DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme - Application Form 24 February 2020 Page 1 of 5

DP PRACTITIONER ACCREDITATION SCHEME - APPLICATION FORM

This form must be completed by the applying candidate.

All specified attachments must be enclosed with this form and additional documentation may be requested. If the required documents are not submitted in full, your application will not be reviewed. The submission address and a checklist of required supporting documents are provided in section 10.

1 Applicant details

Surname: ......................................................................................................................................

Forename(s): ......................................................................................................................................

Home address: ......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

Country: ......................................................................................................................................

Email address: ......................................................................................................................................

Telephone: ......................................................................................................................................

Include a copy of your passport (photograph page) for identification purposes. Include one clear, colour, passport-sized photograph with the applicant name as shown above written on the reverse.

This will be used on your IMCA certificate, if successful.

2 Sponsoring company details (if applicable)

Company name: ......................................................................................................................................

Company address: ......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

Country: ......................................................................................................................................

Point of contact/line manager (name): ......................................................................................................................................

Point of contact/line manager (email): ......................................................................................................................................

☐ Also notify my company about my application and results

3 Category applied for

☐ DP Trials & Assurance Practitioner ☐ Company DP Authority

4 Payment of fees

Accreditation fee(s) to be paid by: ☐ Company ☐ Candidate

Purchase order number (if required): ......................................................................................................................................

Specific invoicing instructions (if required): ................................................................................................................................. ...

ACCREDITATION

DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme - Application Form 24 February 2020 Page 2 of 5

5 Preferred exam location

Preferred city/country: ...................................................................................................................................... Reference Exam Centre Locations on dedicated page of the IMCA website. Please note that IMCA cannot guarantee that a suitable venue can be arranged in this location

6 Qualifications (Complete 6.1 or 6.2 as applicable)

For guidance on the requirements, please refer to IMCA DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme - Entry Criteria available

at www.imca-int.com/dpaccreditation

6.1 DP Trials & Assurance Practitioner qualifications

Deck officer STCW regulation II/2: ☐

Engine officer STCW regulation II/2: ☐

Electrotechnical officer STCW regulation III/6: ☐

Technical or operational degree/HND/HNC: ☐

Certificate number(s): ................................................................................................................

Issuing Authority(s): ................................................................................................................

Include a copy of qualification certificate(s)

Quality Awareness Training: ☐

eCMID AVI with DP supplement: ☐ eCMID AVI Accreditation No .....................................................

QC certificate number: ................................................................................................................

Issuing authority: ................................................................................................................

Include a copy of Quality Awareness Training certificate

6.2 Company DP Authority experience

Deck officer STCW regulation II/2: ☐

Engine officer STCW regulation II/2: ☐

Electrotechnical officer STCW regulation III/6: ☐

Technical or operational degree/HND/HNC: ☐

Certificate number(s): ................................................................................................................

Issuing Authority(s): ................................................................................................................

Include a copy of qualification certificate(s)

DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme - Application Form 24 February 2020 Page 3 of 5

7 Knowledge & Experience

Before proceeding to the examination, candidates must demonstrate knowledge and experience in all of the required elements via their submitted portfolio of evidence. FAILURE TO SUBMIT APPROPRIATE EVIDENCE WILL CAUSE DELAYS TO THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND MAY LEAD TO A FAILED APPLICATION.

For guidance on the requirements, please refer to IMCA DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme - Evidence Requirements available at www.imca-int.com/dpaccreditation

DP Trials & Assurance Practitioner Criteria met ✓ Evidence included ✓

Attendance and responsibility for minimum two FMEA proving trials OR

Two 5-yearly FMEA verification trials in the last 24 months.

Attendance and responsibility for minimum of three annual DP trials within the last 24 months.

Involvement with DP operational activity planning.

Knowledge of DP incident investigation and reporting.

Knowledge of FMEA gap analysis.

Being key member of FMEA team – responsible for the analysis and development of at least one FMEA.

Being key member of a team – responsible for the analysis and development of at least one annual DP trials document.

Company DP Authority Criteria met ✓ Evidence included ✓

Held a position of responsibility managing the operation of DP class 2/3 vessel(s) such as engineering, marine or electrical superintendent OR

Responsible for the training of key DP personnel in accordance with the guidelines contained within IMCA M 117 for a minimum of two years OR

DP Assurance & Trials Practitioner or responsible for providing DP assurance activities in accordance with IMCA guidelines where applicable for a minimum of two years OR

A selection of the above that accumulates to a minimum of two years’ experience.

Attendance and witnessing of at least two DP FMEA proving trials or annual trials within the last 36 months.

Involvement of DP operational activity planning.

Knowledge of DP incident investigation and reporting.

Knowledge of FMEA gap analysis.

DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme - Application Form 24 February 2020 Page 4 of 5

8 Privacy notice

Data collection and processing is undertaken in accordance with the IMCA privacy policy, which sets out your rights and our responsibilities, available at www.imca-int.com/privacy-policy

Data provided in respect of this application is used for the following purpose(s):

• Accreditation and certification – IMCA runs accreditation and certification schemes for certain positions in the offshore marine industry. As part of this, it collects and processes personal data relating to candidates and qualified personnel, which includes additional identity verification (such as passport or driving licence details), details of relevant certification and work history and a history of the application process, including examinations and resits. Such data is generally retained permanently. This is required to ensure a robust system that ensures the competence of those working highly safety critical positions in the offshore industry.

• IMCA uses the Test Reach platform for the provision of examinations via a secure online facility. This requires basic personal data to be shared with Test Reach for the sole purpose of candidate exam registration. IMCA has reviewed the capabilities and policies of Test Reach, reviewed the data security arrangements and entered into an appropriate agreement to ensure the security of your personal data.

9 Submission

To be completed by the candidate:

I confirm that I wish to apply for examination and accreditation as DP Trials & Assurance Practitioner / Company DP Authority (delete as appropriate), in accordance with the requirements set out in IMCA M 249 – DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Handbook with my personal data processed in accordance with the IMCA privacy policy.

I understand that IMCA reserves the right to suspend or withdraw my accreditation if it is subsequently proven that: (i) I have submitted fraudulent or deceitful information; (ii) I have been in anyway dishonest during the examination process; (iii) I have acted contrary to good industry practice, contrary to the aims and objectives of IMCA or in a way that could bring IMCA into disrepute. I accept that any dispute arising out of or relating to my examination or certification will be governed by English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.

By becoming accredited I agree to receive information notes, DP Event bulletins and safety notes and positively promote the use of, and adherence to, IMCA DP related guidance. I accept the DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme terms & conditions.

Signed: ..................................................................................................................................

Name: ..................................................................................................................................

Date: ..................................................................................................................................

DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme - Application Form 24 February 2020 Page 5 of 5

10 Checklist

This application must be accompanied by all the supporting documentation requested above, including:

☐ Copy of passport (photograph page)

☐ One clear, colour, passport-sized photograph with the applicant name written on the reverse

☐ Qualification certificate(s) (see section 6.1 and 6.2)

☐ Quality Control auditing certificate (see section 6.1)

☐ AVI accreditation reference (see section 6.1)

☐ DP Trials & Assurance Practitioner Knowledge & Experience criteria evidence (see section 7)

☐ Company DP Authority Knowledge & Experience criteria evidence (see section 7)

If these are not submitted in full, your application will not be reviewed. If applicable, the sponsoring company will be advised accordingly.

All applications must be submitted electronically. We no longer accept paper applications. Applications can be sent via email to accreditation@imca-int.com.

DP Practitioner Accreditation

Scheme Handbook

IMCA M 249

May 2019

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is the international

trade association representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering

companies.

IMCA promotes improvements in quality, health, safety, environmental and technical standards

through the publication of information notes, codes of practice and other documentation.

Members are self-regulating through the adoption of IMCA guidelines as appropriate. They

commit to act as responsible members by following relevant guidelines and being willing to be

audited against compliance with them.

There are five core committees that relate to all members:

◆ Competence & Training

◆ Contracts & Insurance

◆ Health, Safety, Security & Environment

◆ Lifting & Rigging

◆ Marine Policy & Regulatory Affairs

The Association is organised through four distinct divisions, each covering a specific area of

members’ interests – Diving, Marine, Offshore Survey and Remote Systems & ROV.

There are also five regions which facilitate work on issues affecting members in their local

geographic area – Asia-Pacific, Europe & Africa, Middle East & India, North America and South

America.

IMCA M 249

Work started in early 2018, when IMCA’s Marine Division Management Committee (MDMC)

appointed a workgroup of DP experts from IMCA member companies to devise an

accreditation scheme for DP practitioners. The IMCA DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme

is the output from this cross-industry workgroup, consisting of DP vessel owners/operators,

training providers, DP consultants and relevant organisations.

www.imca-int.com/marine

If you have any comments on this document, please click the feedback button below:

Date Reason Revision

May 2019 Initial publication

The information contained herein is given for guidance only and endeavours to reflect best industry practice. For the avoidance of doubt no legal liability shall attach to any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.

© 2019 IMCA – International Marine Contractors Association

feedback@imca-int.com

DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Handbook

IMCA M 249 – May 2019

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1

1.1 General ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1

2 The Scheme ........................................................................................................... 2

2.1 Code of Conduct ................................................................................................................................................... 2

2.2 DP Practitioner Categories ................................................................................................................................. 2

2.3 Certification and Qualification Requirements ................................................................................................. 3

2.4 Experience and Knowledge Requirements ...................................................................................................... 3

2.5 Initial Examinations ................................................................................................................................................ 3

2.6 Revalidation .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

3 Accreditation Process ........................................................................................... 5

3.1 Review of Minimum Requirements .................................................................................................................... 5

3.2 Application ............................................................................................................................................................... 5

3.3 Payment & Application Verification ................................................................................................................... 5

3.4 Examination .............................................................................................................................................................. 5

3.5 Appeals Process ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

3.6 Revalidation .............................................................................................................................................................. 6

4 Reference Documents ........................................................................................... 7

IMCA M 249 1

1 Introduction

1.1 General

The purpose of this handbook is to summarise the IMCA DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme. The

scheme is the output of a cross industry workgroup consisting of DP vessel owners/operators, training

providers, DP consultants and relevant organisations.

The basic aims of the scheme are:

Improve the consistency and conduct of DP trials;

Set a recognised level of knowledge for DP practitioners responsible for developing, witnessing and

reporting of DP trials, and those responsible for the management of DP assurance processes.

The objectives for the scheme are:

Provide assurance that DP practitioners attending vessels for trials are accredited to a recognised

standard;

Provide assurance that personnel conducting DP assurance duties in both vessel operator and client

offices are accredited to a recognised standard;

Meet the requirement of the OCIMFs Dynamic Positioning Assurance Framework (2016) which

calls for verification that shore based DP personnel and DP assurance practitioners are qualified,

experienced and competent;

Assist DP trials practitioners and DP office based personnel to maintain and increase their

knowledge base.

IMCA’s DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme is open to individuals employed within IMCA member

companies and non-member companies.

2 IMCA M 249

2 The Scheme

The DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme consists of several elements as shown in the Figure 1. Each element

is described further within this section.

Figure 1 – DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Elements

2.1 Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct is a fundamental element of the scheme. It details what is expected of an

accredited individual in terms of:

Professionalism;

Objectivity;

Independence;

Integrity;

Client relations;

Professional relations;

Non-compliance;

Personal conduct;

The relationship between the code and the practitioner;

Maintaining accreditation.

The Code of Conduct differs depending on the category of accreditation (see 2.2) and will be made

available as part of any application to become accredited.

2.2 DP Practitioner Categories

The scheme has two categories of accreditation as follows:

Accredited DP

Practitioner

Code of Conduct

Certification & Qualification

Experience & Knowledge

Three year revalidation

Initial examination

IMCA M 249 3

1) A DP Trials and Assurance Practitioner:

− a person actively involved in producing, witnessing and assessing the results of DP FMEA

proving trials and DP annual trials programmes;

2) A Company DP Authority:

− a person who manages, and provides advice on DP assurance processes and is typically

employed within:

- a DP vessel operator company

- a DP vessel chartering company (the client).

2.3 Certification and Qualification Requirements

The scheme requires a minimum level of certification and qualification. These differ depending on the

DP Practitioner category that an individual applies for. Full details of the minimum level of certification

and qualifications are contained within the DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Entry Criteria,

available at www.imca-int.com/dpaccreditation. Note that IMCA requires evidence of certification and

qualifications, and this evidence will be verified as part of any application to the scheme.

2.4 Experience and Knowledge Requirements

In addition to certification and qualifications, the scheme requires a minimum level of experience and

knowledge. Similarly, the requirements differ depending on the DP Practitioner category that an

individual applies for. Full details of the minimum level of experience and knowledge requirements are

contained within the DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Entry Criteria. Note that IMCA requires

evidence of experience & knowledge and this evidence will be verified as part of any application to the

scheme.

2.5 Initial Examinations

The scheme requires that candidates sit an examination. To be successful, candidates should have a

working knowledge of the following IMCA guidance documents:

Guidelines for the design and operation of dynamically positioned vessels (IMCA M 103)

A guide to DP-related documentation for DP vessels (IMCA M 109)

The training and experience of key DP personnel (IMCA M 117)

Specification for DP capability plots (IMCA M 140)

Guidance for developing and conducting DP annual trials programmes (IMCA M 190)

Guidance on operational activity planning (IMCA M 220)

Guidance on failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) (IMCA M 166)

113 IMO Guidelines for Vessels with Dynamic Positioning Systems (IMO MSC Circular 645)

245 IMO Guidelines for vessels and units with dynamic positioning systems (MSC.1Circ.1580)

The examination consists of 8 modules as follows:

Module 1 – Code of Conduct

Module 2 – IMCA Guidance Documents

Module 3 – DP Control Systems

Module 4 – DP Power systems

Module 5 – Thrusters & Thruster Control Systems

Module 6 – DP Documentation

Module 7 – Guidance for developing and conducting DP annual trials programmes (IMCA M 190)

4 IMCA M 249

Module 8 differs from the other modules as it has two sets of questions depending on which category

an individual is seeking to achieve:

Module 8A – Scenario based experience (DP Trials and Assurance Practitioner)

Module 8B – Scenario based experience (Company DP Authority)

The 8 modules are split into four sections; each section of the examination must be passed, giving a total

pass mark to achieve accreditation. Failure of any section will result in an overall failure of the

examination.

The format of the examination is multiple choice. Examinations are in digital format managed directly

by IMCA using the Test Reach platform. Examinations can be undertaken at various locations around

the globe and are invigilated to ensure integrity of the process. To further ensure examination integrity,

the Test Reach platform is designed such that no two examinations are ever the same question set. To

achieve this, IMCA has established an extensive pool of questions across each module that will be

continuously refreshed. For further security, the system also alters the answer order for every question.

2.6 Revalidation

Once accredited, the scheme requires a process of revalidation every three years. The revalidation

process requires that individuals continue to actively undertake relevant duties to ensure experience

and knowledge is maintained, and continuous professional development (CPD) activities are undertaken.

IMCA requires evidence of ongoing experience, knowledge and CPD, and this evidence will be verified

as part of the revalidation process. Full details are contained within DP Practitioner Accreditation

Scheme Revalidation Criteria. Those not successfully completing the revalidation process will lose

accreditation status.

IMCA M 249 5

3 Accreditation Process

3.1 Review of Minimum Requirements

Prior to applying to the accreditation scheme, applicants must satisfy themselves that they meet the

requirements of qualifications, certification, experience and knowledge for their chosen category of

application. In doing so, applicants will avoid the risk of a failed application and the costs associated with

this. Details of evidence covering experience and knowledge are contained in DP Practitioner

Accreditation Scheme Evidence Requirements, available at www.imca-int.com/dpaccreditation.

3.2 Application

The DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Application Form is to be completed by each candidate, the

category of accreditation must be clearly stated. In addition to the application form, IMCA requires

evidence of the qualifications, certification, experience and knowledge to be provided. To aid this

process, IMCA has created a guide detailing evidence requirement which if followed should ensure that

the application process is smooth. Failure to correctly complete the application form or supply enough

evidence may result in application delays or application rejection.

3.3 Payment & Application Verification

Following receipt of the application form and payment, the application is reviewed for completeness by

IMCA’s secretariat. Further verification of qualifications, certification, experience and knowledge is then

undertaken by a technical member of the IMCA secretariat. If required, further evidence may be

requested from the applicant and references may be requested and contacted. Once IMCA is satisfied

that the application is complete, and the evidence is as per the requirements, the applicant will be

informed, and an examination date can be scheduled. Should the applicant not supply sufficient evidence

or an incomplete application, the process may be delayed, or the application rejected. The payment

covers; application administration, two additional reviews of the evidence portfolio, the examination,

examination centre (including invigilation) and accreditation certificate/ID card. Should a further review

of the evidence portfolio be required (due to insufficient evidence being submitted or a failure to address

questions raised during the initial review process), an additional fee will be charged (see Schedule 1 in

the DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Terms and Conditions).

3.4 Examination

On successful completion of the application, an examination will be scheduled taking consideration of

the candidate’s location and availability of locations. Examination centre locations can be found on

IMCAs website. The examination will be scheduled as agreed by the candidate. Candidates shall be

contacted by email as soon as they are registered for an examination. The email will provide

confirmation of the date, time, location of the exam, as well as login details for the examination and

details on a system tutorial that must be viewed prior to the examination date.

Thereafter changes made to scheduled dates/locations by the candidate may incur additional costs. On

completion of the examination, the results will be communicated directly to IMCA and the candidate

will be informed by email.

Should the candidate fail the examination, the module(s) that the candidate failed will be advised along

with the overall score. Should the candidate pass the examination, they are advised of their overall

score. Once the candidate has achieved accredited status, they may use the phrase ‘IMCA Accredited

DP Trials & Assurance Practitioner’ or ‘IMCA Accredited Company DP Authority’ on letterheading,

business cards and website.

Candidates will receive a certificate and dated plastic photo ID card, which can be used to verify identity

and accreditation. The date on your card will reflect the anniversary of your accreditation date.

6 IMCA M 249

3.5 Appeals Process

There is an appeals process covering exceptional circumstances only such as illness during the

examination or interruptions such as facility power cuts that have affected the conduct of the

examination. However, appeals based on overall score will not be considered. IMCA’s DP Practitioners

Accreditation Scheme Appeals Procedure can be made available on request. Candidates, who fail the

examination will be offered the opportunity to re-sit however, the overall score achieved in the first

examination will dictate how long of a re-test delay will apply. The poorer the result, the longer before

being able to re-sit. Refer to the table below.

Mark in first examination (%) Resit Permitted

≤5% lower than pass rate Immediate subject to availability

≤10% lower than pass rate 3-months subject to availability

≤15% lower than pass rate 6-months subject to availability

≤20% lower than pass rate 12-months subject to availability

Note that candidates failing their third examination will be excluded from the accreditation process for

a period of five years.

3.6 Revalidation

On successful accreditation, the candidate will be provided with details of the revalidation criteria and

associated payment requirements. Payment is required annually; the payment covers the cost of

administration and technical verification of revalidation evidence portfolio. For both categories of

accreditation, there is a large selection of options for revalidation criteria. Revalidation checks occur

every three years; however, it is imperative that evidence is collected on an ongoing basis. Should the

revalidation criteria be met, then accreditation status continues, and a revised certificate/ID card issued.

Should the revalidation criteria not be met then the accreditation is removed from the candidate. Re-

application and examination would then be required should the candidate wish to become accredited in

the future.

Further details can be found in the DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme – Revalidation Requirements.

IMCA M 249 7

4 Reference Documents

The following scheme documents are available from IMCAs dedicated DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme

webpage.

DP Practitioners Accreditation Scheme – Process Summary

DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme – Terms & Conditions

DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme – Entry Criteria

DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme – Evidence Requirements

DP Trials and Assurance Practitioner Code of Conduct

Company DP Authority Code of Conduct

DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme – Revalidation Requirements

DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme – Frequently Asked Questions

Company DP Authority Code of Conduct April 2019 Page 1 of 2

COMPANY DP AUTHORITY CODE OF CONDUCT

1 Professionalism

An IMCA Accredited Company DP Authority must have a sound foundation in the general knowledge of his/her profession, in addition to appropriate and adequate experience to conduct his/her specific work as a Company DP Authority. He/she must keep up to date in his/her technical training and knowledge.

2 Objectivity

An IMCA Accredited Company DP Authority must adopt an objective approach in all aspects of his/her work.

3 Integrity

An IMCA Accredited Company DP Authority shall:

• Not be influenced by outside pressures

• Seek to reach agreements based on objective conclusions

4 Client Relations

An IMCA Accredited Company DP Authority will:

• Never bias or modify his/her professional opinions for personal gain or in response to any form of pressure from whatever source

• Only undertake to review trials, audits or surveys for which he/she is properly qualified

• Accept arbitration when all parties involved agree to this method of solving disputes

• Recognise that his/her first duty is to his/her employer and endeavour to sustain an open relationship with clients/contractors and fellow DP Practitioners whilst always observing professional integrity

5 Professional Relations

An IMCA Accredited Company DP Authority will:

• Co-operate with colleagues (where necessary) to achieve DP assurance objectives

• Ensure strict confidentiality over information received from third-parties

• Follow and comply with the guidance produced by IMCA

6 Non- Compliance

An IMCA Accredited Company DP Authority will bring to the attention of the accreditation body instances where an IMCA Accredited DP Practitioner is not observing this Code of Conduct.

7 Personal Conduct

An IMCA Accredited Company DP Authority will not practice during a period when his/her judgement is or might be impaired through any cause and will endeavour to avoid actions which lead to the discredit of his/her own professional reputation.

ACCREDITATION

Company DP Authority Code of Conduct April 2019 Page 2 of 2

8 Relationship Between the Code and the IMCA Accredited Company DP Authority

When the accrediting body is informed of an IMCA Accredited Company DP Authority non-compliance with the Code of Conduct, this will be investigated, and the person will be given the opportunity to offer a defence or appeal. Depending on the extent of non-compliance, an IMCA Accredited Company DP Authority may have his/her accreditation suspended or permanently withdrawn. Minor failures may be dealt with by written warnings. However, repeated minor non-compliance can be considered grounds for suspension or expulsion.

9 Maintaining Accreditation

As part of the Code of Conduct, an IMCA Accredited Company DP Authority is expected to follow the scheme revalidation programme. This programme enables an IMCA Accredited Company DP Authority to demonstrate how they maintain their standards and competence levels. It is a requirement of the Company DP Authority to provide evidence of compliance against the published scheme. The cost of the revalidation programme is borne via the annual renewal fee.

DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Terms and Conditions 30 April 2019 Page 1 of 3

DP PRACTITIONER ACCREDITATION SCHEME TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Definitions

The following definitions are used in the Accreditation Scheme:

a) ‘DP Practitioner Accreditation Certificate’ (the ‘Certificate’) shall mean the certificate issued on successful completion of the examination

b) ‘DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme’ shall mean the initial application, examination, accreditation and ongoing revalidation as established by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA)

c) ‘Anniversary Date’ shall mean the date upon which an Accreditation Certificate shall expire unless revalidated. This shall be a period of three years less one day from the date of issue

d) ‘Candidate’ shall mean a person applying for accreditation under the DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme

e) ‘Data Protection Legislation’ shall mean: i. Any applicable law relating to the processing of personal data, as applicable to either Party or to the

Services, including: (1) The Directive 95/46/EC (Data Protection Directive) or the GDPR; (2) Any laws which implement such laws (3) Any laws which replace, extend, re-enact, consolidate or amend any of the laws stated in (1) and

(2) above (4) All Guidance, Codes of Practice and Codes of Conduct issued by any relevant Data Protection

Supervisory Authority relating to such Data Protection Laws (whether legally binding or not) ii. ‘GDPR’ shall mean he General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 iii. ‘Protected Data’ shall mean Personal Data received from or on behalf of the Candidate, or obtained

in connection with the Accreditation Scheme iv. ‘Sub-Processor’ shall mean any agent, sub-contractor or any other third-party engaged by IMCA,

which will be processing protected data

f) ‘DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Handbook’ shall mean the current edition of document IMCA M 249, which shall be periodically updated by IMCA and published on the IMCA website

g) ‘Evidence Portfolio’ shall mean required documentation submitted by the Candidate as proof of its compliance with the criteria established under this Scheme

h) ‘Evidence Portfolio Review’ shall mean a review of the required documentation submitted in (g). This review shall be undertaken by the IMCA secretariat

i) ‘Examination’ shall mean the multiple-choice examination undertaken by the Candidate following successful review of the evidence portfolio submitted

j) ‘Fee(s)’ shall mean the sums payable for services provided under the DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme, as set out in Schedule 1 of these Terms & Conditions. Fees payable under this Scheme are non-refundable.

Fees Payable 1. Payment in full of the required Fee, as set out in Schedule 1, shall be made in order to initiate a review of a

Candidates’ Evidence Portfolio (EP) by the IMCA Secretariat against the established criteria.

2. As set out in the Schedule of Fees, two review cycles of the EP shall be included as part of the initial payment, which will enable any issues raised by the IMCA Secretariat to be addressed and clarified by the Candidate.

3. Any further review cycles required as a result of insufficient evidence being submitted, or failure to address questions raised during the review process, shall incur an additional fee as set out in Schedule 1.

ACCREDITATION

DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Terms and Conditions 30 April 2019 Page 2 of 3

Non-approval of Candidates 1. Should the review of the Evidence Portfolio (EP) result in a Candidate being considered as not having met

the established criteria, that Candidate shall not be permitted to progress to the examination stage of the process. In such an event, IMCA shall provide the Candidate with the reasons for that decision in writing.

Scheduling of Examinations 1. Examinations shall be scheduled by IMCA and shall take place as soon as possible after approval of a

Candidate’s Evidence Portfolio (EP). However, following the approval of the Evidence Portfolio (EP), candidates shall have up to two years from that date to sit the examination.

2. IMCA reserves the right to reschedule an examination up to four weeks prior to the original date given for the exam. IMCA shall not be liable for any costs incurred in such circumstances. Candidates are therefore advised not to finalise travel plans prior to this date.

Examination Process 1. The Examination shall consist of four sections presented across eight modules – each module addressing

a specific competency as set out in paragraph 2.5 of the IMCA DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Handbook, IMCA M 249. Candidates shall be required to pass each section in order to be deemed to have passed the examination. Candidates who fail any section shall be considered to have failed the examination regardless of the total mark obtained.

2. A Candidate shall not be accredited until the examination has been passed. The date of the examination shall be the date used on the DP Practitioner Accreditation Certificate and for revalidation purposes.

3. Upon successful completion of the examination, the Candidate shall be issued with a DP Practitioner Accreditation Certificate by IMCA. Subject to the revalidation requirements, this Certificate shall be valid for a period of three years and shall expire on the Anniversary Date.

4. A Candidate who has been unsuccessful in the examination shall be advised accordingly in writing and shall be provided with feedback on the failed modules. Such a Candidate shall also be advised of the re-sit rules. Reference is made to the IMCA DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Handbook, IMCA M 249, for further details.

5. A Candidate who has been unsuccessful on three consecutive occasions shall not be permitted to re-sit the examination for five years from the date of the last examination.

6. A fee shall be charged each time an examination is retaken, in accordance with the Schedule of Fees contained in Schedule 1.

Appeals 1. Candidates who have been unsuccessful and wish to appeal should do so in writing to IMCA within 30 days

of the date of the letter advising them of the outcome. Any subsequent decision by IMCA on this issue shall be final.

Revalidation Process 1. In order to obtain revalidation of their accreditation, candidates shall be issued with an invoice on an annual

basis for the revalidation fee set out in Schedule 1. Should payment not be received by the due date, the candidate’s accreditation shall be suspended until payment is received. Should payment not be received within 90 days of the due date, then accreditation shall be revoked.

2. Candidates wishing to obtain a revalidation of their DP Practitioner Accreditation Certificate shall submit the required Evidence Portfolio (EP) no later than six weeks prior to the expiry of their Certificate. Should the revalidation criteria not be met, then the candidate’s accreditation shall be revoked.

Appeals 1. Appeals against a decision to revoke a DP Practitioner Accreditation Certificate should be submitted to IMCA

within 30 days of expiry of the Certificate. Any subsequent decision by IMCA on this issue shall be final.

DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Terms and Conditions 30 April 2019 Page 3 of 3

Lapsed Accreditation Certificates 1. Should a DP Practitioner Accreditation Certificate be permitted to lapse, it shall not be revalidated in

accordance with the process set out in Revalidation Process.

2. A Candidate wishing to reinstate their accreditation having allowed their DP Practitioner Accreditation Certificate to lapse, shall be required to recommence the process as a new applicant.

Non-Compliance 1. Based on feedback to IMCA, IMCA reserves the right to audit the work of IMCA Accredited DP Practitioners.

IMCA reserves the right to revoke any accreditation on the basis of the outcome of any such audit.

2. DP Practitioners accredited in accordance with this Scheme shall comply with IMCA’s ‘Bye-Laws’ and its’ ‘Code of Conduct’ as published on the IMCA website. IMCA reserves the right to revoke any accreditation on the basis of non-compliance with this Code.

Schedule 1

Schedule of Fees

Initial application £550

Revalidation annual fee £125

Additional check of evidence £350

Examination resit £200

Additional costs including but not limited to travel, accommodation and subsistence shall be at the candidate’s expense.