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Candidate handbook

The rules, rights and responsibilities that apply to every AQSCERT candidate and certificate holder. Document AQS-HBK-01.

Draft — subject to legal review before launch. Draft v0.1, last updated 3 November 2026. This text is provided for the demonstration platform and must be reviewed by qualified legal counsel before AQSCERT begins live operations.

1. Introduction

This handbook explains how AQSCERT certification works from application to recertification. By booking an examination you agree to follow it, together with the terms of use and the Code of Professional Conduct. Where this handbook and a certification's published scheme differ, the scheme takes precedence.

2. Eligibility

Each certification page lists its formal eligibility requirements. In general:

  • Foundation certifications have no formal prerequisites.
  • Practitioner, Professional and Expert certifications may require evidence of relevant professional experience or a prior AQSCERT certification.
  • You must agree to the AQSCERT Code of Professional Conduct.

Where evidence is required, you declare it when you apply. An eligibility reviewer checks it before your certification decision; we may ask for references or documents. Recommended prior knowledge is guidance only and is not a requirement.

3. Booking an exam

  1. Create a candidate account and verify your email address.
  2. Complete your profile, including your name exactly as it should appear on your certificate.
  3. Choose a certification, a delivery mode (online proctored or test centre) and an available session.
  4. Pay the exam fee or redeem a voucher. You receive a booking confirmation and reminders before the exam.

You may reschedule free of charge up to 72 hours before your session. Cancellations more than 14 days before the session are refunded in full; later cancellations may be refunded in part as set out in the terms. Request any reasonable adjustments before you book a session.

4. Identification

You must present a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID (passport, national identity card or photocard driving licence) whose name matches your booking. Expired, damaged or digital-only ID is not accepted. If your name has changed, contact us before your exam with supporting evidence. Without acceptable ID you will not be admitted and the session may be forfeited.

5. Exam rules & conduct

  • Exams are closed-book unless the certification page states otherwise.
  • Personal items, phones, smart watches, notes and other devices must be out of reach.
  • You may not copy, record, photograph, memorise for disclosure, or share exam content. All exam content is confidential and protected by copyright.
  • The exam timer runs on our servers. Your answers are saved automatically; if your connection drops, you can resume within the remaining time.
  • Scheduled breaks are only available where stated or approved as an adjustment.

Before starting, you will be asked to accept a confidentiality agreement. Breaching it is malpractice.

6. Online proctoring

Online exams are supervised by an approved external proctoring provider acting as our data processor. We configure proctoring to be proportionate:

  • A live or recorded webcam and screen session, an ID check and a room scan at check-in.
  • No biometric identification or emotion analysis by default.
  • Automated flags are always reviewed by a trained person before any decision affects you.
  • Recordings are kept for a short period (normally three months) unless needed for an investigation or appeal.

You will be asked for explicit consent before a proctored session begins. If you prefer not to be proctored remotely, you can always choose a test-centre session instead at no extra cost.

7. Reasonable adjustments

If you have a disability, long-term health condition, specific learning difference or other circumstance that may affect your performance, you may request adjustments such as extra time, rest breaks, screen-reader compatible delivery or a separate room. Apply from your dashboard at least 15 working days before your preferred date, with supporting evidence. Information you provide is special category data; we use it only to arrange adjustments, with your explicit consent. Adjustments never change what is being assessed or the pass mark.

8. Results & score reports

Objective questions are marked automatically; practical tasks and flagged answers may be reviewed manually. A provisional result is normally shown when you submit and is confirmed within 10 working days after quality checks. Your score report shows your overall score, the pass mark and your performance in each syllabus domain. Pass marks are set by a documented standard-setting procedure.

9. Retakes

  • You may make up to three attempts at the same exam within any 12-month period.
  • After a first unsuccessful attempt you must wait 14 days; after a second, 30 days.
  • Each retake requires a new booking and fee and draws a different randomised form from the question bank.

10. Certification decision

Passing the exam is not by itself certification. An Independent Certification Decision Maker — who has not trained or assessed you — reviews your eligibility evidence, exam result and any integrity reports and decides to grant, refuse or defer certification. You are notified of the decision and, where refused, of the reasons and your right to appeal.

11. Using your certificate

  • Your certificate carries a unique number and a QR code linking to the public verification page.
  • Refer to your certification only by its exact title and only while it is active.
  • You may use the AQSCERT certified-professional mark only in accordance with the Certificate and Logo Use Policy, never on products or in a way that suggests AQSCERT endorses your organisation.
  • AQSCERT is accredited by DA, an IAF MLA signatory, to ISO/IEC 17024. Our programmes are developed by leading experts from industry. Describe your certificate exactly as it is issued; do not describe it as accredited unless the programme is listed in the published accreditation scope.

12. Validity & recertification

Certificates are valid for three years. To recertify you either log the required hours of continuing professional development (CPD) shown on the certification page, or pass the current exam again, before the expiry date. We email reminders 90, 60 and 30 days before expiry. If a certificate expires, you must re-sit the exam to regain certification.

13. Suspension, withdrawal and revocation

A certificate may be suspended while a concern is investigated or if recertification is overdue; withdrawn if you no longer meet requirements; or revoked for malpractice, misrepresentation or serious breach of the Code of Conduct. The public verification page always shows current status. You will be told the reason and how to appeal.

14. Malpractice

Malpractice includes impersonation, using unauthorised materials or assistance, sharing or obtaining exam content, tampering with the exam environment and falsifying eligibility evidence. Suspected malpractice is investigated fairly; you will be given the opportunity to respond. Outcomes may include voiding a result, a ban on future exams and revocation of certificates.

15. Complaints & appeals

You may complain about any aspect of our service, and appeal against decisions about eligibility, results, adjustments, certification or certificate status. Appeals are heard by people who were not involved in the original decision. See complaints and appeals for timelines and how to apply.

16. Data protection

AQSCERT S.R.L. is the controller of your personal data. Our privacy notice explains what we collect, why, how long we keep it and your rights, including self-service data export and erasure requests from your dashboard. Contact [email protected] with any questions.