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Accreditation exam FAQs

6 March 2024 | March 2024, Newsletters

From the Accreditation Board

With registrations for the 2024 accreditation exam now open, the Accreditation Board (AB) is keen to address some of the frequently asked questions about the exam.

If you still have questions or concerns after reading this article, please reach out to your local AB delegate.

Do I have to sit the exam in person?

No. We’re striving to make the exam as accessible as possible, and one of our accessibility measures is the option of remote candidacy where feasible. 

You might apply if:

    • you would need to cross a state or country border to attend the nearest exam venue
    • travelling to your nearest venue is prohibitively long, complex or expensive
    • you have a physical or other disability that means you’re unable to attend an exam venue.

 

I have a disability/medical condition that makes it hard for me to complete the exam in the prescribed time. Are there accommodations available?

Yes. If you have a disability or medical condition that makes it difficult to sit the exam, you can put in a request for adjustments when you register. Adjustments can include things like:

    • extra time
    • custom equipment (e.g. a custom keyboard, mouse, monitor, screen-reader or chair)
    • an Auslan interpreter 
    • the opportunity to take medication during the exam
    • other adjustments as appropriate.

Please contact your local AB delegate to discuss your specific requirements.

 

Is the accreditation exam marked up by hand on hard copy? Do I need to use proofreading marks?

No. While the exam used to be hard copy, it moved on-screen in 2016 and has been delivered this way ever since. The only mark-up is using Track Changes in Word.

The exam may contain a knowledge question about proofreading or mark-up processes in digital or print formats (or both), but you don’t need to be an expert, just have enough knowledge to demonstrate competence.

 

I use an Apple Mac. Do I have to sit the exam on a Windows PC?

You can choose to sit the exam on either system. If you want to use a Mac, simply request one when registering for the exam.

Remote candidates can use whichever system they prefer, provided their desktop computer or laptop meets minimum software and networking requirements.

 

I’m a fiction editor. Is the exam relevant for me?

Yes. The accreditation exam isn’t tailored to any specific type or genre of editing and is designed for editors from all backgrounds and specialisations.

The exam tests competence in core skills and knowledge that professional editors are expected to have no matter where they work or what they work on – keeping in mind that editors frequently change jobs, industries and genres.

Specialist or advanced skills and knowledge are not part of the exam.

 

I‘ve never worked full time as an editor. Can I still sit the exam?

Yes. The AB recommends that candidates have at least 2 to 3 three years’ full-time or equivalent part-time editing experience. 

This means that if you’ve worked part time for 4 to 6 years, or in casual or freelance roles for a similar length of time, you may be ready to sit the exam. What matters is your level of experience rather than the exact amount of time you’ve been working.

The AB recommends this level of experience because the exam is not designed to test entry-level editing skills but rather to measure an editor’s professional competence against the skills and knowledge set out in IPEd standards for editing practice (3rd edn).

 

What resources does IPEd provide to help me prepare for the exam?

We provide a range of resources, including sample exams and exam preparation workshops. The workshops will be run several times in the first half of 2024. For more information, see the Exam resources page of the IPEd website and keep an eye on Gatherings and the weekly IPEd events and workshops bulletin for details of workshop dates and times.

 

Where can I go to get more information?

Visit the Accreditation exam page on the IPEd website, where you’ll find information and resources on:

  • the benefits of sitting the exam
  • eligibility
  • registration
  • the structure and format of the exam
  • preparation and resources. 

If you still have questions or concerns, please email your local AB delegate: