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Examinations and Assessment Policy

CIBA > Examinations and Assessment Policy

Examinations and Assessment Policy

  • Effective Date: August 1, 2025
  • Approved by: CIBA Governing Council

Purpose

This policy outlines the framework and procedures governing the conduct, assessment, integrity, and administration of all professional examinations at CIBA. It is designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency in the evaluation of candidates.

Scope

Scope

This policy applies to all candidates registered for any CIBA certification examination, as well as examiners, invigilators, assessors, and administrative staff involved in assessment processes.

 Examination Structure

    • The CIBA certification consists of three levels: Level 1 (Certificate), Level 2 (Diploma), and Level 3 (Professional).
    • Each level comprises five (5) papers, assessed through written examinations.
    • Papers may consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answers, essays, and case-based assessments.
    • Examinations shall be conducted twice each year: January and June.
    • Each paper lasts 3 hours and is conducted in English.
    • Exams are closed book, unless stated otherwise in the syllabus.

Registration and Exam Timetable

    • Exam registration opens 8 weeks before the exam date and closes 4 weeks prior.
    • Registration is only confirmed upon full payment of fees as published in the Pricing and Payment Policy.
    • Late registration may be allowed within 7 calendar days after the deadline, subject to a GHS 100 late fee.
    • All fees must be paid via designated CIBA payment platforms.
    • Timetables shall be published at least eight (8) weeks prior to the start of exams.
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 Assessment and Grading

      • A minimum pass mark of 50% is required for all papers.
      • Candidates scoring 75% or above may be awarded a distinction.
      • Grades will be based solely on written exam performance, except where continuous assessments or projects are explicitly part of the syllabus.
      • Results are graded as: Pass, Fail, or Distinction.

 

Examination Conduct and Misconduct

General Conduct (Applies to Both In-Person and Online Exams)

Candidates shall:

    • Present a valid photo ID for verification before the exam begins.
    • Log in or arrive 30 minutes early to allow time for verification and setup.
    • Remain in the exam environment (room or online platform) for at least one hour after commencement.
    • Refrain from using unauthorized materials (e.g., mobile phones, notes, search engines, smart devices).
    • Follow all instructions from invigilators or proctors (in-person or virtual).
    • Maintain a quiet, distraction-free environment if writing remotely.

Online-Specific Conduct

Candidates writing online exams must also:

    • Ensure a reliable internet connection, working webcam, and microphone.
    • Keep their camera and microphone on throughout the exam (if required).
    • Share their screen or allow remote monitoring where instructed.
    • Not leave the screen or switch tabs during the exam unless authorized.

Misconduct includes (both in-person and online):

    • Cheating, plagiarism, or collusion with others.
    • Impersonation (having another person take the exam).
    • Disorderly or disruptive behavior, including digital disruptions or abusive communication.
    • Tampering with exam software or bypassing security measures.

Penalties for misconduct may include:

    • Cancellation of the affected paper.
    • Suspension from future examination sessions.
    • Disqualification from the program.
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 Resits, Re-marking, and Appeals

    • Candidates who fail a paper may resit in the next available session upon payment of the resit fee.
    • Candidates may request a re-mark within 14 days of result release, with a fee of GHS 300.
    • Appeals may be submitted using the CIBA Appeals and Grievance Policy.
    • Re-mark decisions are final.

Exemptions

    • Candidates with relevant qualifications (e.g., CIBA FIB or Certified Budget Analyst from IEF) may apply for exemptions during registration.
    • Applications must include official transcripts, course outlines, and proof of completion.
    • Exemptions are reviewed within 15 working days of submission.
    • Exemption decisions are subject to review by the Education and Certification Committee.
    • A non-refundable exemption fee of GHS 650 is applicable per paper.
    • Exemptions are granted only in Levels 1 and 2 based on the applicant’s qualification(s).

 Examination Deferrals

A candidate who has registered and paid for an examination but is unable to sit for the paper(s) due to valid reasons may apply for a deferral under the following conditions:

    1. Application Deadline: The deferral request must be submitted no later than seven (7) calendar days before the scheduled examination date.
    2. Grounds for Deferral: Acceptable grounds include serious illness (supported by medical documentation), bereavement, or unforeseen official duties.
    3. Approval Process: Deferral is subject to review and approval by the CIBA Examinations Committee.
    4. Credit Carry-Forward: If approved, the exam fee will be carried forward to the next available sitting for the same paper. No refunds will be issued.
    5. Forfeiture: Failure to sit or submit a deferral request within the stipulated time will result in forfeiture of the exam fee.
    6. Limitations: A maximum of one deferral per sitting per candidate will be permitted, except in exceptional circumstances, subject to review by the Examinations Committee.

 

Special Needs and Reasonable Accommodations

    • Candidates with disabilities or health conditions may request reasonable accommodations.
    • Requests must be submitted at least 4 weeks before the exam and include medical documentation.
    • Reasonable adjustments will be made based on medical or professional documentation. Approved accommodations may include:
      • Additional time
      • A separate room
      • Assistive technology

Continuous Assessment (if applicable)

Should CIBA introduce coursework or continuous assessment in future, the weight and structure will be announced in the syllabus and exam guidelines in advance.

Results and Certification

    • Results shall be released within 30 working days after the close of the last examination paper.
    • Candidates will receive their results via email and the CIBA portal.
    • Certificates and transcripts shall be issued upon successful completion of each level and full clearance of fees.

Appeal and Complaints

    • Re-mark requests must be completed before any formal appeal.
    • All appeals shall be submitted through the CIBA Appeals and Grievance Policy.
  • Exam Attempt Limit (Optional Control)
  • Candidates may attempt a paper up to a maximum of 4 times.
  • After 4 unsuccessful attempts, the candidate must reapply for admission or request special review by the Academic Board.

 

 

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed every two (2) years, or earlier if required by changes in academic regulations or the Governing Board.