BDA comment on AMBDA and JCQ Access Arrangements

The B.D.A. wishes to state clearly that holders of an AMBDA certificate are fully qualified to assess a learner and write a report requesting Access Arrangements for that learner in examinations for the JCQ purposes.

AMBDA fully conforms to the requirements for an access arrangements assessor as defined in the first bullet of paragraph 7.3.3 ot the 2016-17 JCQ document:

Adjustments for candidates with disabilities and learning difficulties

Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments

To be found at http://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-special-consideration/regulations-and-guidance/access-arrangements-and-reasonable-adjustments-2016-2017.

Specialist assessors with a current SpLD Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) also meet the JCQ requirements along with appropriately qualified psychologists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

AMBDA and APC courses fulfil the requirement for ‘100 hours relating to individual specialist assessment’, as this refers to the amount of study time overall that relates to assessment. This would include, for example, time spent on lectures, seminars, tutorials, independent study, assessments and completing assessments.

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

Those assessing learners and writing reports seeking support under the DSA regulations should hold an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC). Holders of AMBDA are entitled to apply for an APC by Route 1 or Route 1 plus. See:

http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/services/professional-accreditation/practising-certificates/assessment--practising-certificates

B.D.A. Professional Membership

The B.D.A. recommends that persons undertaking such duties also have Professional Membership and ensure that they are covered by their employer’s professional indemnity insurance or have sought their own personal policy, as appropriate.

See: http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/membership/professional-membership