Accredited Testing Centres
At the heart of the IPSQA certification scheme are Accredited Testing Centres (ATCs).
ATCs are highly reputable entities ranging from commercial training centres, not for profits, to government academies that can provide candidates access to IPSQA range of certification products. They are able to proctor (supervise) Part A (Theory) examinations and assess Part B (Skill Assessment) requirements using internal or external assessors registered with IPSQA. This allows ATC’s to provide access to the entire range of IPSQA certification schemes.
ATCs coordinate and administer Part A and B requirements, leaving the candidate to submit Part C (Professional/Experience) requirements directly to IPSQA to ensure independent assessment in accordance with ISO17024.
Unless an exemption is provided, all categories of ATCs must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Public Liability Insurance policy no less than USD$500,000
- A minimum turnover of USD$250,000 (general business activity)
- Conduct >50 IPSQA CertPubS® Part B or >250 CorePass® assessments per annum
- Maintain >3 IPSQA registered assessors (may include freelance contractors)
- Maintain >2 IPSQA registered administrators
- Letter of recommendation from an IPSQA Certification Commissioner
- Operate a secure cloud storage system allowing files to be shared via URL with 12 month expiration (i.e. DropBox).
- Demonstrate they have sufficient experience, integrity, resources, facilities and personnel to undertake IPSQA related activities
- Quality assurance visit and facility
- For those ATCs wanting to access IPSQA online-examinations, a static IP address may be required, and the ATC must have locked down devices for candidates to use.
- Sign the IPSQA Accredited Testing Centre annual license agreement.
Categories
IPSQA accredits three categories of testing centres:
Commerical ATCs are able to offer testing to all candidates without restriction, including assessment outside their country.
Government ATCs are those who are not a commercial entity and limit the provision of IPSQA assessments within the government sector only (including government volunteers) and their own country.
Government entities wishing to provide IPSQA assessment external to government entities or outside their own country must apply under the Commercial category.
This ATC category is restricted to entities that hold charitable organization status and only provide IPSQA assessment to volunteers within their own country.
Not For Profits wishing to offer IPSQA testing to others, must apply under the Commercial category.
Expression of Interest
IPSQA is taking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for future Accredited Testing Centres.
If you are interested in becoming an ATC, please complete and submit the following form.