Exemption Information

An overview

Introduction…
Successful completion of other courses in computing may allow an Applicant to be granted an exemption from all or part of an ACP award.

ACP's definition of a 'Standard Exemption'…
To meet the criteria for a 'Standard Exemption' a student must hold a Certificate or Diploma for a computing qualification that has been awarded by a body, whose syllabuses are known to ACP. These are detailed in ACP's 'Application for Exemption' Form.

Also detailed on this website is a comparison of ACP's Professional Courses with equivalent UK Qualifications. These relate to the recently revised National Qualifications Framework (NQF), within which qualifications equivalent to the ACP Certificate and Diploma are categorised as NQF Level 3, and the ACP Advanced Diploma as NQF Level 5. A holder of a qualification listed as equivalent to one of ACP's awards will be eligible to apply for exemption from all component subjects of that award.

For example, a holder of the IMIS Diploma wishing to continue their studies at ACP's Advanced Diploma level, will be eligible for exemption from all component subjects of ACP's Diploma. The fee payable by such an applicant will be the 'Standard Exemption Fee' shown on ACP's current 'Fees List'.

ACP's definition of a 'Non-Standard Exemption'…
Any qualification not listed in either this booklet, or on any other ACP publication, is defined as a 'Non-Standard Exemption'.

As there is considerably more work involved in assessing an application from a holder of a qualification that is yet to be assessed by ACP, the cost is commensurately higher. The Non-Standard Exemption Fee' is payable for each single ACP component subject from which exemption is sought.

For example, if a student holds one or more qualifications that are considered by his/her Tutor to warrant exemption from 2 of the component subjects at Certificate level, he/she will pay exemption fees at 2 x the 'Non-Standard Exemption' fee shown on ACP's current 'Fees List'.

Deciding whether to apply for exemption…
We regret that, bearing in mind the costs in connection with assessing non-standard qualifications, our Examinations Office is unable to provide any advice or guidance on the possible success or failure of an application for exemption prior to its formal submission. All applications will need to be properly submitted as detailed on the 'Application for Exemption Form'.

However, it is possible to say that, as a general rule, for non-standard qualifications ACP is seeking a minimum of 500-600 hours study in appropriate IT subjects to yield Certificate and Diploma exemption. Certificate exemption alone will be considered where a student can provide documentary evidence that he/she has undertaken a full-time course (in appropriate computing subjects) of no less than 300 hours.

How to apply for an ACP exemption

All applications for exemption (whether standard or non-standard) should be made by completing the 'Application for Exemption' form (Revised 2007/8 version). We regret that we cannot deal with applications made by letter, fax, e-mail or any other means. The applicant should clearly show on the form the ACP examination subjects from which exemption is sought and pay fees accordingly.

Applying for a 'non-standard' exemption…
Applicants seeking exemption(s) based on non-standard qualification(s) MUST send the following information with their application form:

• A typed/printed copy of the relevant course syllabus.
• A specimen examination paper for each subject forming part of the qualification.

These two items may be obtained from the relevant awarding body in the unlikely event that the college is unable to provide a copy. Plus:

• Written evidence that at least a 'Pass' grade was achieved in all relevant component examinations.
• Written confirmation (from the college at which the course was taken) of the course contact hours per week and duration of the course in weeks i.e. the total course contact hours.
• Written confirmation of the hours of supervised hands-on practical training undertaken leading to the qualification held.

It is unlikely that a course of less than 15 hours per week theory and/or less than 3 hours supervised practical, spanning a shorter period than 6 months of study will qualify for either Certificate or Diploma exemption.

Centres are asked to note that, if any of the above information is not included with a non-standard application, it may be returned to the applicant unprocessed.

Fees…
Our current 'Fees List' details the 'Exemption Fee' that should accompany the application.

'Exemption Fees' cover the Association's costs in connection with considering an application. In reaching a decision, these costs will already have been incurred. Therefore, if an application is turned down, or if only a partial exemption is granted, the full fee paid by the Applicant will be retained by ACP.

Fees are non-transferable.

Applications considered for current Student Members only… An applicant's membership MUST be fully paid-up at the time of making his/her application for exemption. Where membership has lapsed, the 'Application for Exemption' form should also be accompanied by a 'Membership Renewal' form and the annual 'Membership Subscription' shown on the current ACP 'Fees List'.

Exemption application form

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