Structure of the Exam

• The examination is divided into two parts:
  
  
  • Part 1: a two hour ‘closed book’ scenario based exam, preceded by 15 minutes reading time.  It consists of one mandatory question and any other two questions from the remaining three. Candidates need to pass question one with 30 marks or more and an overall of 50% or more to pass.
  • Part 2: an oral exam, which lasts up to forty-five minutes. Candidates can be questioned on any of the topics covered in the syllabus including those already covered in the written examination. Candidates may also be questioned on their background and qualifying experience.
• As part 1 is a 'closed book' examination no notes or books will be allowed into the examination room.
• Candidates will need to have passed both the written and oral examination to have passed the Advanced Certificate in PPSO.
• The examination may use PRINCE and MSP terminology in addition to generic terms.
• Accredited Training
  If your business language and mother tongue is not English then you are entitled to an additional 30 minutes. Please contact your Examination Provider to request the additional time. You are allowed the use of a paper dictionary.
• Attending Public Examination only
  If your business language and mother tongue is not English then you are entitled to an additional 30 minutes. Please contact your Training Provider to request the additional time. You are allowed the use of a paper dictionary. Candidates taking the examination only must complete the Extra Time Request form available to download from the website and send it to BCS a minimum of three weeks before the exam date.

Exam Options, Dates & Locations

There are two exam options for this certification:

• Accredited Training Provider (course & exam)
• Public Examinations (exam only)

Accredited Training Provider
It is recommended that candidates take an accredited training course prior to taking the exam. Statistics show that overall pass rates are higher for candidates who have attended an accredited training course.

If you attend an accredited training course, details of the written exam can be obtained from your Training Provider.

Public Written Examinations
Start time: 13.00 (2 hours plus 15 minutes reading time)
Venue: BCS, The Davidson Building, 5 Southampton Street, London, WC2E 7HA

• Friday 26 July 2013
• Friday 25 October 2013

Public written examinations must be booked and paid for a minimum of four weeks prior to the examination date (subject to availability). Please contact certifications@hq.bcs.org.uk for confirmation of venue location and start time on your chosen date.

Public Oral Examinations
Start time: from 9.30am (hourly schedule)
Venue: BCS, The Davidson Building, 5 Southampton Street, London, WC2E 7HA

• To be advised

Public oral examinations must be booked minimum of  three weeks prior to the examination date (subject to availability). To book an examination please contact our Customer Service team on 01793 417655.

Exam Fees

• Public Examinations cost £145 (exc VAT).
• Oral Examinations cost £265 (exc VAT).

If you are booking via an Accredited Training Provider then you can obtain information on fees and charges by contacting them directly.

Register for the Exam

Training Provider
If you are taking training through an accredited training provider, you will obtain and submit your registration form through them.

Public Written Examinations
You will need to download and complete the Registration Form and return this along with your payment method for the appropriate fee a minimum of four weeks prior to exam date. The preferred exam date should be noted at the top of the form, although this will be subject to availability.

Public Oral Examinations
On passing the written element of the examination you may proceed to the Oral exam. To book the oral exams please contact BCS Customer Service on 01793 417655 stating the preferred exam date (please note the date will be subject to availability). Public examinations must be booked and paid for a minimum of three weeks prior to the examination date (subject to availability).

Payment methods:
a) Cheque (made payable to BCS)
b) Visa/Access/MasterCard
c) Invoice (this must be paid a minimum of four weeks prior to the exam date)

Please note that an additional fee is chargeable for late cancellations

Extra time can be requested for candidates with a disability. Please refer to the reasonable adjustments policy for detailed information on how and when to apply.

Extra time can be awarded for candidates who sit the exam in a language which is not their mother tongue and where the language of the exam is not their primary business language. Please refer to the reasonable adjustments policy for detailed information.