ICB Level 2 Examination

The ICB introduced a requirement that all tutors should experience taking the ICB examination this year and this blog is my experience of taking the examination. This may put your mind at rest about the examination and the process you will be going through in general terms. I say in general terms because having spoken to a number of students who have taken the examination at Pearson Vue Centres and now tackled the examination myself there are clearly differences between Centres and indeed between everyone's experience in taking the examination. It may assist you by sharing my experience if this is your first examination at a Pearson Vue Centre. However, in reality things may go differently for you. My earlier comments on the mock examinations for Levels 2 and 3 online hold true also for the actual examination I experienced and I reitterate my comments and thoughts on exam approach and examination contents. So let me just look at the examination sitting process. I booked the examination online. The tools online offer a list of 5 Centres, 10 Centres and 20 Centres. My local Centre was full and other Centres were a minimum of 30 odd miles away so I selected a London Centre which was further away but more convenient for me. I booked the examination on Wednesday and took the examination midday on Thursday. The booking information explained that I could take a calculator with me but that paper to write on would be provided at the Centre. It was silent about pens so I took a couple with me as well as the calculator. In the event I had to empty my pockets completely at the Centre (even coins, keys and tissues) and was directed to some lockers. After leaving everything in the locker the only things I was permitted to carry with me were a photo-ID and the locker key. I was provided with a calculator which I was asked to approve, a pen and two plastic boards on which to write notes. I gave the calculator a peremptory test but I would recommend giving the one you are offered a more stringent check so that you feel comfortable with it and are happy that it works correctly. I was directed to one of two or three rooms for testing. I was then escorted, after showning my photo-identity, into a square, quite dark and warm room where a number of other people were sitting different examinations at booths around the outside of the room. Each booth was about a couple of metres wide and separated by hardboard. In front of me was a desktop computer, a keyboard, mouse and mousemat. I had a normal office chair on which to sit. My attendant logged me into the system and said if I wanted any assistance I was to raise my hand. She indicated that I and everyone else were being videod throughout the process. I was then left to read a disclaimer at the front of the examination on screen and then through some information about the examination itself. This was similar to that you have or will see on the online mock examination. At each stage there is a timer on the pages advising you of how much time you have left which is useful as you are not permitted a watch or clock in the examination room. The examination was very similar to the online mock examination. The disclaimer I signed prevents me mentioning specific points about the examination itself. However, I feel I should stress that it is very important to read everything on the examination carefully as some items need to be keyed into the system in a specific way. In my case a few people entered and left the room but in general there was little noise within the room except clicking of mice and keyboards. I could hear some talking and laughing from outside the room but it was not particularly intrusive. I have heard other students complain that their Centres were noisy and if that is what it is like in your case, I would suggest asking for quiet. I completed the examination and, as with the mock exam, there was ample time and the opportunity to check through at the end. Before I left the Centre I was provided with a printout indicating whether the result was a Pass or Fail. There is no indication of grading on this printout. I did not have to wait for the printout. It was prepared while I picked up my belongings from the locker. The following morning (Friday) I received full details of the grade and percentage earned by email from ICB. There was a link on the email where a report on the examination performance could be found. Apparently the Certificate will follow within 28 days. So overall I felt the experience of taking the examination was one of going through an 'examination sitting factory'. It was quite efficient and workmanlike and a little bureaucratic. If you are nervous about taking the exam you might find the atmosphere less human than you might like. However, if you prefer anonymity the experience I had might suit you. Good luck and I hope your examination goes well.