Qualifications
The Association is committed to raising the profile and enhancing the status of electoral administrators who perform such a vital role in the democratic process. It is also dedicated to encouraging and maintaining the highest possible standards of work provided by its members. In pursuing those objectives, it created a Qualifications Board as an examining and awarding body for professional qualifications in electoral administration. Following a pilot project, the qualification for electoral administrators commenced in 1998. The qualifications are offered on a progressive route from a Foundation course to a Certificate and then to a Diploma.
The Foundation Course in electoral administration is primarily aimed at new entrants to the profession and also at those staff wishing to go on and undertake the Association's Qualification. The Course was launched with the twin aims of:
- providing a sound knowledge base for new entrants in both electoral registration and elections administration
- preparing members for undertaking the Certificate level of the Association's Qualification
The Course is delivered in five modules on an annual basis. Persons completing the five modules receive a Certificate of attendance and a copy of the following year's Foundation Course manual. It is now a requirement that members wishing to undertake the Certificate have attended or will complete the Foundation Course by the end of the calendar year in which they wish to register or, alternatively, can demonstrate three years' relevant work experience before being able to register for the Certificate programme. Details and an application form for the next Foundation Course can be viewed or downloaded here.
The Certificate level syllabus covers electoral registration and election administration. It requires the submission of four work-based assignments which allow candidates to research relevant subject areas. It also requires candidates to undertake an assessment day at which they sit two examinations, one for each module. Those achieving the Certificate level will have demonstrated an understanding of the day to day issues confronting an electoral administrator. The Certificate programme runs from 1st September in each year and applications to register have to be received by that date.
The Diploma level examines a candidate's knowledge and understanding of electoral administration at a management level. Candidates are required to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of electoral law, systems and finance together with management principles and practice. The qualification is achieved by completion of a dissertation which includes an oral examination on the topic of the dissertation. Candidates are also required to complete two written examination papers on the professional syllabus and on management issues. The Diploma programme cannot be started until the Certificate has been obtained. The Diploma programme runs from 1st October in each year and applications to register have to be received by that date.
A Scottish version of the qualification was launched in 2003. It follows a similar syllabus and structure to that described above except that Scottish Certificate candidates opt for one of the two professional modules depending on their work experience and then have to undertake an examination from a general module dealing with Scottish public and general administration.
The introduction of the qualification has further enhanced the progress and development of the Association and raised its profile in the public arena and with employing local authorities. Local authorities largely require prospective employees to be in possession of the relevant level of electoral administration qualification, or be studying to achieve it.
If you are interested in taking the Association's Qualification, you can obtain an Information Pack for the appropriate part by contacting John Turner on 01508 471295 or by e-mailing him at john.turner@aea-elections.co.uk.
Click here for the 2010 Qualification diary dates.
The Qualifications Board has agreed to introduce a scheme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for holders of the Diploma and/or the Certificate. For more details, click on the link below.
Click here for the qualifications note and link to the Regulations.