EASA Part 147 Training & Mentoring Appropriate to Invigilators

Sofema Online (www.sofemaonline.com) takes a look at the process to manage the competency of EASA Part 147 Invigilators.

Introduction – Best Practice Requirements related to Exam Invigilators

Regarding the Nomination of an Invigilator

Firstly let's consider what we mean by Invigilator? - An exam invigilator is typically appointed by the maintenance training organization (MTO) for the purpose of ensuring the correct conduct of a particular examination in accordance with the examination procedures of the EASA Part 147 organization.

Note: Individuals may also hold other positions within the training organizations (i.e. knowledge examiner, practical assessor, instructor).

The nomination of an Invigilator may be permanent, or ‘ad-hoc’ (maybe in the case of ‘one-off’ remote sites). With “ad-hoc” nominations requiring the maintenance training organization to include an acceptable procedure in the MTOE to control the suitability of the nominated person in terms of integrity and independence.

Permanently appointed examination invigilators shall be listed in MTOE (Usually part 1.5) including details of the roles and responsibilities.

Invigilator Training Requirements & Procedures

Invigilators must be familiar with the Part 147 requirements related to the integrity of examinations and the security of exam questions.
Invigilators must also be fully conversant with the specific procedures relevant for the approved EASA Part 147 MTO, detailing the procedures to be followed when conducting the conduct of examinations.
Invigilators should be trained in accordance with the training organization’s approved procedure to ensure familiarity with the duties and responsibilities of the invigilator.

Persons acceptable to provide the training for Invigilators include:

○ Approved Examiner
○ Examinations Manager
○ Training Manager
○ Quality Manager

The Invigilator training should include the following as a minimum:

i/ The preparation of the classroom or examination room in accordance with the requirements of the approval under which the course is being delivered.
ii/ Particular attention is to be drawn towards the spacing between candidates & ensuring that desks are spaced so that each student cannot copy from another student.
iii/ There should be a minimum of 1 meter between students and each student should be within direct line of sight (facing the front of the room) of the invigilator.
iv/ The invigilator should be able to see every student face-on.
v/ Students should be prevented from entering the room until it is properly prepared.
vi/ Each student’s identity is to be confirmed prior to the examination.

Maintaining Competency Records 

Invigilator assessment should be recorded following the approved training and records maintained by the Quality Manager or Training Manager. Records should be placed on the individual's personal file and should include both the completion date and the assessor’s name.

How do Invigilators Maintain Currency?

A recurrent training assessment is not required providing the invigilator invigilates at least once in each subsequent 12-month period.

Procedures to be Followed During Examination Delivery

○ For external delegates, both passports and signatures should be checked.
○ Adequate security of the examination papers is to be maintained throughout.
○ Only the correct number of examination papers is to be taken into the examination room.
○ Under no circumstances is the examination marking sheet to be taken into the examination room, and at no time should an examination be marked in the vicinity of the students.
○ Students are to be clearly briefed before the exam. The brief should consist of a prepared statement and should be addressed to ALL the students at the beginning of ALL examinations.
○ The brief is to outline the procedures and conditions of the examination process.

Note 1: This is to include actions to be taken if the examination has to be stopped for any reason.

○ It is to be made clear that the invigilator should not engage in any form of dialog with the students during the examination, this should be outlined in the opening brief.
○ The exam is to be conducted in a manner in keeping with the briefing.
○ The invigilator is not to conduct any other work whilst monitoring the examination.

Invigilators selected for a temporary approval should also be nominated by the customer’s Quality Manager or deputy, who holds a Form 4 or equivalent.

They should be trained by a representative of the training organization that is on-site (instructor). In some cases, it may be appropriate for the instructor to sit at the rear of the classroom to ensure that the training organizations procedures are adhered to.

Note 2: The Instructor must not take part in the examination procedure.

Further Guidance

Sofema Aviation Services (www.sassofia.com) and SofemaOnline (www.sofemaonline.com) are pleased to offer a range of EASA compliant regulatory training courses in support of MTOE Development and associated services. For details or inquiries please email office@sassofia.com or online@sassofia.com.