ASD Policies
We use the following policies to guide management of our ASD programme:
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Vendor neutrality
All ASD materials are vendor neutral except when explicitly testing vendor specific knowledge. In these cases the vendor bias is clearly indicated in courseware and test materials, including where appropriate the name of the module or test. -
Foundation accreditation requirement
We require all candidates to pass the ASD exam and to keep this pass current as a foundation to any further development, which builds on this underlying knowledge. Later tests assume that the core ASD curriculum has already been tested and may therefore contain implicit references to this knowledge. -
What is tested
We test for technical skills and knowledge required of a professional Symbian OS programmer. The emphasis is on understanding and application rather than memory. Within the accreditation programme we do not test other topics such as intelligence, social and management skill, knowledge of legislation, financial awareness and so on but may test some generic engineering competencies that are not Symbian specific. However, we may offer additional tools, outside the ASD programme, to assess these characteristics. -
Jargon
We do not test for knowledge of jargon or acronyms. Candidates are expected to recognise and be familiar with commonly used terms in Symbian OS programming and these will not necessarily be explained in questions. -
Keeping the materials current
We review the curriculum, the test objectives and exams every spring (usually from March onwards). We revise them as deemed necessary in order to provide for new material, test validity, security, and to incorporate feedback. Revised materials are published when completed with related exams issued the following winter (usually in October). -
Renewing accreditations
Accreditations expire when major changes to the curriculum are introduced with a latency of one year. For example, if a major test upgrade is introduced in October, accreditations awarded under the previous version will typically expire in November the following year. Otherwise test accreditations expire after 2 years. Candidates are required to re-pass all exams that have been deprecated by the date of re-accreditation to maintain their accreditation rating on those topics. -
Re-taking exams
Anyone can take any exam at any time. -
Complaints procedure
Grievances that question the examination content, passing standard or specific items will be accepted by Majinate and reviewed as part of our quality control processes, but no further action will be taken.Grievances concerning a specific exam administration must be submitted in writing with a signature to Majinate within 30 days of the exam administration. Majinate will contact the candidate with its decision within 60 days of receipt of the grievance.
Should the candidate with to appeal the decision, the candidate must submit a written appeal request within 15 days of receipt of Majinate's decision. Within 60 days, Majinate shall schedule a hearing with the Appeal Board by conference call between the candidate, the examiner and Majinate.
During the appeal, the Appeal Board will only review whether a decision made by Majinate or the examiner was inappropriate if: (1) the decision was based on material errors of fact, or (2) Majinate or the examiner failed to follow published criteria, policies, and procedures. Only facts and conditions up to and including the time of the original decision will be considered during the appeal.
Majinate, the examiner and the complainant may make statements and present documents during the appeal. Relevant evidence may be submitted electronically.
Disputes shall be determined by majority vote of the Appeal Board and shall be final and binding. The decision of the Appeal Board shall be provided in writing to the applicant within 30 days of the appeal.
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Re-Scoring of Exams
Although it is extremely unlikely that re-scoring will result in a change in examination results, candidates who receive a failing score may request a re-scoring. Requests should be submitted in writing and mailed to Majinate with a GBP £50.00 fee. Upon receipt of a written request and appropriate fee, the candidate's exam will be re-scored. Requests for re-scoring must be received no later than 30 days following receipt of the pass/fail decision. Requests for re-scoring will be processed within 30 days after receipt of request and submission of the appropriate fee. -
Data Protection
Majinate retains records for the period of their immediate or current use, unless longer retention is necessary for historical reference, research, or to comply with contractual or legal requirements. Majinate is registered with the UK Data Controller and complies with UK Data Protection legislation.
