Accreditation FAQs

A QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) qualification is an award recognised under the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Ireland. It signifies that your programme meets rigorous standards of quality and relevance to industry needs.

Assessments vary depending on the course, the assessment information is clearly specified in ‘How will I be Assessed’ section associated with each course. Specific details will be provided at the start of your programme and details are included in an assessment brief which will be available on Moodle. All assessments are submitted via Moodle.

Yes, QQI qualifications awarded by SQT are internationally recognised and highly. QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) aligns with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), making your qualification comparable to similar certifications worldwide. This recognition facilitates career advancement and further studies internationally. For specific recognition information in other countries, consult local accreditation bodies or professional associations.

Qualifications Can Cross Boundaries is a guide that helps compare qualifications in the UK and Ireland. It's a joint publication by the qualifications authorities in the UK and Ireland.

The guide:

• Provides a broad overview of how qualifications are organized in the UK and Ireland
• Shows how qualifications compare across different jurisdictions
• Helps learners, educators, employers, and governments understand how qualifications compare
• Compares qualifications with European higher education frameworks

We are committed to inclusive learning and providing reasonable accommodations. You can contact the Course Administration Manager to discuss your needs. Our policy aligns with the AHEAD Charter for Inclusive Teaching and Learning.

Yes, an extension can be requested as per SQT’s QAP7-3:Personal Mitigating Circumstance policy. Learners should contact the Accreditation Manager no later than two calendar weeks before the assessment deadline unless other mitigating circumstances apply. The Accreditation Manager requests that learners complete a Personal Mitigating Circumstances Form (F23). The form must be accompanied by original, verifiable evidence.

The following regulations apply with respect to failed and repeat assessment. –

• Learners who fail to submit work in respect of a continuous assessment element of a programme (and have not sought or been granted an extension or a deferral) are not to be given an opportunity to be reassessed if the overall grade achieved in that module/programme is greater than a pass result (unless specifically stated on programme documentation).
• Any learner who fails an element of coursework and subsequently fails the programme are normally permitted a further attempt at the unsuccessful assessment element(s) within a specified period and subject to a reassessment fee.
• Learners who wish to resubmit assessment material are advised to contact the Accreditation Manager no later than 10 working days after the approved / ratified results have been issued. Requests to repeat / resubmit failed assessment after this time period will not be accepted. The requirements for resubmission, including the period allowed is agreed by the Programme Director and Programme Tutor. In certain circumstances the opinion of the External Examiner may also be sought.
• In cases where it is not possible to set a repeat assessment element (due to the live nature of the assessment), learners may be required to attend all or part of the training, complete new assessments and pay relevant fees (generally a percentage of the original programme fee which will be calculated based on the level of attendance required and the nature of the assessment).
• Information pertaining to resubmission (including the revised deadline) is communicated to the learner via email by the Accreditation Manager. Learners who meet the criteria for the award through the first reassessment opportunity will not be penalised. However, any subsequent attempts will be capped at a passing grade (40% HET & 50% FET).

Yes, reasonable accommodations can be made. Extra time may be granted for candidates for whom English is not their first language or those with a medical condition (a doctor’s letter is required). This arrangement must be agreed upon in advance with the Accreditation Manager, who will provide a form to complete.

Results are typically available around six weeks after the course start date. All results are sent via email by the Accreditation Manager.

Yes, hard copies of certificates are sent by post. 

If you encounter technical issues during your online exam, click the link on the screen to report the problem. This will generate a ticket, and a member of the IRCA support team will respond within five working days. If your exam deadline is within five days of submitting your query, you should request an extension to ensure you have sufficient time to complete the exam.

Yes, learners are allowed one re-sit for IRCA programs. If the second attempt is unsuccessful, you will need to re-register for the course. All re-sits must be completed within 12 months of the original course end date. To allow enough time, you should register for a re-sit within 11 months of the course end date.

IRCA does not provide detailed feedback. However, you will receive a breakdown of your marks by section to help identify the areas where you did not meet the required standard. This information will be included in the results email sent by the Accreditation Manager, along with the ‘Exam Framework for CQI and IRCA Lead Auditor and Conversion Courses.’

No, practice questions are not extended or renewed under these circumstances. The practice questions provided on the third day of the course are accessible for 30 days after the course ends and remain available until the expiration of the original/first exam. 

Yes, extra time can be allowed in the examination for delegates for whom English is not a first language or those with a medical impairment (a doctor’s letter is required). This arrangement must be agreed in advance with the Accreditation Manager, who will provide a form for completion.

There is a technical support document that learners must read prior to exam. Any technical difficulties during the exam will be dealt with by the tutor or invigilator on the day they sit the exam, before leaving the course.

Results are sent via email within 5 days of sitting exam.

With the introduction of digital certificates, candidates no longer automatically receive hard copies of certificates or ID cards. If required, these can be purchased via the CompEx store (for UK users). For candidates outside the UK, you can email info@compex-cert.com to request a hard copy certificate or ID card. Please note that additional fees and shipping costs apply.

Yes, delegates are allowed two repeat opportunities. If you fail a second time, you will need to register for the course again. Repeat examinations are scheduled approximately four times per year, and the ‘repeat exam schedule’ will be attached to your fail result notification.

Candidates have 12 months from the date of their initial exam to resit. Within this period, two resit attempts are allowed. Beyond 12 months, candidates must retake the full course.

No, CompEx does not provide any feedback on exams.

This arrangement can be agreed in advance of the course commencement.

Depending on the course, it can vary from day of exam for short on-line course, to 4 weeks for Certificate Courses.  

Yes, certificates are sent via courier. Since they are issued by IEMA UK, delivery is subject to postal timelines.

Yes, there is no limit on the number of repeats. The first repeat is free of charge, while subsequent attempts are chargeable.

No, IEMA does not issue feedback. Results are provided as Pass or Fail only.

There is no set time limit, but it is recommended that resits are undertaken within 12 months as good practice.