Candidate FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I attend a virtual training course?

A: IWCF’s Board of Directors have approved the introduction of virtual classroom training in 2020. This solution allows us to accommodate the requirement for training during the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst maintaining our high standards and integrity. We are committed to collaborating with our accredited centres to ensure this can be delivered effectively to candidates globally.

Accredited training centres can apply to offer virtual classroom training to candidates. As virtual training applications are approved, we will update our dedicated virtual training website page as well as our website locations map to show this as an additional delivery option. (On the map, you can search for them by using the the ‘Programmes’ filter and selecting ‘Virtual Training.’) Please contact the training centre for full details on the course delivery, duration and costs.

Q: I would like to attend an IWCF course. What is the procedure?

A: To book on to a course please contact an IWCF accredited training centre. To find a centre in your area which offers your preferred course, please visit our locations map. 

Your chosen centre will be able to confirm the next available course dates and the fees involved. 

All candidates also have to register as a candidate before being able to attend a training course. You can register by following this link: https://www.iwcf.org/candidates/candidate-registration/.  This will then give you a Candidate Registration (CR) number which you can give to your chosen training centre to book onto a course.  

You only have to register as a candidate once and can re-use the same CR number for all future course bookings. 

See the complete procedure by viewing our Candidate Guide.  

Q: What is anniversary dating?

A: If a candidate has an eCert which is currently valid and wishes to renew their qualification, they can visit an accredited training centre during the 90-day period before their eCert expires. If the candidate is successful in their re-qualification anniversary dating will be applied. This is providing that the re-qualification is for the same programme, level, and modules as the current eCert.

For example: A candidate currently holds a Level 4 Subsea eCert which expires on 1st September 2019. They complete their Level 4 Subsea course on the 3rd June 2019 and successfully pass their assessment. Their new eCert will be dated from the 1st September 2019 to ensure the full validity is granted.  

Q: When will candidates receive their full eCert after assessments?

A: Candidates who pass their assessment are granted a temporary eCert which lasts for 90 days. Full eCerts will then be issued during the 90 day period and will be available to view in the candidates FORUM account.

Q: What should candidates do if they have an issue with their eCert?

A: Please contact certification@iwcf.org and a member of the certification team will be able to assist you.

Q: Is there a 'grace period' for IWCF eCerts?

A: There is no grace period for IWCF eCerts.

Q: How do I login to my candidate account?

A: You can login to your candidate account by following this linkhttps://www.iwcf-forum.org/Login 

You will need the email address and password you entered during registration to login.  

If you have forgotten your password, please follow the ‘Forgotten my Password’ link on the FORUM homepage.  

Q: How do I change the email address on my candidate account?

A: If you can access your FORUM account, please login and update the email address in the ‘My Details’ section.  

If you cannot access your FORUM account, please contact forum.help@iwcf.org with the following information and a member of our team can assist you:  

  • Full name  
  • Date of Birth  
  • CR Number  
  • New email address to be linked to your account.  

Q: How do I register for Level 1 and WOCRM?

A:  To access our awareness courses please register here.

For more information on how to register, how to access the course and your certificate, view our user guide here.

Q: What programme and level should I complete?

A: IWCF follow IOGP recommendations as to what levels candidates should sit. This depends on your level of experience and employer requirements. For a general overview visit our course levels page. 

Download a copy of the latest IOGP 476 Levels Guidance Chart (April 2023 edition) here.

Q: I have completed the Level 1 awareness course and I want to progress to Level 2, what should I do?

A: To complete a Level 2 you should contact one of our accredited training centres.   To find a centre in your area which offers your preferred course, please visit our locations map. 

Your chosen centre will be able to confirm the next available course dates and the fees involved. 

All candidates also have to register as a candidate before being able to attend a training course. You can register by following this link: https://www.iwcf.org/candidates/candidate-registration/.  This will then give you a Candidate Registration (CR) number which you can give to your chosen training centre to book onto a course.  

You only have to register as a candidate once and can re-use the same CR number for all future course bookings. 

Q: How long is my eCert valid for?

A: IWCF certifications are valid for the following durations:  

  • Level 1 and WOCRM certificates do not have an expiry date however can be revisited at any time.  
  • Level 2 eCerts are valid for 5 years.  
  • Level 3 and 4 eCerts are valid for 2 years.  
  • Level 5 eCerts are valid for 5 years. 

Q: What is the procedure for resitting an assessment?

A: If a candidate sits a digital assessment and scores between 66% and 69% in their assessment, they will qualify for an instant resit which can be completed on the day or within 90 days of the initial test date.  

If a candidate scores 65% or below in their assessment, they will need to attend further training with an instructor and return within 90 days of the initial test date to resit their assessment.  

Resits for paper assessments are subject to availability 

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