Dear relation,
You hadn’t forgotten about us yet? The past two months have been quiet in terms of news and we have always promised that we will only make you happy with a newsletter if there is something to tell. So it is finally time again! We have collected and bundled all the news for you in this April newsletter.
In this newsletter; new end and test terms (ETT) have been drawn up, a reminder of the secure browser installation, how our exams work abroad, that the possibilities for a VCA exam for special target groups will actually be examined, and much more.
Enjoy reading!
Team Ascend examengroep B.V.
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New modified ETT 2021
Each year, during the first meeting of the Central Examination Committee VCA, the “Final and Test Terms” (ETT) are re-established. The changes for this year relate to:
• hand grinders
• working at height (in particular the person work platforms)
• change in confined space examples
• using tight-fitting gloves
The changes will be implemented in September 2021, the course books and teaching material can be adapted accordingly. Although there is an exception to the change with regard to the use of personal equipment during working on high. The exams have already been adjusted to this, because this concerns a change in Dutch legislation that is already in force.
Both documents can be found here on our website: https://www.vcainfra.nl/b-vca-vol-vca-vil-vcu
Research into a B-VCA will continue
We only applaud this news. The VCA Infra newsletter stated that no less than 60% of the 100 respondents indicated that they would like to discuss a special VCA exam for special target groups.
The main question from the survey that has been circulated was as follows: “The labor market is desperate for workers with a B-VCA diploma. Candidates from special target groups often have more difficulty obtaining this diploma. What is the vision of the trainers? “
A digital meeting is being organized, the aim of which is to exchange information about a possible B-VCA exam in the future.
VCA Infra will also give a presentation during “the day of the examination centers” in which the results of the survey are central.
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New Secure Browser; repeated call to installation
Last year, in August 2020, we informed everyone via our newsletter about the new Secure Browser. We usually bring our own laptops and of course we have the latest Quenstionmark installed.
We would like to ask all companies that provide their own laptops for an exam to check whether they really have the latest version installed. VCA Infra has indicated that not everyone has complied with using the latest version.
The most recent version can be downloaded from Questionmark’s website: https://support.questionmark.com/content/get-questionmark-secure
By the way, no additional plugin is required, because Flash is no longer used in the exams.
If after July 1, 2021 events are still taken with version 5.8.1.4 of the Secure Browser, there is a risk that VCA Infra cannot offer an appropriate solution if problems arise during the exam.
Office hours during the National holidays
The telephone rings happily here in the office to schedule exams, because our foreign clients of course do not know about a Dutch King’s Day or Whit Monday. This year we have chosen to be open as much as possible, even during National Holiday’s.
Due to Corona, most exams are in smaller groups and spread over several days, so we would like to help our clients with exams. Plus we think every day is a holiday, because it is a party to make candidates happy with positive exam results!
We will be less available during Ascension Day / Idul Fitri (sugar festival) on May 13, 2021 and Whit Monday on May 24, 2021.
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Dispensation for experienced SOG examiners
The 2021 Examination Handbook sets a requirement that SOG examiners conduct a practical exam at least 4 times a year or examine at least 16 candidates per year.
VCA Infra sees that in practice examiners experienced by the corona crisis cannot always achieve this objective. This rule will therefore be less strictly enforced. Of course, the idea behind this rule remains: demonstrably maintaining examiner skills.
For the year 2020-2021, VCA Infra not only looks at the numbers, but also at the experience of an examiner.
We emphasize that it is the responsibility of the examination centers to guarantee the quality and up-to-date knowledge of the examiners and to make this demonstrable.
Travel abroad for examination
It is and remains a gamble that we take every time with accepting or rejecting exams abroad. It is striking that we have recently been receiving exam requests from all over the world; from Africa to the Netherlands Antilles. We secretly dream away on sunny trips on the beach and on safari among the elephants, but as everyone understands that is unfortunately not yet possible.
We will go back to Portugal and Poland in May. From May 15, 2021, the rules of the government seem to be less strict again with the Covid measures regarding flying. Until now, we have conducted a test in the Netherlands and abroad every time and of course observe all safety measures that apply in the relevant country.
If you want to request exams abroad, please always contact us. We will then jointly see what is possible and decide whether the exams will be held soon or at a later date this year.
In any case, we are very happy with the cooperation and understanding of our foreign clients.
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Pilot refresher training ABvL / VVL-H
Translated from the VCA Infra newsletter:
The SOG qualifications VVL-H, BVL and ABvL were introduced in October 2016 and October 2018 respectively. The validity of the diploma is 5 years. This means that the first batch will go for the repeat certification in October 2021.
In order to make the recertification more responsive to the wishes of the participants and to make it more practice-oriented, a working group of the VVL guarantee committee has developed a proposal for refresher training.
The proposals were explained to the various stakeholders during a presentation on 19 February. The (exam) documents are sent on request. As no comments or additions to the documents were received, they were recently “provisionally” (pending the results of the pilot), adopted by the Assurance Commission.
On May 21, the guarantee committee will organize a pilot for the refresher training of ABvL and VVL-H. The aim of this pilot is to experience whether the planning as set up and included in the implementing rules for refresher training can also be realized.
The committee invites teachers / examiners of both qualifications to participate in this pilot as a participant. Trainers, examination centers and the representative organizations NRTO and User groups trainers and examination centers SOG will receive a separate invitation for this.
The results of this pilot will be shared with all trainers and examination centers.
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Until the next newsletter
It’s a bit like with the Corona rules, we may or may not do a new newsletter next month. You have to be patient to find out. As we said in this preface, we only send out a newsletter when there is really something to mention.
Oh, before we forget; we have a new coffee machine in the office! So if you are in the area and want to tell your story over a nice cup of coffee, you are very welcome with us. Mouth mask can be removed during coffee. You have a wide range of different coffees, chocolate milk and tea.
We wish everyone a good month and stay healthy!
Team Ascend examengroep B.V.