In the first instance, the Examiner will ask the knowledge questions as they are written in the Assessment Criteria. Where an Examiner feels that additional information may be provided, subsidiary questions may be asked. This is to allow the Learner to fully demonstrate their knowledge and meet the Assessment Criteria to the best of their ability.

 

This process is designed with the Learner’s best interest in mind and will always be actioned in a supportive manner, to provide the Learner with the opportunity to complete their exam in a way that best reflects their potential and preparation. 


Examiners are fully trained in how to get the best from a Learner and give them an opportunity to perform to the best of their ability. Their use of subsidiary/supplementary questions is never to "catch out" Learners, but rather to provide them with a fair chance to do their best.


The order in which an Examiner asks knowledge questions may sometimes differ from the sequence shown in the Syllabus.

 

This can happen when a Learner's response covers more than one Assessment Criterion (AC). In these situations, the Examiner will accept the answer and acknowledge additional information before moving on to any remaining ACs, rather than asking the Learner to repeat information they have already provided.

 

Regardless of the order of questioning, the Examiner will ensure that Learners are given every opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in a way that reflects their preparation, abilities, and best performance on the day.

 

Before completing the assessment and closing the examination, the Examiner will also review the discussion to confirm that all assessment requirements have been covered.

 

For more information about knowledge elements, please consult the following articles: