CIWM (WAMITAB)

CIWM (WAMITAB)

Important: An additional security measure has been introduced to all CIWM (WAMITAB) tests administered through Pearson VUE. This change was introduced on 3 May 2022. All learners are now required to have their photo taken on the day of their test. Please see below for further information.

CIWM (WAMITAB) develops qualifications for those working in: waste management and recycling, cleaning and street cleansing, facilities management and parking. We work directly with industry leaders to shape and deliver employer-led qualifications that provide individuals with fit-for-purpose skills for the workplace.

Please click on the links below to access information on the available CIWM (WAMITAB) tests.

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The Continuing Competence test forms part of the CIWM/WAMITAB Operator Competence. There is a Continuing Competence test for England and Wales and a separate Continuing Competence test for Northern Ireland. The tests are designed to meet the requirement of keeping a person’s waste management competence up to date.

The tests have two components both of which must be taken together, the two components are:

  • Generic Knowledge Test (GKT) (‘generic’) comprising questions on Legislation, Health and Safety and Environmental Protection; and
  • Activity-Specific Test (AST) (or ‘option’) which comprises questions on the specific competence or competencies which need to be maintained.

The tests encompass 18 multiple-questions for the GKT and a further 12 multiple-questions for each AST depending on how many are chosen.

Candidates have a maximum of 60-minutes to complete their Continuing Competence test.

Candidates have a choice of undertaking a maximum of three Activity Specific Tests within the 60-minute test period. It is strongly recommended that candidates only take the number of Activity Specific Tests that they are confident of completing within the 60-minute test period. For further information, visit ciwmquals.co.uk.

Test registration and scheduling information

The test is computer based and delivered through a suite of ‘independent test centres’ operated by Pearson VUE. Use the buttons on the right-hand side of this web site to locate a test centre; schedule; re-schedule or cancel a test.

Deciding which Option(s) to take

Before taking the test the candidate must already have decided what option(s) to take as the test menu will ask the candidate to select these during the test. Further information on selecting the option(s) can be found on WAMITAB’s website.

  • The Generic Knowledge Section Test takes a maximum of 24 minutes.
  • The Activity Specific Test takes a maximum of 12 minutes (per activity).

Access Support

CIWM (WAMITAB) is required by the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments where a learner, who is disabled within the definition of the Equality Act 2010, would be at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to someone who is not disabled. CIWM (WAMITAB) will consider applications for reasonable adjustments (e.g. a reader or extra time) on a case by case basis.

If you would like to apply for a reasonable adjustment, prior to booking your test, please complete the Continuing Competence Access Arrangements Form and email it to access@ciwm.co.uk with any evidence. If CIWM (WAMITAB) approves your application, you will receive a confirmation email within 5 working days. You will then need to contact Pearson VUE 24 hours after approval, in order to schedule a test with an 'accommodation' at the test centre.

IMPORTANT NOTE: CIWM now have the following tests available. Please ensure that you select the correct test when you next book.

  • Continuing Competence test (England and Wales)
  • Continuing Competence test (Northern Ireland)
  • Metal Recycling Contractor Competency Scheme (MRCCS) tests

CIWM PROFILE: As of February 2024, Continuing Competence tests administered by Pearson VUE can be verified through CIWM ProFile, a cutting-edge digital credentials system.

CIWM ProFile is a secure smart card solution that enables on-demand verification of Continuing Competence certificates via a unique QR code.

CIWM ProFile enables learners to quickly and easily demonstrate their Continuing Competence knowledge and skills on the go – no paperwork required!

This virtual solution not only significantly reduces the risk of fraudulent certificates through reliable, real-time authentication, it also enables us to uphold our commitment to sustainability by reducing the need for printed paperwork.

Upon successful completion of their test, learners will automatically receive a link via text message and email to download their CIWM ProFile card. For more information about ProFile please click here.

Continuing Competence learners are now required to have their photo taken on the day of their test.

When you book your test, you will be asked to confirm that you understand that you will be required to have your photo taken on the day of your test. On the test day, if you refuse to have your photo taken, the test centre will not allow you to sit your test.

A copy of your photo will be transferred to CIWM by Pearson VUE and will be uploaded to ProFile to be used as photo identification on the front of the virtual ProFile card (an example can be found in our FAQs). CIWM will not store or use the photo for any other purposes.

Photos will remain securely stored by Pearson Vue until the next time a learner takes a test. A new photo will be taken every time a learner sits their test to ensure up to date identification is stored. Photos taken during previous tests will be deleted and replaced with the new photo.

For further information about how we use your data please see our Privacy Policy . If you have any questions, please contact access@ciwm.co.uk.

The Continuing Competence test forms part of the CIWM/WAMITAB Operator Competence. There is a Continuing Competence test for England and Wales and a separate Continuing Competence test for Northern Ireland. The tests are designed to meet the requirement of keeping a person’s waste management competence up to date.

The tests have two components both of which must be taken together, the two components are:

  • Generic Knowledge Test (GKT) (‘generic’) comprising questions on Legislation, Health and Safety and Environmental Protection; and
  • Activity-Specific Test (AST) (or ‘option’) which comprises questions on the specific competence or competencies which need to be maintained.

The tests encompass 18 multiple-questions for the GKT and a further 12 multiple-questions for each AST depending on how many are chosen.

Candidates have a maximum of 60-minutes to complete their Continuing Competence test.

Candidates have a choice of undertaking a maximum of three Activity Specific Tests within the 60-minute test period. It is strongly recommended that candidates only take the number of Activity Specific Tests that they are confident of completing within the 60-minute test period. For further information, visit ciwmquals.co.uk.

Test registration and scheduling information

The test is computer based and delivered through a suite of ‘independent test centres’ operated by Pearson VUE. Use the buttons on the right-hand side of this web site to locate a test centre; schedule; re-schedule or cancel a test.

Deciding which Option(s) to take

Before taking the test the candidate must already have decided what option(s) to take as the test menu will ask the candidate to select these during the test. Further information on selecting the option(s) can be found on WAMITAB’s website.

  • The Generic Knowledge Section Test takes a maximum of 24 minutes.
  • The Activity Specific Test takes a maximum of 12 minutes (per activity).

Access Support

CIWM (WAMITAB) is required by the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments where a learner, who is disabled within the definition of the Equality Act 2010, would be at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to someone who is not disabled. CIWM (WAMITAB) will consider applications for reasonable adjustments (e.g. a reader or extra time) on a case by case basis.

If you would like to apply for a reasonable adjustment, prior to booking your test, please complete the Continuing Competence Access Arrangements Form and email it to access@ciwm.co.uk with any evidence. If CIWM (WAMITAB) approves your application, you will receive a confirmation email within 5 working days. You will then need to contact Pearson VUE 24 hours after approval, in order to schedule a test with an 'accommodation' at the test centre.

IMPORTANT NOTE: CIWM now have the following tests available. Please ensure that you select the correct test when you next book.

  • Continuing Competence test (England and Wales)
  • Continuing Competence test (Northern Ireland)
  • Metal Recycling Contractor Competency Scheme (MRCCS) tests

CIWM PROFILE: As of February 2024, Continuing Competence tests administered by Pearson VUE can be verified through CIWM ProFile, a cutting-edge digital credentials system.

CIWM ProFile is a secure smart card solution that enables on-demand verification of Continuing Competence certificates via a unique QR code.

CIWM ProFile enables learners to quickly and easily demonstrate their Continuing Competence knowledge and skills on the go – no paperwork required!

This virtual solution not only significantly reduces the risk of fraudulent certificates through reliable, real-time authentication, it also enables us to uphold our commitment to sustainability by reducing the need for printed paperwork.

Upon successful completion of their test, learners will automatically receive a link via text message and email to download their CIWM ProFile card. For more information about ProFile please click here.

Continuing Competence learners are now required to have their photo taken on the day of their test.

When you book your test, you will be asked to confirm that you understand that you will be required to have your photo taken on the day of your test. On the test day, if you refuse to have your photo taken, the test centre will not allow you to sit your test.

A copy of your photo will be transferred to CIWM by Pearson VUE and will be uploaded to ProFile to be used as photo identification on the front of the virtual ProFile card (an example can be found in our FAQs). CIWM will not store or use the photo for any other purposes.

Photos will remain securely stored by Pearson Vue until the next time a learner takes a test. A new photo will be taken every time a learner sits their test to ensure up to date identification is stored. Photos taken during previous tests will be deleted and replaced with the new photo.

For further information about how we use your data please see our Privacy Policy . If you have any questions, please contact access@ciwm.co.uk.

Contact us

Office hours

Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. UK time; closed on local holidays.

Telephone numbers

0333 0030769