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IPEd Accreditation Exam 2018: Additional Notes for Candidates

ContentsExam structure and weighting 2

Part 1 2Part 2 2Part 3 3Mark-up symbols 3

Exam procedures 4Arriving at the venue 4During the exam 5At the end of the exam 7

Technical questions 7Equipment 7Onscreen format 8Word skills 9

References and notes 10

Results 12

Tips from AEs who have passed the exam 12

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Exam structure and weighting

Part 1Part 1 is worth 20%. You must answer 20 of 24 questions, but you may choose to answer up to 24 questions to give yourself a safety margin if you wish. However, even if you answer all 24 questions, you can only score a maximum of 20/20.

20% of the total exam equates to a writing time of approximately 30 minutes for this section, including time to review answers, but you should decide for yourself how to allocate your time in the exam.

Part 2Part 2 is worth 40%. You must edit the extract in accordance with the brief provided, and prepare a style sheet and queries for the author.

40% equates to a writing time of approximately 1 hour, + 15 minutes to review, but you should decide for yourself how to allocate your time in the exam.

Part 2 provides a maximum of 200 raw marks, allocated as follows:● 160 marks for copyediting the extract;● 20 marks for writing 10 author queries; ● 20 marks for creating the style sheet.

Note that in the Part 2 extract there are more than 160 marks to attain, so you will not need to pick up every single possible edit. Your total out of 200 is divided by 5 to produce a mark out of 40. You need to achieve sufficient marks to attain the required minimum of 65 marks for the section, but of course you should aim to achieve as many marks as possible within the time. Some things will just need correcting (e.g. typos) but other edits will be issues of style. When you make a style decision, include it clearly on your style sheet.If you’re running over time on Part 2, and still have other sections to complete, it is suggested that you move on to the other sections and go back to Part 2 if you have time left after the other sections are completed.

Do I lose marks if I add in an error?

If you make additions or amendments that create errors, you will lose marks, but bear in mind that the markers are editors; where a change can be considered both right and wrong (for example, with some commas), you won't be needlessly and aggressively marked down.

Do I need to raise only 10 author queries in Part 2? What if I find a lot more things to query? Can I query more?

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Ten is sufficient. Candidates won’t be penalised for doing a few more than ten, but only ten will be awarded marks, and you’re not meant to go overboard and query everything. The danger with raising too many queries is that they take up valuable time and, more importantly, introduce the risk of not making enough editing decisions. The advice from markers is that, in previous years, people have done less well in Part 2 than they should have because they didn’t take responsibility for correcting things they should have corrected, and listed queries that they ought to have been able to resolve by using their judgment and listing on their style sheet. Fill out the two parts of the style sheet. The first part is where you record the general style decisions that apply to your edit; the second part is an alphabetical list of individual words and phrases showing your decisions relating to spelling, capitalisation, etc. Be sure to conform to your own style sheet as you do the edit.

Part 3Part 3 is worth 40%. There are 10 questions; you must complete four of these. The emphasis in Part 3 is on an understanding of the principles, practices and conventions of the editing profession, as much as on the application of particular editing skills.

40% in this section equates to writing time of 15 minutes for each of the four questions you choose + 15 minutes to review. Total 1 hour and 15 minutes for the section, but you should decide for yourself how to allocate your time in the exam.

Use your time in this section wisely. You have to do four questions, so allow enough time to do four questions. Don’t spend more time than is allotted doing a question and leave too little time to finish the others. Remember, you need to achieve a minimum of 65% in each section, so if you don’t do well on one of the four questions in this section, there is room to make up marks on the other three questions.

Is there a limit to how much I can type in the boxes for Part 3?

There isn’t. Make sure you attempt the sample onscreen exam and watch the demonstration video to become familiar with how to work in the onscreen exam. This will show you what to expect for every section.

Mark-up symbolsDo I need to revise mark-up symbols?

They are covered by A6.6 in the Australian Standards for Editing Practice, and the exam is meant to test against the Standards, so it’s possible for a question about them to be included. So we’d recommend a basic familiarity with them – at least to be able to recognise what the main symbols mean, and to know how to quickly look them up in your favourite hard-copy resource if necessary.

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(Obviously you won’t be doing any mark-up on actual paper; the exam is all in Word and onscreen.)

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Exam procedures

Arriving at the venueWhat do I need to bring?

Bring:

• your hard-copy resources and references (bound notes and books)

• photo ID

• your candidate number

• username and password for Macquarie Dictionary Online (if you have your own subscription)

• writing materials

• a stand-alone calculator.

Entry into the examination room will not be guaranteed if you do not have your candidate number and ID. (You could consider printing and binding your candidate number confirmation email into your bound notes to make sure you don’t forget them.)

How does the timing work?

On the day, the timing will run as follows.

● 12.00–12.50pm: Candidates will be processed by invigilation team (notes and reference books checked, candidate numbers and photo ID etc. cross-checked). Once you’ve registered you’ll be able to enter the exam room to find a spot and check the equipment (but you won’t be allowed to open up any of the exam documents).

● 12.30–12.50pm: The invigilators will usher everyone into the exam room.

● 12.55–1.00pm: The invigilators will brief candidates on how the exam will be run and will explain what to do if you need to go to the toilet or if there is an emergency.

● 1.00–1.10pm: Candidates will read the printed exam instructions.

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● 1.10–1.30pm: Candidates will open and save each of their exam documents and type their candidate numbers in. (This will be facilitated by the lead invigilator.) Candidates will also log into the Macquarie Dictionary Online if they have a subscription.

● 1.30–2.00pm: Reading time (exam papers).

● 2.00–5.00pm: Working time.

What time should I arrive at the exam centre?

Candidates should plan to arrive with enough time to ensure invigilators can check their resources and photo ID.

● In Melbourne there are usually 30+ candidates, so we suggest you aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam room opens (i.e. around 12.15).

● In Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane there are usually 14–20 candidates per centre, so plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before the exam room opens (i.e. no later than 12.30, but preferably a bit earlier).

● In Adelaide, Hobart and Perth there are usually fewer than 10 candidates, so we suggest you plan to arrive about 20 minutes before the exam room opens (i.e. no later than 12.30).

It is better to be early than be in a rush. Tea and coffee will be available so if you’re early or have spare time you’ll be able to partake of refreshments.

How late is too late to arrive?

Anyone who arrives after the 30-minute reading period has ended will not be admitted to the exam.

During the examWhat can the invigilators help me with?

There will be at least two invigilators at each exam venue. During the exam, they will be able to answer general questions about the exam format and procedure, but not about the content. They will also be able to obtain help from Cliftons’ support staff if any problems with the technology arise – for example, if the screen suddenly freezes or a mouse stops working. Please note that there will be no technology assistance for the Macs, as mentioned on the registration form.

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Can I consult my reference books in reading time?

Yes, you can look things up in reading time, and use the Macquarie Dictionary Online.

Can I bring in my phone and use it as a clock?

No. All phones must be turned off (not just on silent) for the duration of the exam and placed under your desk. Remember that your computer does display the time, and the time will also be projected onto the wall at the front of the room. If you wish to bring in a small travel style clock to keep time, please ensure that it is silent (i.e. digital, not an analogue clock that audibly ticks).

You may bring a watch, but computerised watches capable of storing, receiving or transmitting information or electronic signals will not be allowed in the exam room. All other watches must be removed and placed at the top of the candidate's table where they can be seen clearly and easily by an invigilator.

Can I bring in a calculator?

Yes, in fact it might be handy for some questions, but it must be a simple calculator with mathematical functions only (i.e. not a programmable one that can store notes or text).

Can I bring in earplugs/earphones to mask the noise of other people's typing?

Earplugs would be fine to dull noise, but you should still be able to hear invigilator instructions. Earphones or earbuds (for use with music players) are not permitted, nor is listening to music to mask the noise of typing.

Can I bring my own keyboard or mouse?

Only if you have some documentation such as a medical certificate saying that you need to use specific equipment. You must raise this with your AB delegate well before the exam date.

Can I bring in food and drinks?

Water will be provided in the exam room. Food and hot beverages are not generally allowed in computer facilities or exams. However, you can bring in a few lollies for sustenance (or dried fruit or similar) but these must be silent to eat and unwrapped to avoid disrupting other candidates. If you have a certified medical condition that will require you to eat during the exam, please raise this with your IPEd Accreditation Board representative immediately.

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What if I need to go to the toilet during the exam?

If you need to go to the toilet during the exam, save your work and minimise your window, then raise your hand to alert an invigilator. The invigilator will note the time you left the room and the time you returned, and will escort you to the toilet.

You may also speak with an invigilator if you need to leave the room for any other reason. That invigilator will follow a similar procedure. Please note, however, if you leave the room because of an illness that results in your being unable to complete the exam, you will not be readmitted.

What if something goes wrong during the exam?

If anything happens during the exam – you feel ill, your chair is wobbly or your computer stops working – notify an invigilator immediately. You are encouraged to save your work frequently to avoid the possibility of losing work due to technical problems or power failure.

If you want to make a request for special consideration as a result of something happening on the day of the exam, you must supply a written statement of the reasons to the exam secretary within seven days of the date of the exam. The exam secretary will refer the matter to the Accreditation Board, whose decision on whether you qualify for special consideration will be final. Please note, if you haven’t notified an invigilator of any difficulties during the exam, it may affect the board’s decision, as the relevant invigilator won’t be able to confirm the extent of your difficulties.

What if I get sick during the exam?

Attract the attention of an invigilator who will escort you from the room. Once outside, the two of you can discuss the situation and decide whether a brief break (in the invigilator’s presence) will suffice or if it is necessary for you to leave the exam and seek medical attention. In the latter situation the invigilator will ask if you have someone who can pick you up and help you contact them, or if necessary organise emergency transport. The invigilator will retrieve your personal belongings from the exam room.

At the end of the examWhat can I take with me after the exam?

You may not remove any part of the instruction booklet, scribble paper or any notes about the exam content from the room. Once you have finished the exam, you will be asked to check you have inserted your candidate number and to save and close all files, give the instruction booklet and scribble paper to the invigilator and leave the room; you may not return until all papers have been collected by the invigilators.

What if I finish early?

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If you complete the exam in less than the allocated time and you wish to leave, check that your candidate number is on all documents, save and close all files and place all scribble paper in your instruction booklet. Raise your hand to indicate to an invigilator that you wish to leave. The invigilator will escort you from the room. You will not be permitted to re-enter.

No one may leave during the last 15 minutes of the exam.

Technical questions

EquipmentWill the computers be desktop or laptop? Will they have a mouse or track pad or other control? Will the computers be PCs or Macs?

Your exam computer will be a desktop PC with a mouse. You can see Cliftons facilities here: https://www.cliftons.com/services/computer-rooms

If you require special controls or equipment, please contact your state IPEd exam representative immediately.

Cliftons is a PC facility. What support is available for Macs?

If you requested on your registration form an exception for using a PC and have supplied a reason why you need to use a Mac, one may be provided for you. Please note that there will not be the same level of technical support available to Mac users as there will be for PC users. The Mac computers won’t belong to Cliftons so it is possible that they may not be able to resolve a technical issue, should one occur. And it is very likely that the invigilators won’t be familiar with Macs so will not be able to offer help. We encourage all Mac users to download the trial exam and ensure that they are familiar with how it operates in a Mac-based Word environment.

Onscreen formatHow many documents will the exam include?

The exam is spread across the following Microsoft Word documents:

Instructions: Instructions_to_Candidates_IPEd_AccreditationExam2018.docmPart 1: Part1_IPEd_AccreditationExam2018.docmPart 2: Part2Extract _IPEd_AccreditationExam2018.docm

Part2Style Sheet_IPEd_AccreditationExam2018.docmPart 3: Part3_IPEd_AccreditationExam2018.docmNote that this naming style is a little different from the one used for the sample exam on the IPEd website. It has been changed to make it easier to switch between documents when you have more than one open at once.

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To see what the set-up will look like, how you can navigate and how documents will be best managed, we strongly recommend that candidates are very familiar with the following resources.

• The demonstration video that explains how the paper works. This video, compiled by the Exam Manager Ted Briggs, steps you through the exam documents. It includes vital information about what the documents look like, how you interact with the paper (including what you can and can’t do) and tips and tricks for working with the exam paper onscreen.

• The sample exams and marked-up exams and accompanying instructions. These allow you to practise your exam technique and complete a sample exam that is formatted the same way as the real exam paper. All candidates should complete these before they sit the exam. (NB No sample papers, marked-up papers or extracts from them are permitted in your bound notes or in the exam room.)

What kind of navigational functions will be available in the Word documents? Will I be able to use the ‘go to’ function or scroll up and down? Will I be able to use the 'find' and 'go to page' functions?

The exam paper has embedded navigational links, but you can also scroll up and use the navigation pane. 'Go to page’ will be fine, but unfortunately ‘find’ will be of limited use in Parts 1 and 3 because so much of the documents are protected, and ‘Find’ won’t look in protected text. It will, however, find the beginnings of questions, so you do a find on ‘question 10’ it will work. The Part 2 document isn’t protected though, so ‘Find will work perfectly there. The demonstration video in the Guide to Candidates goes into this in some depth, so all candidates should watch it several times.

Track Changes, and the spell and grammar checks, will be available for all parts of the exam.

Will a hard copy version of the exam be available for candidates to read?

The exam paper is onscreen only; however, you will get a hard copy of the general instructions. Make sure you watch the demonstration video and study the sample exams to become familiar with the exam format.

Word skillsDo I need expert Word skills?

The exam is not a test of your ability to use Microsoft Word, and knowledge of advanced features of Word is not required. You will need to be familiar with the use of Track Changes.

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It is also recommended that you are familiar with:

• the document map, which can help you to navigate quickly through the document

• ways to work with multiple documents open

• standard keyboard shortcuts.

Online access is limited to Macquarie Dictionary Online. You must have your own subscription to the dictionary (or sign up for a 30-day free trial in the month leading up to the exam), and you will need to know your username and password so you can log in. (NB Please note that the 30-day free trial to the Macquarie Dictionary Online only allows a limited number of searches. Take this into account when deciding whether you should use the free trial or pay for a subscription.)

Will candidates be asked to style text?

No, candidates are not expected to do any styling. We recommend that if you need to italicise or bold text just to use the inbuilt styles (Ctrl+I, Ctrl+B).

If you need to indent text, it would be fine to just indent the text using the increase/decrease indent tool on the ribbon. You may need to indicate other features such as boxed text with heading grades, as per the example in the sample onscreen exam (i.e. key in <start box text> etc. as appropriate).

Will my edits be clearly visible?

Yes, your tracked changes will show in the body of the text. Make sure you attempt the sample onscreen exam and watch the demonstration video to become familiar with how to work in the onscreen exam.

References and notesWill I have to hand in my style manual at the end if I don’t use Snooks & Co?

If you are using a manual that is commercially available and easily obtainable such as the APA Publication Manual or Chicago Manual of Style: no. Just make sure you indicate which guide you are using in the appropriate place of the exam paper (as shown in the video guide).

If you use a specific in-house style that is not commercially available: yes, you will have to submit this with exam and it will not be returned to you.

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Can I tab my reference books with Post-it notes? Can the tabs have handwritten labels or is this considered ‘loose handwritten notes’?

Yes, you can use Post-its as indexing tabs in your hardcopy references. Yes, the tabs can have handwritten labels, but these should be for indexing or annotating purposes only, rather than being copious unrelated notes.

Can I bring in reference books that have handwritten annotations in the margins or is this considered ‘handwritten notes’?

Before you enter the exam room, an invigilator will check your reference books and your bound notes. Highlighting and handwritten annotations in books are fine, so long as they are annotations about the content of the book and not additional, unrelated notes about other topics from other sources or about previous exam papers or questions.

Anything you write during the exam must be left behind, so do not write notes in your reference books in the exam room.

Can I use my online dictionary?

Macquarie Dictionary Online will be available if you have your own subscription; no other digital or online resources are allowed.

What if I forget my dictionary or style guide?

Even though the exam is open book, you may not borrow references or anything else from other candidates during the exam. Some centres may have a spare communal dictionary and Style Manual (raise your hand to have these brought to you by an invigilator) but you should not rely on one being available.

What books should I bring?

Don’t bring too many resources – keep it simple. Having too many resources can stress people out and take up valuable time checking through books during the exam. Generally, a dictionary, style manual, a set of bound notes and perhaps one other reference guide that you know well are sufficient. And since this exam is being held in a computer lab, there is only very limited room on the desk for your reference materials; you may have to place them on the floor if you bring too many.

I’ve heard the Style manual for authors, editors and printers is out of date. Are there areas where we should ignore it?

It’s true that the Style Manual is now 14 years old, and some usage may have moved on a bit, particularly in the sections dealing with the web and online material.

One area where it is definitely not up to date is the information on copyright. As copyright laws have been updated since the 6th edition of the Style manual, we

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recommend that candidates download the information sheet at https://www.copyright.org.au/acc_prod/ACC/Information_Sheets/An_Introduction_to_Copyright_in_Australia.aspx and include it in your bound notes.

However, in most respects, at least as far as the exam goes, the Style Manual is still a valid reference. The main thing is to be consistent, and use your judgment if you come across something in the exam where you think the Style Manual does not represent current conventions.

How do I organise my bound notes?

You may include whatever you think will be helpful in your bound notes; however, you may not include extracts or any details from sample exams or sample exam answers.

All notes must be typed (not handwritten) and bound securely: spiral bound, comb bound, stapled (with more than one staple) or similar. Binding services are available at most office supplies stores. You will not be permitted to take in any loose pages, including in a ring file, so it is important that you get your notes bound correctly before the exam day.

Photocopies of typed material and photocopies of handwritten notes are acceptable in your bound notes.

As a guide to what form of binding is acceptable, it should be such that you can’t separate the pages without causing some level of damage to the pages. For this reason, notes in ring binders will not be accepted.

Will I be allowed to make handwritten notes on the scribble paper during the reading/set up time?

You’ll be able to jot down which Part 3 questions you plan on doing – nothing more until the writing time has begun.

Can I take in blank Post-it notes to write myself notes or to add extra tabs to my references?

Yes, but the Post-its you take in need to be blank, and you need to leave any notes you have written attached to your scribble paper when you leave.

Results What has been the pass/fail percentage breakdown of previous exams?

It varies each exam. If all candidates achieve the required standard of at least 65% in each section and 80% overall, then all candidates will pass.

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https://www.copyright.org.au/acc_prod/ACC/Information_Sheets/An_Introduction_to_Copyright_in_Australia.aspx

https://www.copyright.org.au/acc_prod/ACC/Information_Sheets/An_Introduction_to_Copyright_in_Australia.aspx


What is the timeframe for marking the exams and how will candidates be advised of their results?

The Accreditation Board is aiming to notify you by email of your result about 6 to 8 weeks after the exam. No papers will be returned, but candidates who do not pass do receive brief written feedback.

Can I appeal the results?

If you want to appeal your results, you must email or write to the exam secretary setting out in detail your reasons for seeking review. Complaints and requests made by telephone will not be accepted. Requests for an appeal must be made within 21 days of the exam results being received by candidates.

Appeals against the result of the exam must be accompanied by a fee of two-thirds of the full exam fee to cover the cost of the appeal. If the appeal is upheld, the appeal fee will be refunded in full. Appeals are reviewed by the Accreditation Board in consultation with the lead developer and lead assessor. Candidates will be notified of the outcome within three weeks of the appeal being received. The board’s decision is final.

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Tips from AEs who have passed the exam

● Decide what resources you are going to take in and get used to using them effectively.

● Make sure your notes are in an allowed form (bound, not handwritten) and tag the most frequently used pages or sections of your Style Manual.

● Make the most of the reading time:

Don’t spend much reading time (if any) on Part 1 as you will have little choice in which questions to do and Part 1 should be straightforward if you’ve done your preparation.

Choose your Part 3 questions using, as far as possible, the blurb on the list of questions – the information has been beefed up so that you should be able to tell if you can do a question simply by reading the blurb; or at least you should be able to tell which ones you can’t do. Don’t waste time reading the questions you can’t do – eliminate them straight away.

Use as much of the reading time as you can on Part 2. Try to get a good picture in this time of the overall structure and content of the extract. Look for the big ticket items during this time, such as heading structure, image and table placement, or missing information. Don’t focus on spelling errors or typos during reading time – leave that until you are working through the document as they’ll jump out at you at that stage.

● Plan your exam process and go in with a clear plan of attack. Allocate the time you will spend on each question, how you are going to use your reading time etc. Type this up as a plan with times rather than minute allocations (e.g. 2.00–2.30pm: Part 1 rather than Part 1, 30 minutes) and bind it into your notes.

● If you cannot finish a question in the time you’ve allowed, leave it and go on to the next question. If you have time left over at the end, come back and try to finish the bits you didn’t get to.

● Sort out the maths of each section during reading time – do not forget that passing requires you to accrue enough marks, not to complete each question to perfection. In particular, decide which Part 3 questions you will do. Some Part 3 questions might have options within them, so you should

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decide how many and which you can do. Avoid doing 'extra' questions or options that don't count.

● Do the sample exams. Do as many as you can.

● Consider doing a sample exam under exam conditions. Only bring what you can bring to the exam. Use this time to test your resources for the exam – will they work on the day?

● Swap and mark someone else’s sample paper. You will discover they did things that got them marks that you didn’t think to do. You will also notice where they lost easy marks. Get together and share all that knowledge with each other.

● Don't stress, and be systematic with your approach. Treat the exam as a job with a non-negotiable 5.00pm deadline for a client who needs you to get as much done as you can in the given timeframe. Keep reminding yourself that you are not going to do a perfect job, and that’s OK in this instance.

● Follow the brief you are given and answer the questions as they are asked.

In Part 2, read the brief very carefully and do exactly what is asked. This also applies to Part 3: if you are asked give three dot points or suggestions or words as an answer then give three, not five or seven or two.

● Type up a checklist of what to include in your style sheet for Part 2 and bind this into your notes. Remember that spelling errors are not style decisions and need not be included in the alpha list.

● In Part 1 you’ll show that you can identify and fix errors in spelling, grammar and style. In some areas of Part 3 you have to do the same, but in Part 3 you will be expected to show you understand why some of these things are important. So spend some time before the exam thinking about the rationale behind the style conventions you are familiar with – for example, why plain English is important, or how different types of presentation (lists, tables, diagrams, charts, photos etc.) affect the way readers process information.

With thanks to Susan Keogh DE, Lorna Hendry AE, Stephanie Holt AE, Stephanie Heriot AE and Sandra Duncanson AE for their contributions to these notes.

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