COVID-19 UPDATES

Virtual Training and Assessments Update

IWCF introduced virtual training and assessments in 2020 due to the impact that COVID-19 had upon face-to-face training. Piloting this alternative method of training enabled well control personnel to maintain competency despite travel restrictions and social distancing measures that have been in place.

To help us maintain and assure the high standards of quality and integrity expected at IWCF, we have been conducting extensive analysis of data throughout this period. This evaluation has demonstrated the efficacy of IWCF virtual classroom training and remote assessments.

This evidence-based approach has also been utilised to measure performance, monitor success and identify opportunities for improvement. One of the key findings from the analysis, supported by statistical evidence, show that there is no functional difference in candidate assessment results between those who completed an IWCF virtual classroom course versus IWCF face-to-face classroom training.

Accrediting and supporting our members to deliver virtual classroom training and assessment has allowed us to work towards our mission, while enabling our members to provide an accessible and cost-effective solution during the pandemic.

The results of the analysis performed allow us to continue to offer virtual training and assessments as an option for all IWCF accredited training providers, subject to compliance with IWCF guidelines and requirements.

Due to the successful implementation of this initiative, we will close the process for eCert extensions for both renewing and resit candidates from 31^st March 2021.

Our virtual training providers page on our website continues to be updated with details of centres who are accredited to run virtual training and assessments.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

COVID-19 Update – Virtual Assessments

With on-going COVID-19 restrictions being imposed in many parts of the world, we have continued to follow regional advice and work closely with our members to offer support and guidance during these unprecedented times.

Globally, candidates have been impacted by travel restrictions and strict quarantine rules, with many being unable to attend accredited training centres to complete assessments. We understand many crews are adapting to changing work patterns, with less time at home to complete training.

We will continue to support our key stakeholders by implementing adaptive solutions for well control training and assessment, whilst maintaining our integrity and high standards expected by our members, in line with our mission.

In April virtual training was introduced and has since been successfully implemented across 226 primary and associate centres globally, providing an alternative short-term solution to training centres and candidates who could not attend face to face training.

Due to the on-going restrictions and travel disruption, there is a population of candidates who have been unable to attend a training centre to complete their theory and practical assessments.

In line with our mission to ensure competency throughout this pandemic, IWCF will be offering both theoretical and practical virtual assessments from October 2020. This will be offered on a short-term basis as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be continually monitored by IWCF.

Eligibility Criteria

This solution is only for candidates who are unable to attend face to face training and assessments.

To be eligible to complete virtual assessments, the following criteria must be met.

1. The candidate must have successfully completed well control training previously.
2. The candidate must be enrolled onto a Drilling Well Control or Well Intervention Pressure Control course at level 2, 3 or 4.
3. The candidate must complete a virtual training course before taking virtual assessments.

The following exception will be allowed if points 1 and 2 are met:

Candidates will be able to sit a virtual assessment if they have completed their face to face training course but are then impacted by COVID-19 restrictions that prevent them from attending the assessment at a training centre. This also applies to candidates that are returning to do a re-sit.

Our virtual training providers page on our website will be updated with centres details of those who become accredited to run virtual assessments.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Certificate Extension Update – July 2020

Since March 2020, IWCF have continued to closely monitor the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and have worked closely with our members globally to follow regional advice.

With worldwide restrictions being imposed, we have worked to ensure the safety and wellbeing of employees and well operations crews are maintained by introducing the virtual classroom training option. IWCF virtual classroom training is now widely available at accredited training centres globally (see links below).

Certificate extensions have been granted for eligible candidates who were unable to re-certify between 17 February 2020 and 31 July 2020.

After carefully assessing the latest developments affecting our global membership, IWCF’s Board of Trustees have agreed to introduce a new eligibility criteria and dispensation process for the small population of individuals that continue to be affected by COVID-19 restrictions beyond 31 July 2020.

IWCF reserve the right to decline an extension request if it is determined that a candidate can attend an accredited centre for assessments.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and keep you updated with any future developments.

Information for candidates

eCerts expiring between 1 August 2020 and 30 September 2020:

Candidates that have an eCert expiring between 1 August 2020 and 30 September 2020 and meet the below criteria will be eligible to apply for an extension.

• The candidate must be booked to attend a virtual classroom training course at an IWCF accredited training provider.
• The candidate’s employer must provide a written request for extension.

The booking details and employer request must be submitted by email to certification@iwcf.org.

Once IWCF has reviewed the dispensation request, eligible candidates will be granted a 90-day eCert extension.

Candidates who do not meet the above criteria will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

eCerts expiring before 1 August 2020:

The online extension request form has now closed. Candidates that have an eCert expiring before 1 August 2020 should contact certification@iwcf.org

Useful links

We have introduced a COVID-19 hub on the IWCF website for centres and candidates to use.

Open Training Centres – This page lists IWCF accredited training centres by region who are open for training and assessments, or their expected opening dates.

Virtual Training Providers – This page lists training centres by region who are accredited to offer virtual classroom training.

COVID-19 FAQs – This page answers the most frequently asked questions from centres and candidates.

Please contact us at certification@iwcf.org if you have any questions.

Click here to download a copy of this notice.

IWCF Certificate Extension Review – 4th May 2020

Click here to download the Certificate Extension Review notice from 4th May 2020. This information has since been superseded by the update issued on 10th July 2020.

IWCF Virtual Training Update – 20th April 2020

Click here to download the virtual training update from 20th April 2020.

COVID-19 Update – 7th April 2020

Click here to view the COVID-19 update issued on 7th April 2020. The certificate extension information in this notice has since been superseded by the update issued on 10th July 2020.

IWCF Business Continuity Update – 18th March 2020

Click here to view the Business Continuity update issued on 18th March 2020. The certificate extension information in this notice has since been superseded by the update issued on 10th July 2020.

IWCF Coronavirus Update – 13th March 2020

Click here to view the Coronavirus update issued on 13th March 2020. The certificate extension information in this notice has since been superseded by the update issued on 10th July 2020.