2394/2395 to be scrapped!

[rustynails]

I read today that the 2394/2395 will be replaced with a 2 hour short answer online typing exam. I appreciate that it must be a nightmare to mark all the written papers but from my point of view the whole point of a written exam was that it made it tougher for the people taking the exam.

I took the 2394/2395 separate, which I found hard enough. It would have been even tougher had I taken it when the two were a combined exam eg 2391.

I think the one good thing that might come out of changing it to an online exam is that the price of doing it may drop which would allow existing electricians to re-take as after taking the 2394/2395 and unless you keep studying, you forget stuff. Even know studying is boring, I would take the exams again just so that information is current in your head, however the price tag for these exams is usually hefty.

what do people think about this?

 

[Andy78]

I read today that the 2394/2395 will be replaced with a 2 hour short answer online typing exam. I appreciate that it must be a nightmare to mark all the written papers but from my point of view the whole point of a written exam was that it made it tougher for the people taking the exam.

I took the 2394/2395 separate, which I found hard enough. It would have been even tougher had I taken it when the two were a combined exam eg 2391.

I think the one good thing that might come out of changing it to an online exam is that the price of doing it may drop which would allow existing electricians to re-take as after taking the 2394/2395 and unless you keep studying, you forget stuff. Even know studying is boring, I would take the exams again just so that information is current in your head, however the price tag for these exams is usually hefty.

what do people think about this?

I think if this is true then it can only devalue the city and guilds brand further. They split the course up to pander to the lowest common denominator, and the long questions in the current written format are what can make or break an exam and provide a true indicator of someone's knowledge.

 

[malcolmsanford]

I would assume that you would still be required to do the practical side of it, the testing a fault finding side of it?

It's difficult to assess really. The splitting of the old 2391 to the new format was looked at as either at least a "money making exercise" or worst a "dumbing down"

The 17th and the PAT are both computer based, and I thought the 2394 intial verification type was also. Perhaps it is just to standardize everything.

Will the 2395 be multiple also, or just instead of writing on a paper, it will be typing onto a keyboard?

 

[Simonslimline]

As it stands, the 2394/5 consists of a practical for each, a written exam for each (closed book 2 hour), and a 40 question multiple choice online which covers both the 94 & 95.

It really is not that hard if you study and are careful reading the questions.

the only reason people fail it is because they are not ready to take it and probably have not studied enough. Why they feel the need to make it easier is beyond me to be honest.

 

[ruston]

If I had to type out long answers like on the 2391, I would run out of time.:blush5:

 

[rustynails]

Will the 2395 be multiple also, or just instead of writing on a paper, it will be typing onto a keyboard?

This is all I read...

Following the success of a pilot trial, City & Guilds intend to gradually phase out the 2394 and 2395 written exams. The traditional 302 written format will be replaced by the new 502 on-screen version which remains as a short answer two hour question paper, but whereby candidates type their answers on screen instead of writing on paper.
Candidates therefore need to be fully comfortable and conversant in terms of using a computer, however will not lose marks or be penalised for typing errors or spelling as long as their answers are technically correct and can be understood by the marker.

Perhaps they are going to introduce a smart 'apple' like pencil so candidates can draw EFL... :001_9898:

 

[ruston]

This is all I read...

Following the success of a pilot trial, City & Guilds intend to gradually phase out the 2394 and 2395 written exams. The traditional 302 written format will be replaced by the new 502 on-screen version which remains as a short answer two hour question paper, but whereby candidates type their answers on screen instead of writing on paper.
Candidates therefore need to be fully comfortable and conversant in terms of using a computer, however will not lose marks or be penalised for typing errors or spelling as long as their answers are technically correct and can be understood by the marker.

Perhaps they are going to introduce a smart 'apple' like pencil so candidates can draw EFL... :001_9898:

It is sad to see a respected body decline in such a fashion.

 

[Blademan_98]

It makes my EAL qualification more acceptable too

 

[ruston]

I suppose they have to compete or the course providers would all select the EAL for the pass rates.

 

[terry1969]

because it as a high fail rate on the written so i reckon it be easier to pass,

 

[sparkdog]

I thought it was a typing exam, from the title.

 

[gutterball]

with my 2 finger hunt and peck typing i would be struggling time wise.

 

[Englishman]

I think if this is true then it can only devalue the city and guilds brand further. They split the course up to pander to the lowest common denominator, and the long questions in the current written format are what can make or break an exam and provide a true indicator of someone's knowledge.

It may do that but it would probably increase the value of the 2391.

 

[Simonslimline]

because it as a high fail rate on the written so i reckon it be easier to pass,

When I did my 2394/5 C&G only myself any one other electrician of 20 years passed all of it. Pretty poor sholw really. I think it was down to a mixture of not understanding and lack of studyin gto be honest.

 

[Farmelectrics]

Bring back the proper testing qualification 2391.