material about them that might be construed as an aid to the examination (paper, magazines etc.) All mobile phones and other personal devices must be switched off. On entering the exam room candidates may read the instructions on the first page of the examination paper but not turn the paper over. Candidates must remain in their seats throughout the exam except by permission of the invigilator. Should you need to attract the attention of the invigilator do so by raising your hand. Candidates should maintain silence until all the exam scripts have been collected. Examination papers may be taken away by candidates as they leave the room after the end of the exam.


IRPM Extenuating Circumstances Form Name of Candidate ___________________________________________________ CIH Candidate Number_________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Date and venue of Exam _______________________________________________

Please give an explanation of the extenuating circumstances you would like the Examination Board to consider.

In what way do you consider that your performance was affected?

Please advise of any supporting independent information attached to this form:

I understand this information may be considered in confidence by the examination board in their consideration of my results.

Signed_________________________________________ Date_______________ Send to: IRPM Examinations, Education Department, CIH, Octavia House, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JP

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