Changes to the OISC Level 1 Assessment
A new assessment process for Level 1 is being introduced to bring the assessment in line with Level 2 and Level 3 application processes.
From 1 June 2021 applicants seeking registration at Level 1 will only be allowed one attempt at the assessment. Currently applicants are allowed two attempts. To support these changes the pass mark for the assessments will also change from 65% to 60%. This is in recognition that applicants will now need to successfully complete both test sections in one exam.
Post assessment processes
Applicants can still expect their assessment results approximately three weeks after they take their assessment. For most applications we will make a decision on their application for registration shortly after the results are available.
If an applicant does not pass the assessment and is refused registration, they can make a new application for registration. Any re-application must include what further training has been completed to ensure the applicant is now in a better position to pass the assessment. Applications resubmitted without details of further training will be refused. The OISC will not re-test an adviser within 4 weeks of their last registration decision.
Why are we introducing these changes
We are currently reviewing how we can improve standards of immigration advice and how we regulate our advisers. As part of this over the coming months we will be engaging and consulting with you all about our plans for the future. Whilst we do that, we are also looking at some immediate ways we can improve our application process.
This includes aligning our application process for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. We believe in the long term this will help to improve the pass rates for Level 1 assessments which currently is only at around 50% as well as speed up our decisions on applications. Currently almost 50% of decisions are delayed by applicants needing to take two assessments.
Support for Level 1 candidates
To help support Level 1 applicants we are increasing the number of Level 1 sample papers which are available here. We encourage all applicants to use these practice papers in advance of the exams before applying for registration. This will help applicants understand if they are ready to sit the Level 1 assessment.