Exemptions

You may claim an exemption against a written exam if you have passed its equivalent examination within the last five years via:

  • The TSI Diploma in Consumer Affairs (DCA) part 1 and/or part 2 within the last five years. The exemptions are applied automatically by TSI upon formal checking after notification.
  • The TSI accredited universities which offer consumer related degrees.
  • Qualifying law degrees offer potential exemptions in the TSQF.

The exemptions you gain are subject to the completion date of your degree and the pass mark for each module.

Complete the application for exemption form and send TSI a copy of your degree certificate and results transcript.  This will be reviewed and TSI will write to confirm granted exemptions.

If you have a non-accredited degree or your qualifications over 5 years old you will need to go through the TSI accredition of prior learning process called the assessment panel.

There is detailed guidance on the assessment panel requirements (PDF 137KB) on the Resource Centre page.

Who is on the assessment panel?

Trading standards officers and academics, who undertake the role of assessing submissions.

Two people will examine the submission, and decide if satisfactory evidence has been provided and that a minimum of 80% of the syllabus has been met.

What you need to do

  • download and complete the appropriate mapping documentation, available on the Resource Centre page, to use as a referencing method for your evidence
  • collate your evidence ensuring each piece is clearly referenced.
  • you may not always be able to provide physical piece of evidence. In these cases, you can use the reflective statement (PDF 15KB) to inform the panel how you use your knowledge on a day to day basis
  • obtain a reference from your employer (PDF 10KB)
  • when you are ready to submit your evidence fill in the assessment panel submission form (PDF 35KB), forward your submission to the Education and Training Team, Trading Standards Institute, 1 Sylvan Court, Sylvan Way, Southfields Business Park, Basildon SS15 6TH

TSI offers the opportunity to speak with a member of the assessment panel who can provide further advice. Please contact the Qualifications and Education Team qualifications@tsi.org.uk  0845 608 9500.