candidate's rules and regulations

Programme for the

INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMA IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

December 2013 The purpose of this document is to give candidates interested in obtaining the International Certificate, Advanced International Certificate and International Diploma in Supply Chain Management (SCM) all the necessary information and guidance. It explains the rights and obligations of a candidate and provides general information needed to plan a successful programme of study. It is in the interest of applicants and candidates to read the rules and other information contained in this document in detail, and to keep it at hand for future reference. Changes since previous version:

Previous Version: Jan 2011

Updated Exam Rules and Regulations

B.3 The International Diploma in SCM

C.2.1 Candidate Registrations on Learningnet section updated

C.4 Registration Fees-updated

D. Rules relating to the examinations for the Certificates & Diploma

o D.1 Scheduling and conducting of examinations section updated

o D.3 Structure of the exam and types of questions section updated

o D.5 Admission and rules for the examination section updated

o D.6 Marking of the examination, examination results section updated

o D.7 Exam Irregularities section added

o D.8 Appeals

E. Other documents for Candidates relevant to the SCM Certificates & Diploma

Programme

Annex I Candidate Violations and Penalties Added

Annex II New Exam Structure Added

INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE

A. General Information

1. Training programmes leading to obtaining the International Certificate, Advanced Certificate & Diploma are offered by a network of institutions authorised by ITC. These training programmes are based on ITC’s Modular Learning System (MLS) in Supply Chain Management (SCM). Further information on the MLS-SCM, programmes and exams, as well as a complete list of MLS-SCM, Network Member Institutions and Authorised Examination Bodies (AEBs) is available on ITC’s SCM LearningNet website (www.scm-learningnet.org )

2. It should be noted that only the institutions listed on the above website have been authorised by ITC to use the MLS-SCM, in their training and to co-sign the international Certificates/Diploma. These institutions have all been carefully screened by ITC before being given a license to offer the programmes and the related exams.

3. Some Network Member Institutions offering MLS-SCM-based training programmes have opted not to host the international exams. Candidates wishing to take the exams are advised to contact institutions in their country or alternatively in neighbouring countries which do offer such exams.

4. The International Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma are issued jointly by the International Examination Board and by the local participating institution, and are accredited by ITC through use of the ITC logo. ITC does not authorise any institution to offer other local exams or any variants of the international exams on its behalf and does not recognise any such certificates or diplomas or authorise the use of its logo for this purpose.

5. Successful candidates having obtained the International Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma will be listed on the SCM LearningNet website.

Contacts

1. All enquiries regarding the international MLS-SCM, network, licence applications, requests pertaining to the content of the Modular Learning System and contributions and suggestions regarding the programme and its materials can be addressed to: MLS-SCM Programme International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO Palais des Nations 1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland Tel: +41-22-7300301 Fax: +41-22-7300328 E-mail: [email protected]

2. Enquiries or correspondence related to specific MLS-SCM, training programmes should be addressed to the relevant country institutions responsible for offering MLS-SCM-based training.

3. Correspondence regarding registration for examinations for the Certificate, Advanced Certificate & Diploma as well as payment of fees for this purpose should also be addressed to the relevant country institutions authorised by ITC to act as Authorised Examination Bodies (AEBs).

http://www.ipscm-learningnet.net/


mailto:[email protected]


B. Curriculum of the International Certificates & Diploma in Supply Chain Management

The International Certificate, Advanced International Certificate & International Diploma in Supply Chain Management (SCM) constitute a set of professional qualifications reflecting levels of understanding and of competence needed to assume responsibility for managing purchasing & supply chain operations. These professional qualifications are accredited by the International Trade Centre, and are based on areas of competence covered by ITC’s Modular Learning System (MLS) in Supply Chain Management. The rules and syllabus that appear in this document are the official conditions of study for these professional qualifications. B.1 The International Certificate in SCM

To obtain the International Certificate in SCM, candidates must successfully complete exams covering the following six MLS-SCM

modules:

Module 1: Understanding the Corporate Environment

Module 2: Specifying Requirements & Planning Supply

Module 3: Analysing Supply Markets

Module 4: Developing Supply Strategies

Module 5: Appraising & Short-listing Suppliers

Module 6: Obtaining & Selecting Offers B.2 The Advanced International Certificate in SCM

To obtain the Advanced International Certificate in SCM, candidates must successfully complete exams covering the previous six MLS-SCM, Modules plus the following six Modules:

Module 7: Negotiating

Module 8: Preparing the Contract

Module 9: Managing the Contract & Supplier Relationships

Module 10: Managing Logistics in the Supply Chain

Module 11: Managing Inventory

Module 12: Measuring and Evaluating Performance B.3 The International Diploma in SCM

To obtain the International Diploma in SCM, candidates must successfully complete exams covering the previous twelve MLS-SCM Modules plus the following:

Module 13: Environmental Procurement

Module 14: Group Purchasing

Module 15: E-Procurement

Module 16: Customer Relationship Management

Module 17: Operations Management

Module 18: Managing Finance along the Supply Chain


B.4 Graduation letters Graduates of different levels of the Programme are authorised to use the following lettering after their names in recognition of their accomplishments:

Those receiving the International Certificate: Cert. SCM (ITC)

Those receiving the Advanced International Certificate: Adv. Cert. SCM (ITC)

Those receiving the International Diploma: Dip. SCM (ITC) B.5 Preparing for the exams Training aimed at preparing candidates for the exams for the International Certificates and Diploma is the sole responsibility of institutions that have been granted the status of Authorised Examination Bodies (AEBs). ITC provides written study material in the form of Course books and Workbooks for each of the MLS-SCM, Modules. The Course books cover the full curriculum for the Diploma. For each Module, an original Course book in full colour should be provided by the concerned training institution to each candidate as part of his/her preparation for the exams. ITC and its international associates will regularly update the material to ensure that candidates have access to contemporary information. No additional prescribed textbooks or other material are part of the formal curriculum and therefore required for the completion of the Certificate and Diploma programmes, although the country training institution may wish to recommend additional materials if relevant. C. General Rules for Registration C.1 Entry requirements Entry requirements for candidates enrolling for examinations under the International Certificates and/or the Diploma will be as follows:

Candidates must have at least a high school / vocational school diploma and be proficient in the English language.

ITC recommends (but does not require) that:

All candidates have a first level University degree.

Candidates seeking the Certificate should also have at least one year of practical experience in the area of purchasing & supply chain management.

Candidates seeking the Advanced Certificate should also have at least two years of practical experience in this area.

Candidates seeking the Diploma should also have at least three years of practical experience in this area.

Based on the above, AEBs may recommend higher or lower entry requirements to candidates in their respective countries, as appropriate.

Each AEB may decide whether to require candidates in its own country registering for an examination to have enrolled in a training programme covering the relevant Module. As a minimum, however, the candidate must have acquired the corresponding MLS-SCM, Course books through the relevant training institution.


C.2 Requirements for registration & registration process When first registering for the certificate/diploma programme or for an individual Module exam, the following documents must be submitted to the AEB together with the application: (a) A certified copy of the high school /vocational school diploma. In addition to this, candidates who

have completed a degree/diploma at a university, college/ tertiary education institution should also provide a certified copy of the qualification(s).

(b) Written statement from an employer stating the candidate’s number of years of experience in the area of purchasing & supply chain management (if required by the relevant AEB).

(c) A certified copy of the candidate’s national identification document, showing type, number, the candidate’s name and the validity date.

In order to sit an exam, candidates are required to have acquired the corresponding MLS-SCM, module Course books through the local training institution/AEB. The corresponding AEB may require the candidates to also have undergone training in the corresponding module. C.2.1 Candidate registrations on LearningNet

To register for an examination, candidates must have a valid registered profile on SCM-LearningNet. In order to register, please go to www.scm-learningnet.org, click on “register as a candidate”, complete the fields and select your AEB. AEBs are encouraged to assist their candidates to register as needed.

For LearningNet registrations and for taking the exams, candidates must use the names given in their national identification documents.

By registering, a candidate declares, inter alia, that he/she is fully familiar with the content of the Candidate’s Rules and Regulations and undertakes to comply strictly with its provisions and with any additional rules laid down by the corresponding AEB.

Once a candidate has submitted a registration, the AEB concerned has the option of approving or rejecting the registration in question.

Candidates with complete profiles that have been approved by an AEB, then have the possibility to register on SCM-LearningNet for the specific examinations they wish to take with that AEB. For the new exam structure offered through Prometric Testing Centres (PTC) candidates will first seek approval, make payments to the AEB, and then access Prometric’s system https://www.prometric.com/ITC to schedule the exam.

Each exam registration by a candidate is always approved by the AEB in question. Each time a candidate registers for exams, the AEBs will verify that complete payment of the exam fee has been made and that all other requirements as prescribed by the AEB have been complied with.

A certain number of days before each exam occasion, all AEBs submit their final approved lists of candidates to ITC (this is done via SCM-LearningNet).

If all is in order, and once all exam fees have been paid by the AEB, ITC will confirm (in LearningNet) the candidates’ registration for the exams in question.


https://www.prometric.com/ITC


C.3 Limitations on registration An AEB may refuse registration of an applicant if:

The application is incomplete, incorrectly filled out or contains falsified information.

The application is not made before the closing date established for this purpose by the AEB.

The prescribed fees are not paid when required.

The application form is not accompanied by the necessary documentary evidence in support of the application.

An AEB may restrict the number of modules of the MLS-SCM, for which a participant may register for reasons of previous poor academic performance or for other reasons deemed to be in the interest of the participant. ITC will only allow candidates duly registered in LearningNet to take exams. Registrations after the deadlines will not be accepted. C.4 Registration Fees All course and exam fees are determined by the AEBs. Course fees include the cost of one set of study materials (i.e. the relevant MLS-SCM, Module Course books) per participant. The AEB’s exam fee will cover its own costs of organising and administering the exams plus ITC’s exam registration fee. ITC’s exam registration fees are as follows:

ITEM Country category

1

LDCs DCs & ETs Industrialised

Fee per candidate: International Professional Certification programme (3 levels)

US$ 20 per individual exam or US$ 120 per level



If a candidate fails an exam and decides to re-take it,, the same registration fee for that particular exam will be charged again by ITC. The ITC fees described above are valid until further notice. Any changes in fees will be announced to the network member institutions at least 12 months in advance. Candidates for the Certificate or Diploma programmes will not be entitled to claim proof of academic achievement unless all financial obligations to the AEB have been met, and the AEB concerned has met its obligations towards ITC.

1 LDCs = Least Developed Countries, as per the UN definition; DCs & ETs = Other developing countries and economies in

transition; Industrialised = Industrialised countries.


D. Rules relating to the examinations for the Certificates & Diploma All exams are designed and prepared by the International Examination Panel (IEP) – a panel of international examiners with expertise in the field of purchasing and supply chain management – operating under the supervision of the Board of the International SCM Programme. Candidates may choose to take any number and combination of Module exams at a given exam-sitting period. Candidates may also select to take the examinations either in printed form or online via the Internet, through appointed Prometric centres.

2

Each examination shall be conducted under the supervision of the AEBs and of the appointed Invigilating Team at such venues as the AEB may determine. While the AEBs will arrange for exams to take place in their respective countries, they will not in any way be involved in the exam assessment process. D.1 Scheduling and conducting of examinations Exams are organised twice per year in various languages for written exams. Online exams can be held as often as possible as determined by the Prometric exam centres. Please consult the written exam schedules posted on SCM-LearningNet for more details on exams in a particular language as well as deadlines for exam registrations. For online exam check the Prometric web page click https://www.prometric.com/ITC. Candidates may choose to take any number and any combination of Module exams at each exam-sitting period. Candidates may also select to take the examinations either in printed form or online via the Prometric Testing Centres (PTC).

3

Each examination shall be conducted under the supervision of the AEBs or PTC and of the appointed Invigilating Team at such venues as the AEB or PTC may determine. Candidates shall be responsible for travel arrangements and expenses to the relevant examination venues. Candidates should arrive at the exam venue at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start of an exam, in order to complete attendance registration and other administrative matters. D.2 Exam duration and sessions The exam sessions will have a maximum duration of 2 hours per Module. In the case of printed exams, these are organised over a six-day examination-sitting period. D.3 Structure of the exam and types of questions An orientation exam will be made available on Prometric’s website for online exams. However, the structure and sample exam documents are available on SCM LearningNet

4

The current exam structure involves taking 6 module exams per certificate level. The new exam structure requires the candidate to sit for only 2 module exams per certificate level, refer to Annex II.

2 Written exam will no longer be available in 2015.

3 Written exams will no longer be available in 2015.

4 The new exam structure reduces the number of exams from 6 exams per level to 2 exams per level

https://www.prometric.com/ITC


D.4 Inability to complete or attend the exam No special exams will be offered to candidates who have registered for an examination and who were prevented from writing the exam or from completing it for some reason. In such cases, candidates must re-register for the following examination. Exceptionally, such candidates may be allowed to re-register without having to pay any additional exam registration fee to ITC provided that they were originally registered for the same exam, have already paid all of the relevant registration fees, and:

The candidate suffered an illness on the day immediately before or on the day of the exam, provided that this is certified by a registered medical practitioner specifying the nature, starting date and duration of the illness and declaring that for health reasons it was impossible or undesirable for the candidate to sit for the examination on the day concerned; or

The candidate was subject to mitigating personal circumstances, such as the serious illness or death of a relative during the examination period; provided that satisfactory evidence of such circumstances is produced.

Candidates unable to attend the exams for work-related reasons or for reasons other than those listed above will be required to re-register and to re-pay the exam fees in order to retake the exam. Exam fees will not be reimbursed to candidates regardless of the reasons for not attending an exam. D.5 Admission and rules for the examination No candidate shall be admitted to an examination unless he/she complies in full with the requirements and whose registration has been confirmed by the AEB concerned as well as by ITC. The following rules shall apply to all examinations: 1 Examinations will be conducted in accordance with these rules, and enforced by invigilators

appointed by the AEB or the prometric testing centre

2 Candidates must obey the instructions of invigilators in all matters regarding the exams.

3 The AEBs shall inform candidates in advance of an examination of any materials which the candidates may take with them into that exam.

4 Only candidates who are duly registered for an examination will be allowed to enter the examination room and take the exam.

5 Only candidates with a valid and clearly legible, acceptable identification document will be admitted into an examination. Candidates using a false CRN, name or identity document/number will constitute grounds for automatic disqualification from the certificate/ diploma in SCM without reimbursement of the exam fees.

6 Candidates are permitted to use their own electronic calculators in an exam with the exception of calculators that are programmable, or have a data storage capability, or have the facility to input the full range of alphabetical characters.

7 Candidates are permitted to take a blue or black ball point pen; pencil and eraser to their seat in the examination room

8 Candidates must not take into an examination room any unauthorized book, manuscript, notes, electronic devices, mobile phones, smart phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) or any other means whereby they may improperly obtain assistance in their work, or any bag, case or receptacle in which such unauthorized articles can be carried.

9 Candidates are permitted to use general English language dictionaries (for example: Concise Oxford, Collins, etc.) or dual general language dictionaries in an exam. However, no technical or specialised or electronic dictionaries are allowed.

10 Candidates should arrive at the examination room thirty (30) minutes before the start of an exam, to complete the registration process and receive the necessary instructions from the exam invigilators.


11 Candidates shall not be admitted to an examination room later than thirty minutes after the start of an examination. No additional time shall be allowed to candidates who arrive at the examination room after the commencement of the exam.

12 Candidates must sit in the places allocated for their particular examination.

13 Candidates must not use any means whatsoever to communicate with or make contact with anyone other than the invigilator during an examination. Mobile/cell phones must not be taken into the examination room and must be switched off throughout the examination.

14 Candidates must not use any means whatsoever to obtain, directly or indirectly, assistance in an examination or give or attempt to give, directly or indirectly, such assistance to any other person. Any such attempt by a candidate will constitute grounds for automatic disqualification from the certificate/ diploma in SCM without reimbursement of the exam fees.

15 The impersonation of candidates is prohibited and candidates must not allow themselves to be impersonated. Any such attempt by a candidate will constitute grounds for automatic disqualification from the certificate/diploma in SCM without reimbursement of the exam fees.

16 Candidates must not indulge in any behaviour which may disturb any other student, or any form of conduct that may disrupt the smooth progress of an examination. Candidates causing such disturbance or disruption may be required by the invigilator to leave the examination room.

17 Candidates wishing to make a temporary withdrawal from an examination room for unavoidable personal reasons must normally be accompanied by an invigilator or by a person authorized by the invigilator.

18 Candidates may not leave any examination until forty-five (45) minutes after the start of the exam, and may not leave during the last fifteen (15) minutes of the exam.

19 Candidates must not remove from the examination room any exam scripts, answer sheets, paper or other items of examination stationery.

20 Candidates are required to hand in to the invigilator their completed examination scripts, including any rough work – which should be clearly indicated as such – and to remain seated at the end of the examination until dismissed by the invigilator.

21 Except with the permission of the invigilator, no person other than the candidates shall be allowed in an examination room.

D.6 Marking of the examination, examination results The module exams will be marked on a scale of 0-200 marks. Any candidate with less than 55% correct marks will be deemed to have failed. If for some reason the examination answer scripts of candidates should not be received by ITC or the IEP for marking, irrespective of the reason for such loss, candidates will be granted an opportunity of writing another examination for the same Module(s) free of charge at the time of the next examination session. Candidates’ individual exam results (password protected) will be posted on the SCM LearningNet website no later than 60 calendar days after the last day of exams.

5 Please note that results can only

be viewed once payment of the full exam fees has been received by ITC. To obtain the Certificate, Advanced Certificate or Diploma, a candidate must have passed all of the required exams. Depending on the average mark obtained by a candidate for all of the required exams , the corresponding Certificate, Advanced Certificate and/or Diploma will be issued with the following qualifications:

5 Printed transcripts with exams results for individual Modules can be downloaded directly from LearningNet by candidates.


90-100 % correct answers = Passed with Excellence

75-89% correct answers = Passed with Distinction

55-74% correct answers = Passed . Once the corresponding professional certification level has been achieved, ITC and the concerned training institution will jointly issue the relevant Certificate, Advanced Certificate or Diploma – as applicable – bearing their names and logos. The Certificates and the Diploma will state that they are accredited by the International Trade Centre UN/WTO and by the relevant institution(s). It is the responsibility of the candidate and the AEB to view and approve the certificates they have obtained on the SCM LearningNet within 30 days after results are posted. Once approved by the candidate and AEB, the certificate is batched for printing and delivery within 60-day cycles. Any delays in candidates’ or AEB’s approval of certificates may result in delays in receiving the certificate. Should a candidate request their certificate to be expedited i.e. sent outside the stipulated certificate printing cycles the candidate must bear all costs for special processing and shipping of the certificate to the AEB. Any request for a reprint of certificate must be approved by the AEB before it is sent to ITC on SCM LearningNet. Reprints will be charged at US$100 per copy. ITC reserves the right to reject reprint requests. Reprint certificates will only be printed at the next printing cycle or the candidate has to bear the additional costs for special processing and shipping. D.7 Exam Irregularities ITC believes in maintaining the highest level of integrity in all aspects of the MLS-SCM professional certification programme and that irregularities or violations of the examination rules and regulations will result in the appropriate corrective measures, as listed in the attached Annex I. In the event of suspected irregularities or exam violations, all affected results will be on hold until investigations are carried out. The AEB will be expected to provide detailed reports to ITC including all Invigilator reports on the conduct of the exam to ITC within 2 weeks of the request. Upon receipt of the reports, ITC’s IEP will review all information including all exam scripts. The AEB and Invigilators may be requested to participate in an interview process with the panel concerning the irregularities either on Skype, video or phone conference. The IEP will make the final decision and pronounce the disciplinary measures as stipulated in the Rules and Regulations If there are repeated cases of irregularities or serious violations in the MLS-SCM examinations, appropriate disciplinary measures, including suspension of candidate, invigilator or AEB from the MLS-SCM

programme, Individuals who notice or observe any examination irregularities or violations may contact ITC directly ([email protected]). All reports will be treated confidential and investigated by ITC. For further details on violations of exam rules and regulations please review the attached Annex I

mailto:[email protected]


D.8 Appeals In the event that a candidate should contest an outcome and request a review by an independent examiner, ITC will charge the following fees:

ITEM Country category

LDCs DCs & ETs Industrialised

Review fee per candidate / Module exam US$ 120 US$ 150 US$ 300

This fee will be refunded only if the claim leads to a final result for the exam that is at least 5 marks higher. This result may not be contested further.

The ITC fees described above are valid until further notice. Any changes in fees will be announced to the network member institutions at least 12 months in advance.

Should a candidate wish to appeal the results of a particular examination for any other reason than the marks allocated, he/she must lodge a formal appeal with the AEB who will investigate the circumstances and submit all relevant evidence to the ITC for a final decision. There is no further appeal beyond the decision of ITC. The maximum period for lodging an appeal will be three months after the exam results have been issued. E. Other documents for Candidates relevant to the SCM Certificates & Diploma Programme

In addition to these Rules and Regulations, the following documents should also be reviewed by Candidates in order to obtain a full understanding of the Programme and its operational aspects:

Sample MLS-SCM, Exam

MLS-SCM, Exam Structure, Types of Questions and Allocation of Marks

MLS-SCM Professional Certification Step by Step Guide for Candidates

MLS-SCM New Certification Document

***************************

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The contribution of the following sources to the structure and content of this document is acknowledged with gratitude: 1.University of Bradford, 2002. Quality Assurance Handbook. (http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/QAH5_14.html) 2.University of Brunei Darussalam. Instructions to Invigilators. 3. University of South Africa.2001/2002.Invigilators Handbook. Pretoria: UNISA. 4. University of South Africa. 2002/2003. Calendar Part 1. Pretoria: UNISA

http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/QAH5_14.html


ANNEX I

Candidate Violations and Penalties

Candidate Violations Severity Disciplinary Measures

1

Bring to the examination desk unauthorised materials relating to the exam 1 Written warning from ITC

2 Cancellation of that particular paper

2

Receiving and giving assistance from or to another candidate during the course of the exam 1 Written warning from ITC

2

Cancellation of that particular paper for both candidates involved

3

Possible suspension of both candidates from the programme

3 Receiving assistance from invigilators 1 Written warning from ITC


Possible suspension of both candidate and Invigilator from the programme

4 Removing exam papers and answer scripts from the exam room 1

Written warning from ITC for candidates & invigilators


3

Possible cancellation of all papers of the candidate in that particular exam session

5

Possible suspension of candidate and invigilator from the programme

5 Presenting forged documents to sit the examination 1 Written warning from ITC

2 Suspend candidate from the programme

6 Impersonation of the intended candidate to sit exam 1 Written warning from ITC

2 Suspend candidate from the programme

3

Cancellation of all papers of the candidate for the particular exam session

7

Evidence on exam scripts of verbatim copying either from books , electronic devices and other notes 1 Written warning from ITC


and documents


3

Suspend candidate from the programme on second instance of verbatim copying

4 Invigilators should receive warning in Writing

8

Caught using mobile phone or any other electronic device which is forbidden by ITC's examination rules & regulations 1 Written warning from ITC

2 Immediately barred from continuing that particular exam

3 Cancellation of the exams

9

Candidate coming late for the exam by more than 30 minutes without extenuating reasons 1

Candidate should not be allowed to take exams

2 Repeat exam taken at candidates expense

10 Leaving the examination hall without permission or valid reason 1 Written warning from ITC

2 Barred from continuing the examination

3 Cancellation of that particular exam

4

Invigilator is warned in writing (If not documented in invigilator report showing actions taken)

11

Noise making or disturbing other candidates during the examination 1 Written warning from ITC

2 Asked to leave the exam room

3 Candidate should receive warning from Invigilator

4 Possible cancellation of that particular exam

12 Being rude to or threatening or harassing the invigilator 1

Cancellation of that particular exam

2 Possible cancellation of all exams in that schedule

3 Suspend candidate for 1 year from programme


ANNEX II

NEW EXAM STRUCTURE

candidate's rules and regulations

Documents