Examination Policies

General Examination Rules

ACI examinations are administered through the ACI online portal under remotely proctored or centre-based conditions. All candidates must adhere to the following rules to ensure the integrity of the examination process and the validity of their results.

Before the Examination

• Candidates must log in to the examination platform at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
• A valid form of photo identification (passport, driving licence, or national identity card) must be presented to the proctor or invigilator.
• The examination environment must be quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions. For remote proctored examinations, a 360-degree room scan will be required.
• Candidates must close all applications and browser tabs unrelated to the examination before the session begins.

During the Examination

• Candidates must remain visible on camera for the entire duration of the examination (remote proctored).
• Communication with any other person during the examination is strictly prohibited.
• Candidates may not leave the examination area without permission from the proctor or invigilator.
• Time limits are strictly enforced. A countdown timer is visible throughout the examination.
• Once an answer has been submitted in a multi-section examination, you may not return to a previous section.

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Permitted and Prohibited Items

To maintain examination integrity, ACI has clear guidelines on what items may and may not be present during your examination.

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Candidate Conduct

All candidates are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout the examination process. ACI reserves the right to terminate an examination attempt if a candidate's behaviour is disruptive, disrespectful, or inconsistent with the expected standards of professional conduct.

Candidates must:

• Follow all instructions from proctors and invigilators promptly
• Not attempt to copy, share, or reproduce examination content in any form
• Not discuss examination content with other candidates or on social media
• Report any technical difficulties immediately to the proctor or examination team
• Not attempt to gain unfair advantage through any means

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Reasonable Adjustments

ACI is committed to providing equitable examination conditions for all candidates. If you have a disability, long-term health condition, specific learning difficulty, or temporary impairment that may affect your ability to take the examination under standard conditions, you may request reasonable adjustments.

Available Adjustments

Depending on your individual needs, adjustments may include:

• Additional time — typically 25% extra time, or up to 50% in exceptional circumstances
• Rest breaks — scheduled pauses that do not count towards examination time
• Modified format — enlarged text, high-contrast screen settings, or screen reader compatibility
• Alternative venue — arrangements for centre-based examination if remote proctoring is not suitable
• Scribe or reader — a human scribe or reader where assistive technology is insufficient
• Separate room — for candidates with conditions that may cause disruption

How to Apply

Requests for reasonable adjustments must be submitted at least 15 working days before your scheduled examination date. Requests should include:

1. A completed Reasonable Adjustments Request Form (available in the ACI portal)
2. Supporting evidence from a qualified medical professional, educational psychologist, or relevant authority
3. Details of adjustments previously received in other examinations (where applicable)

ACI will review your request and confirm the approved adjustments within 5 working days. If you disagree with the decision, you may appeal through our standard appeals process.

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Resit Policy

Candidates who do not achieve the required pass mark may resit the examination subject to the following conditions:

Resit Limits and Timelines

• A maximum of three examination attempts are permitted within a 12-month period from the date of the initial application.
• A minimum waiting period of 30 calendar days must elapse between consecutive attempts.
• Resit examinations must be booked through the ACI portal and are subject to availability.

After Three Unsuccessful Attempts

If a candidate is unsuccessful after three attempts:

• A mandatory six-month waiting period applies before the candidate may reapply.
• ACI may require the candidate to complete additional approved training before being permitted to sit the examination again.
• A new application and application fee will be required.

Resit Fees

Each resit attempt incurs a resit fee. The resit fee is 50% of the standard examination fee for your grade. Corporate members may benefit from discounted resit fees as part of their membership package.

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Appeals Process

Candidates have the right to appeal examination results or decisions related to reasonable adjustments. ACI operates a transparent and fair appeals process.

Grounds for Appeal

Appeals may be submitted on the following grounds:

• Procedural irregularity — evidence that the examination was not conducted in accordance with published procedures
• Extenuating circumstances — significant personal or medical circumstances that affected performance and were not known at the time of the examination
• Administrative error — evidence of an error in marking, recording, or processing of results

Please note that disagreement with the professional judgement of examiners is not, by itself, grounds for appeal.

Submitting an Appeal

1. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 20 working days of the notification of results.
2. The appeal should clearly state the grounds and be accompanied by any supporting evidence.
3. An appeal fee of GBP 75 is payable at the time of submission. This fee is refunded in full if the appeal is upheld.

Review and Outcome

Appeals are reviewed by an independent Appeals Panel that was not involved in the original examination or decision. The panel will consider all evidence and issue a decision within 20 working days of receipt. The decision of the Appeals Panel is final.

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Malpractice Policy

ACI takes examination integrity extremely seriously. Malpractice undermines the value of ACI certification for all certificate holders and the organisations that rely on it.

What Constitutes Malpractice

Malpractice includes, but is not limited to:

• Copying from or communicating with another person during the examination
• Using unauthorised materials or electronic devices
• Sharing examination content with others before, during, or after the examination
• Impersonating another candidate or having another person take the examination on your behalf
• Tampering with examination software or attempting to circumvent proctoring controls
• Fabricating or falsifying evidence submitted in support of a certification application

Consequences

Where malpractice is established following investigation, ACI may impose one or more of the following sanctions:

• Cancellation of the examination result
• A ban from sitting ACI examinations for a defined period (typically 12 to 36 months)
• Revocation of any existing ACI certification
• Removal from the ACI Professional Register
• Notification to relevant employers, certification bodies, or regulatory authorities

Investigation Process

Suspected malpractice is investigated by the ACI Compliance Team. The candidate will be notified in writing and given the opportunity to respond before any sanction is imposed. Candidates have the right to appeal any malpractice decision through the appeals process described above.