Continuing Competence
To meet the requirements of the CIWM (WAMITAB) Operator Competence Scheme, technically competent people must take the Continuing Competence test to demonstrate that their knowledge and skills have kept pace with changes across the resources and waste management sector, such as the introduction of new legislation, technologies and/or techniques.
Continuing Competence
To meet the requirements of the CIWM (WAMITAB) Operator Competence Scheme, technically competent people must take the Continuing Competence test to demonstrate that their knowledge and skills have kept pace with changes across the resources and waste management sector, such as the introduction of new legislation, technologies and/or techniques.
Do I need to take the Continuing Competence Test?
Technically competent people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are required to pass their Continuing Competence test every two years from the date published on either the Primary Competence certificate (if this is your first Continuing Competence test) or from the date printed on the last Continuing Competence certificate (if you have taken the Continuing Competence test before) for the specific activity.
Please note: CIWM is responsible for multiple competency scheme tests. If you are taking a Continuing Competence test, please ensure you select the correct test. CIWM (WAMITAB) uses the email address registered on the Pearson booking system should we need to contact you regarding Continuing Competence results. Please ensure you use your personal email address and mobile number when creating your account.
Everyone is automatically entered for the Generic Knowledge Test during the booking process. Still, you must be prepared to select your Activity Specific Test options at the Pearson test centre on the day of the test.
You can book your test here.
Syllabi (England and Wales)
Everybody takes the Generic Knowledge Test ('generic') – the first section of the Continuing Competence test. This section comprises 18 questions on Legislation, Health and Safety and Environmental Protection. Once you have completed the Generic Knowledge Test, you will be asked to take up to three Activity Specific Tests comprising 12 questions.
(Please note: The links below will take you to the syllabus for each element of the Generic Knowledge Test, effective from 1 April 2023. Environmental regulators' source documents supporting continuing competence may have been withdrawn from circulation due to policy changes, even though the content remains current. We provide the information in good faith for the Continuing Competence test. Still, it cannot be considered a substitute for obtaining detailed advice or guidance from the regulatory body on site operational requirements. If a link is broken, the resources may be found by searching the source title using a search engine).
An Activity-Specific Test (AST) (or 'option') comprises 12 questions on the specific competence which you need to maintain and should relate directly to your Primary Competence certificate.
(Please note: The links below will take you to the syllabus for each Activity Specific Test effective from 1 April 2023. Environmental regulators' source documents supporting continuing competence may have been withdrawn from circulation due to policy changes, even though the content remains current. We provide the information in good faith for the Continuing Competence test. Still, it cannot be considered a substitute for obtaining detailed advice or guidance from the regulatory body on site operational requirements. If a link is broken, the resources may be found by searching the source title using a search engine).
Syllabi (Northern Ireland)
Everybody takes the Generic Knowledge Test ('generic') – the first section of the Continuing Competence test. This section comprises 18 questions on Legislation, Health and Safety and Environmental Protection. Once you have completed the Generic Knowledge Test, you will be asked to take up to three Activity Specific Tests comprising 12 questions.
(Please note: The links below will take you to the syllabus for each element of the Generic Knowledge Test. Environmental regulators' source documents in support of continuing competence may have been withdrawn from circulation as a result of policy change, although the content remains current. We provide the information in good faith for the Continuing Competence test. Still, it cannot be considered a substitute for obtaining detailed advice or guidance from the regulatory body on site operational requirements. If a link is broken, the resources may be found by searching the source title using a search engine).
An Activity-Specific Test (AST) (or 'option') comprises 12 questions on the specific competence which you need to maintain and should relate directly to your Primary Competence certificate.
(Please note: The links below will take you to the syllabus for each Activity Specific Test. Environmental regulators' source documents supporting continuing competence may have been withdrawn from circulation due to policy changes, even though the content remains current. We provide the information in good faith for the Continuing Competence test. Still, it cannot be considered a substitute for obtaining detailed advice or guidance from the regulatory body on site operational requirements. If a link is broken, the resources may be found by searching the source title using a search engine).
Prepare for your test
We have a range of revision guides available to help you prepare for your test. With guides for all three generic sections, as well as each activity-specific test, they contain all the information you need to get up to speed and approach your test with confidence.
Need to know more?
Have questions about Continuing Competence? Visit our FAQs page for helpful answers.
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