There is only one entry route to become a SITMA Member. This is through training and examination
SITMA makes no stipulations regarding prospective testers requiring specific abilities prior to applying to the training and assessment process however, it is advisable that applicants are:
Able to lift equipment (circa 20kg) through rough terrain.
Familiar with scheme document PUS009 which provides tester competency requirements (this should support the applicant in their decision making vis-à-vis training and assessment options).
Options
In order to ensure that Scheme requirements are fully met, and that all applicants are treated fairly and objectively, SITMA requires all individuals to complete an assessment process. SITMA does provide options on how applicants approach this assessment. In order to maintain fairness amongst all applicants, the assessment used for Option 1 is the same assessment that can be set if the individual chooses option 2. At no point does SITMA require, suggest, or mandate that the training course to be taken.
Applicants attended a training course at a SITMA Approved Training Partner (ATP) and then go on to sit an assessment
Applicants can sit the assessment without the training (this option is available should individuals feel they are confident enough to pass the assessment without training)
If the applicant requires both training and assessment they are directed to SITMA’s Approved Training Partner list. Here the applicant can choose an ATP and subsequent course that suits them. ATP courses tend to be run over 3 days, with 2 days designated to theory and 1 day to practical training. To successfully complete the ATP course, applicants must pass both a theory and practical assessment which is included in the 3-day course. The certificate of completion for the full course allows applicants to apply to the Scheme to become a certified tester (the certificate of completion does not grant immediate access to the Scheme).
There may be circumstances where the tester fails to meet the minimum requirements of the assessment and may require further training. Where this is the case, the trainer and tester will have a conversation to discuss if the failings are linked to a lack of understanding or perhaps examination nerves.
As with option 1, applicants are directed to SITMA’s Approved Training Partner list. Here the applicant can choose an ATP that provides the straight to assessment option. Assessments can be conducted in person with the ATP or Online.
Failed Assessments
SITMA permits all candidates a maximum of 5 attempts at the theory examination, after which they must wait a period of 6 months before they can restart the assessment process.
All second attempts at the theory examination must be completed within 30 days of the date the result of the initial examination was issued and will conducted using the ‘multiple-choice’ format. There is no charge for the second attempt
A third attempt at the ‘multiple-choice’ examination can only go ahead following a 90-day cooling off period following the issuance of the results from the previous examination. The cooling off period can be reduced to 30 days if the candidate chooses to sit the ‘written’ examination instead of the ‘multiple choice’. Third attempts are charged at £100+VAT. Note: Candidates are not obliged to take the written examination. It is entirely optional.
Any fourth attempt at the ‘multiple choice’ examination will follow the above process and will only go ahead after a 90-days cooling off period following the issuance of the results from the previous examination. Second attempts at the ‘written’ examination may be taken after a cooling off period of 30 days. Fourth attempts will be charged at £100+VAT.
All fifth attempts at the theory examination will be completed in the ‘multiple choice’ format and will follow the previously defined process with candidates whose third and fourth attempts were completed in the ‘written’ format requiring a 30 day cooling off period. This attempt will be charged at £100+VAT.
The use of the alternative examination formats and defined for cooling off periods reduces the risk that candidates are simply learning the examination instead of the required content. Regardless of the format, the examination questions remain the same, the difference between the formats is that in the ‘written’ examination the questions are not provided in a multiple choice format, instead questions must be answered by writing on the examination paper. Examinations have a marketing guide (included in QMS020) which gives guidance on marking. Written examinations are always dual marked by SITMA staff who are qualified to function as auditors.
Once the assessment has been successfully completed the certificate can be used to complete the SITMA application. Quoted fees will increase annually in-line with Consumer Price Index (CPI) as shown on ONS.gov.uk (12-month rate as of December of the previous year).
Pre-Application Requirements
Only once the applicant has successfully completed the training and assessment process, and has received their completion certificate, can they make their application to join SITMA. Applicants are not authorised to apply without the completion certificate unless the Scheme Manager authorises the tester to do so.
SITMA’s scope of certification covers individuals and not companies so requires all of its members to join as ‘individuals’ though as individual they may choose to be associated to a company for the purposes of administration and communication, but the certification remains solely with the tester and not the associated company.
In addition to the above points, SITMA requires that all applicants must
Insured with both Public Liability and Professional Indemnity. Note that the limits are not defined by SITMA but by the customers that SITMA members work for. SITMA members must ensure they are suitably covered for all eventualities.
Own or rent all equipment required for testing, which must have had calibration carried out in accordance with Equipment and Calibration requirements
Apply and remain responsible for quality control for all aspect of their work.
Application Process
To apply for certification, all applicants will need to complete the online application form available here.
The following information is required at the application stage
The applicant will enter into an agreement by checking boxes on the application form to abide by the rules and requirements of the SITMA Scheme. Applications will be acknowledged within 5 working days of receipt and an invoice issued against the accompanying Application Fee. An account will be established for trading with SITMA, which will include the option to sign up for a direct debit process to automatically pay SITMA fees going forward. Scheme document PUS001 – Application Information provides applicants with an example of all required fields which can be made available on request.
Initial Audit
Once an individual has completed the application stage and has provided the required evidence of Scheme pre-requisites, they will be required to complete an Initial Audit (a witnessed audit) conducted by a SITMA Auditor. It remains the candidate’s responsibility to source an appropriate testing location. As an aid, SITMA makes document PUS011 – Audit Requirements (Site) Members Information available, this document defines the physical requirements for a test site. PUS012 – Audit Process & Outcomes is also provided to the candidate so that they are fully informed on how the audit process is conducted and what it entails. PUS011 and PUS012 will be provided upon application.
Candidates are allowed 2 attempts at the initial audit stage, failure to pass within the two allowed attempts will lead to a cooling off period of 6 weeks before the candidate is allowed to re-attempt the initial audit. The 6 weeks cooling off periods comes into effect from the date that the second attempt at the initial audit has been formally issued back to the candidate by SITMA.
Failed Initial Audit
Candidates are allowed a maximum of three attempts at the initial audit stage.
A second attempt at the initial audit must be completed within 30 days of the date the results of the first attempt were issued. This attempt will be charged at £250 + VAT.
A third attempt is permissible following a cooling off period of 6 weeks from the date the results of the first attempt were issued. This attempt will be charged at £250 + VAT.
The cooling off period is to ensure the individual has adequate time to learn more about sound insulation testing.
Note: Quoted fees will increase annually in-line with Consumer Price Index (CPI) as shown on ONS.gov.uk (12-month rate as of December of the Previous year).
Probation Period
Upon successful application and subsequent passing of the initial audit, testers will undergo a period of probation for 6 months whereby the Scheme Manager at any time may put testers membership on hold should the Scheme Manager have reason to do so.
SITMA uses Approved Training Partners to conduct approved training courses and administer assessments that are used for as the entrance criteria for the SITMA Scheme.
SITMA is committed to the continued development of all industry professionals. Reasonable accommodations are intended to remove, as far as is possible, the impact of a disability on an Applicant or Candidates performance and to enable the individual access to training and assessment on an equal footing. It does not give the delegate an unfair advantage over other delegates on the same course or in the same assessment. Any request for reasonable accommodation should be made from the outset and should include the diagnosis and recommended reasonable accommodations.
For Certified Persons that have left their associated company SITMA allows up to 30 days for reapplication and transfer to another associated company. Reapplication will require the certified person to contact the Scheme directly at admin@bcta.group as well as completion of the standard application form that is found here. For those that do not complete reapplication/transfer within the 30 day windows, they will be required to complete the entire assessment process as outlined within this page.
Ref: PUS004 – Methods & Routes of Entry – Issue 4.4
SITMA are committed to running impartial schemes. Our impartiality statement, GDPR data management, data, whistleblowing policies can be accessed using the links above. This also include SITMA’s full complaints procedure if you are not happy with SITMA’s service.
The Sound Insulation Testing & Measurement Association
Head Office
Unit 3 Tannery Road Industrial Estate
Tannery Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP13 7EQ
+44 (0)1494 358 159
admin@bcta.group