Are references, tables or diagrams included in the word count?

References are not included in the word count. However the words within tables and diagrams are.

What length (word count) is viewed as a sufficient answer?

Normally answers should be between 250 and 400 words in length. The questions are designed to be answered within a 400 word limit. You will be penalised for going over the 400 word limit, therefore care must be taken. You will not however be penalised for writing under 250 words if the answer covers all the points asked within the question, however it is extremely unlikely that this could be achieved.

Can I use bullet points for my answers?

Yes, bullet points for some parts of some questions may be beneficial in the following ways:

• To enable you to write your answer clearly and concisely
• To format your answer so that the assessors find the answer structure more simple to mark.

How long does it take to receive my results? Why does it take so long?

It takes approximately 3 months to mark the papers. The reason for this is because the papers go through a 3 stage rigorous marking procedure. The first is standardisation: all the assessors mark the same 3 papers, selected at random so that they mark in line with each other. The main marking: all the papers are marked. Lastly verification: any papers considered broader-line are sent for second marking.

Is each part of each question equally marked?

No. Each question may have two or three parts. They are not equally marked as they will ask for a different amount of information. You can get a feel for the amount of information required by looking at the descriptive word for each part of each question, e.g. list would probably require less words than describe.

How long does the research and answers take to compile?

This really depends on the individual, however IEMA suggests that you need at least two days to research the questions as it is unlikely that you will know the answers to all questions. The compiling of answers is also dependant on the individual. It is advisable not to leave answers to the last minute and to read the criteria prior to the assessment to gain an idea of how much time will be required for the areas which are unfamiliar to you.

Are there any past papers/questions available?

Yes. These can be found on Associate.

Can you defer the assessment if you are ill or if something goes wrong?

If you are ill then you need to inform us immediately and send us a doctor’s note as soon as possible. If you experience any other problems then please let us know immediately. Decisions are made on a case by case basis and failure to notify us at the time will result in your paper being marked as un-returned.

What do you mean by postmarking the assessment when it needs to be returned?

When you send your papers by post, the sorting office postmarks your envelope. If you put your answers in a post box on the final day of the assessment, the postmarked day may be a day later. Therefore we suggest to applicants to send their paper by recorded or special delivery (where it will be automatically postmarked that day), or go into the post office and request the envelope be stamped. Please note that recorded delivery does not guarantee next-day delivery.

How are the papers marked and how strict are they marked?

The papers are marked by a Panel of Assessors, who have previously obtained a distinction in the Open Book Assessment (over 80%). They mark the papers against broad answer guidelines, therefore if a different approach to a question is compiled, you will not fail the question as long as the answer provided answers the question.

What would be the benefits on becoming an Associate Member?

By making the step up the ladder from Affiliate to Associate Member you have demonstrated that you have a high standard of knowledge and understanding across a broad range of environmental management and assessment issues. This achievement is communicated to employers/colleagues etc. Associate Membership of our Institute is also becoming increasingly recognised as a standard for recruitment purposes, in the UK and overseas.

I have achieved an MSc. Can I automatically obtain Associate Membership

Unfortunately no, not unless the MSc is an IEMA Approved Associate Certificate Course. The level of knowledge and understanding required for Associate Membership has to be demonstrated, either by a certified course or the Open Book Assessment, which have the same criteria set by IEMA. This enables IEMA to uphold the high standard of membership.

How are the questions formulated?

The Panel of Assessors and IEMA formulate the questions. Questions are based on relevant legislation or up to date issues and are researched by IEMA, therefore a question will not be asked if no information is available on that particular subject. The questions once compiled go through a consultation period with the Panel of Assessors, to ensure that questions are clear and relevant.

What happens if I don’t receive the paper on time?

You must contact IEMA immediately, we will then fax or e-mail the relevant documents to you, including the question paper. This is important because no extensions are given.

How much does it cost to become an Associate Member?

To be an Associate Member you must also be an Affiliate Member. You can apply for both by registering for the Open Book Assessment. Affiliate Membership is £94 for UK residents. Other fees apply for non UK residents. Associate Membership (to undertake the exam) is £122 and must be paid by the registration deadline date. Once you become an Associate Member, the renewal fee is £109 annually for UK residents. The renewal fee is due from the date you joined IEMA and not the date you passed your assessment.

What do I do to register for the assessment?

All you need to do is send us by fax, e-mail or post a completed registration form, which is available on the internet. We will then send a website link to you before the assessment starts stating where to download the question paper. If you attend a workshop you still have to send us a registration form.

Can I send the answers in hand written?

No. The answers need to be word processed or typed. This is beneficial as two copies of the answer papers need to be sent to IEMA. It also ensures that the answer paper is legible.

What information is available to help me complete the assessment?

A list of useful websites is available on the internet, plus past papers which can be useful to see the style of questions used. Please do not phone or ask IEMA for help during the assessment. There are numerous information sources. The questions are researched by IEMA Technical staff; therefore the information is out there!. Also, see question 7.

How do I reference the material used to compile the questions?

Any standard system of referencing will be accepted, such as the Harvard system. Although the answers should be the most important part of the assessment, the references are also important and should be used to support your answers.

How do I formulate my answers?

When formulating your answers, think about how easy to read your answers are for the Assessors. It is often best to compile your answer, answering each part of each question separately and not to just compile a long essay for each question. Think about how you could make it easier to mark, with bullet points, tables, diagrams or shorter sentences.

Why do I have to pay for the assessment? Shouldn't this be a Membership benefit?

The Affiliate Membership fee covers the costs of: Bi-monthly Magazine, free access to IEMA regional events, free Practitioner journals, discounts on other journals/handbooks, discounts for some conferences/seminars Plus administration costs. The assessment fee to undertake the assessment covers the cost of: administration/in-house technical costs, payment of the assessors and postage. Remember that IEMA is a not for profit organisation.

If I obtain a NEBOSH Specialist Diploma in Environmental Management will this qualification be accepted as an aceptable route for associate membership?

The NEBOSH Specialist Diploma is now recognised by IEMA as an acceptable route for gaining Associate Membership. In order to be elligible candidates diplomas should be dated from 1st January 2008 onwards.

The Open Book exam is based on UK legislation. Is it ok to make reference to Scottish legislation, which has slight differences?

The questions in the open book assessment are written to require candidates to refer or reference a specific piece of legislation in a specific country / region. Where this is not specified or required by the question, it is acceptable to make reference to Scottish legislation.

Can people from outside the UK apply for Membership of IEMA?

Yes. International Members can apply for all levels of membership and the auditor register. The UK Open Book Assessment (for Associate membership) is based on UK legislation. An International Open Book Assessment is available for members resident outside of the UK.

Contact

If you require any further details, or your question wasn't answered on the above list, please email info@iema.net or telephone +44 (0)1522 540069.