IAA Unveils Revamped Competence Assessment Process for Enhanced Evaluation

The Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) is moving forward with a new contract for its competence assessment service following a recent tender exercise. This initiative aims to provide enhanced support for both advisers and candidates, bolster the assurance of competence, and improve the overall experience of the assessment process.

Key Enhancements to the Competence Assessment

Significant modifications to the competence assessment process are set to be introduced. These include:

• Assessment questions derived from revised syllabuses, ensuring that evaluations accurately reflect the knowledge, skills, and competence necessary for effective practice.
• An improved assessment framework that incorporates an additional component addressing the Code of Standards, ethics, and professional behaviours, highlighting the significance of conduct alongside technical skills.
• Shifting the competence assessment to the initial stages of the adviser application journey.
• Offering more frequent assessment opportunities, providing candidates with greater flexibility while reducing waiting times.
• A new assessment platform designed to enhance the user experience for candidates.
• Replacing the existing resource book with access to approved whitelisted websites during assessments.

Revised Application Journey for Candidates

In the new framework, individuals aspiring to join an IAA-regulated organisation as advisers will be required to complete and successfully pass the competence assessment before their application can be added to that organisation’s submission. Similarly, those intending to establish their own immigration advice organisations must also pass the competence assessment before submitting a regulation application.

This updated approach aims to create a more transparent and efficient application journey, allowing candidates to demonstrate the necessary level of competence before investing time in the comprehensive application process. Successfully passing the assessment will enable candidates to proceed with increased confidence and navigate the registration process more swiftly. The restructured sequencing is designed to minimise delays, provide early assurance for both candidates and organisations, and enhance the overall experience for applicants.

Implementation Timeline and Future Assessments

The online competence assessment has been temporarily suspended while the new procedures are being established. Provided that the requisite arrangements and several external dependencies are addressed, assessments are expected to recommence in November 2026. Information regarding forthcoming assessment dates and the revised application journey will be made available on the IAA website as soon as these details are confirmed.

The IAA acknowledges the significance of this information for advisers, candidates, and organisations within the sector, and is diligently working to finalise the arrangements and provide updates promptly.

Preparation for Candidates

Candidates intending to undertake Level 1, Level 2, and/or Level 3 assessments are encouraged to review the new syllabuses and familiarise themselves with the revised assessment arrangements, as all evaluations will occur under these new guidelines once they resume. Those who have already submitted an application will receive direct communication regarding their available options.

Resources and Support for All Stakeholders

The new syllabuses, along with summaries of the key changes, have been published on the IAA website to clarify the updates and assist candidates in preparing for the revised assessments. Additionally, a series of webinars will be conducted to elucidate the new process and address any questions; dates and registration details will be announced soon.

Supporting information has also been released to aid advisers and candidates in understanding the changes and successfully navigating the new arrangements. Further updates, including upcoming assessment dates, will be shared shortly.