IRPM Part II Examination Guide

• Introduction
• Why is the CIH involved in the examination?
• What will I have to do to pass the Part II examination?
• What level is the examination set at?
• When will it take place?
• Where will it be offered?
• What if I need special arrangements for the examination?
• How can I prepare for the examination?
• What are the regulations for the examination?
• How will the examination be assessed?
• What can I do if I fail?
• What does it cost?
• Where can I get an application form?
• Who do I contact if I have questions?
• Regulations and administration of Part II examinations

Introduction

The IRPM has commissioned the CIH to design and manage the Part II examination to enable IRPM Associates to progress to the Member Grade of the Institute, subject to prerequisite 3 years experience. This examination is based on the national occupational standards for Residential Property Management developed through Asset Skills the Sector Skills Council, and approved by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority for England (QCA) and the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills for Wales (DCELLS). This guide provides information to the candidate, their sponsors and others interested in becoming a professionally qualified member of IRPM, on the structure and regulations for the examination.

Why is the CIH involved in the examination?

The CIH is a nationally recognised Awarding Body for housing qualifications. In addition the CIH approves qualifications delivered by Universities and Colleges within the UK and overseas. This provides the CIH with considerable experience and expertise in the design and delivery of qualifications to national quality assured standards

What will I have to do to pass the Part II examination?

The Part II examination has been designed as an unseen examination paper divided into two parts; Part A and Part B.

Part A will consist of 12 short questions to be completed in one hour. Candidates will be required to answer any 10 out of the 12, with answers worth 4 marks per question. This part will make up 40% of the total marks available.

Part B will consist of 6 longer (essay style) questions three of which are to be completed in one hour and thirty minutes. There will be 2 questions in each of 3 sections; Finance, Law, and Management of Buildings. Candidates will be required to answer one question from each section. Each answer will be worth 20 marks with the total contribution to the overall mark of 60%

What level is the examination set at ?

The qualification has been designed to be assessed at level 1 of an undergraduate programme (Level 4 of the National Qualifications Framework). This would be at least the same level as an HNC year one or a NVQ level 4 qualification

When will it take place?

The unseen examination will take place at set dates each year. There will be one opportunity each year to take the examination however if there is sufficient demand a further date may be arranged. Once the examination has been completed candidates will be informed of their results within 10 weeks of taking the examination.

Where will it be offered?

The examination will be available at a number of locations across the country. This will depend on the location of candidates and we will endeavour to provide a centre within reasonable travelling distance for all candidates

What if I need special arrangements for the examination?

Should you require special facilities or support you must make the CIH aware of your needs when you apply for registration. The CIH and IRPM are committed to providing access to all and will endeavour to meet all requests for support and/or provide special facilities to enable open and comprehensive access to the examination

How can I prepare for the examination?

The IRPM promotes relevant training courses on the Diary dates page of its website; other courses are listed on the downloadable page of the ARMA website. Further reading material is available on the Reference Sources and Sponsors Updates pages on the Members area of the IRPM website.  Whilst the Residential Block and Estate Management Open Learning Course (2007) (OLC) forms the basis for the IRPM Part I Examination, it is a very informative reference tool given its comprehensive technical content.  The OLC can be obtained from Asset Skills.  The occupational standards for the sector are a useful guide to the subject areas and can be accessed through the Asset Skills website.

Diary dates
ARMA downloadable publications

What are the regulations for the examination?

The examination will be conducted according to the CIH/IRPM regulations. It is important that you read these regulations to ensure that you fully understand your rights and responsibilities relating to the conduct of the examination. Should you wish to appeal against the decision of the examination board you should contact the CIH and request a copy of the appeals procedure. You must submit any appeal within ten working days of the receipt of the decision of the examination board.

How will the examination be assessed?

Candidates will need to pass both Part A and B of the examination. The answer scripts from the examination will be marked by academic assessors. The scripts will then be sample marked by an external examiner appointed by the CIH. The final decision will be taken by the CIH/IRPM examination board. This will comprise of the assessors, the external examiner, representatives from IRPM and CIH.

The results of the examination board will be sent by the CIH to candidates following the examination board meeting.

What can I do if I fail?

Candidates who fail the examination will be allowed to retake the examination at the next sitting. Candidates will be required to retake the whole examination. There will be an administration fee of £45 for a first retake of the examination. Should the candidate fail the second attempt a full resit fee will be charged.

Candidates who fail the examination will be provided with extensive feedback on their strengths and weaknesses to enable them to prepare for the second attempt.

What does it cost?

The cost for both parts of the examination is £325. This must be paid in full before the candidate sits the unseen examination. Should the candidate decide not to proceed with the examination a refund of the fee can be made subject to an administration charge. Fees cannot be refunded to any candidate who withdraws from the programme less than 3 weeks before the examination date. However, the candidate may be transferred to the next available examination session. No fees can be refunded once the unseen examination has been taken.

Where can I get an application form?

Click here to download an application form   (PDF: 57 kb)

Who do I contact if I have questions?

If you have questions relating to the administration of the examinations please contact the CIH.

Tel: 02476 851739
Fax: 02476 695110
E mail: education@cih.org or IRPM@cih.org

For questions relating to IRPM membership please contact IRPM.

Tel: 020 7622 5092
Fax: 020 7498 6153
E mail: info@irpm.org.uk