Candidates for Institute qualifications must meet the competency standards of the Australian Quality Training Framework. These standards are assessed through both the exam and the assignment and the candidate must be judged competent on all relevant criteria.

Successful completion of any Institute module requires the following:

• Submission of an assignment and sitting an exam
• Achievement of a minimum 50% pass mark on the assignment
• Achievement of a minimum 50% pass mark in the exam.  

Assignments

Assignments are case-study based.

For General Insurance, Insurance Broking, Loss Adjusting, Life Insurance and Workers Compensation/Personal Injuries Management modules, the assignment is worth 30 percent of the overall mark.

For the Financial Planning and Risk Management qualifications, the assignment is worth 50 percent of the overall mark.

Exams

Exams are closed book, two hours in duration and cover the content of your study materials.

For General Insurance, Insurance Broking, Loss Adjusting, Life Insurance and Workers Compensation/Personal Injury Management modules, a two-hour exam worth 70 percent of the overall mark.

For the Financial Planning and Risk Management qualifications, a two-hour exam worth 50 percent of the overall mark.

Assessment information for New Zealand students

Assignments and examinations for some modules may contain questions that are relevant to both Australia and New Zealand as well as questions that are Australia-specific and New Zealand-specific. New Zealand students are expected to be familiar with the Australian content of this learning module but relate their answers, where possible, to the New Zealand content.

Study Periods

The Institute delivers its award courses via distance learning, a correspondence method that combines print and online services and is designed to maximise education quality, flexibility and accessibility.

Distance Learning provides award course students with the flexibility to study where they choose, during a study period that best suits them. There are two types of distance learning study periods:

• Standard (approx. 15 weeks); or
• Fast Track (approx. 10 weeks)

These are offered throughout the year allowing students to plan their study around peak work periods. A complete set of learning materials is provided for each module, which relate to students’ workplace knowledge and experience and include case studies, self-help questions and activities. Assessment is based on an assignment and an examination.

Academic Calendar

In 2008 there are six Standard Study Periods and six Fast Track Study Periods. The Academic Calendar sets out important deadlines you need to observe as you progress through your studies, including dates by which you may make changes to your enrolment. It is recommended that you keep a copy of the calendar close at hand while you are studying.  

The 2008 Academic Calendar is available from the Downloads section.

For Further Information

For more information on assessment, refer to the Course Handbook (available from the Downloads section) or contact the Institute's Customer Service team.