Candidates Challenge CMP-IS Computer-based Exam

While the South African MICE industry remains confused with the ebb and flow of questionable communications from professional international programme management limited consideration or thought is given to those being seated for the first computer-based exam on the African continent at this time. Report backs from newly-seated South African candidates indicate less than satisfactory procedures and processes.A Question of Relationships Appears LackingAfter finally accessing the 27 Q&A sessions in advance of the exam the questions bore no resemblance to the actual exam. The majority of the questions were describing various acronyms very few of which are used in South Africa. Once again candidates queried the relevance to the South African MICE industry.Exam Questions on the DayThe range of questions did not come close to the estimated amount of questions per section or domain.The majority of questions were on sustainability and large-capacity exhibitions similar to 2010 exams. Few were on the nuts & bolts of everyday South African planning such as: food and beverage, staging and production, risk management, site selection etc.Adjudicator Facilities Less Than ConduciveComputers appeared more important than candidates as the air con was so cold that additional clothing had to be advised to future candidates. Complaints were made with the controller, but to no avail.The impression is being gained that from the annual get-together in far-flung USA, those with the most prominent and persuasive argument bearing limited resemblance to the rest of the world gets the vote in having their questions included within the ultimate test. The actual question selection process remains vague. Equally unclear is the sameness of the questions despite international written inputs.The CMP-IS is supposedly the international standard for candidates worldwide, while the computer-based testing has been introduced to stream-line the testing process.In years gone by the MICE Club had to hire a variety of commercial venues at their own expense with an independent adjudicator checking the facilities were keeping with the stipulated requirements.If international standards and computer-based testing have been developed to improve the professionalism of the programme then much needs to be improved going forward.South African legislation is in place for real monitoring of international programmes available in South Africa to bridge the gap of expert international programme management. Therefore the reasons for the national QCTO (Quality Council for Trades & Occupations) become even more necessary.