In our recent posts about the changes in qualifications (i.e., from Level A and Level B to Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3), there has been a lot of reference to the work of EFPA (European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations). In this post, we outline some of the reasons for this important link.
The first main point to make is that it was realised that a simpler structure was required to manage the revision of test user qualifications and to enable harmonisation of current and future developments relating to test user qualifications in Educational and Health-related settings.
With this in mind, the EFPA model was promoted by the BPS as providing a good model for both the BPS and others in Europe.
The strength of the EFPA model is that it has the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of differences in practice across Europe while agreeing a common set of standards.
Also, the EFPA model gives those training / consultancies operating multi-nationally a single reference for assessing user qualification and the possibility of harmonising training and qualifications procedures across countries.
In terms of the time-line, here’s how the project came to fruition:
(i) In July 2003, Dave Bartram’s proposal for an EFPA project on the development of European Test User standards was accepted.
(ii) In December 2003, EFPA embarked on a joint project with the European Association of Work and Organizational Psychologists (EAWOP), focused on Occupational Test Use.
(iii) The aim was to map all the various European test user qualification procedures to a common set of standards:
2003 – 2005: Initial development and consultation on European standards for test users.
2005 – 2007: Finalise standards, explore issues arising from the consultation and produce plan for implementation.
2007 – 2009: Establish European accreditation procedures for national test user qualifications.
2009 – 2011: Implement procedures.
So, that’s how the changes were planned and implemented!
Selection by Design has always been monitoring the action plan and resulting changes, so you can be assured of our commitment to bringing you the most up-to-date information and knowledge in the area of psychometric training and consultancy.
Don’t forget, let us know if you have any training or consultancy requirements. Indeed, as research psychologists, we are also interested in helping along with research projects. Whatever your requirement, get in touch and we can have a chat about how Selection by Design can add value to your organization, project, or practice.
Barbara and Conor
PS: We would like to extend thanks to our colleagues on the BPS SCTS for some of the content included in this Blog.
