Metal Recycling Contractor Competency Scheme (MRCCS)
Metal Recycling Contractor Competency Scheme (MRCCS)
The Metal Recycling Contractor Competency Scheme (MRCCS) has been developed in collaboration with the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA).
Metal Recycling Contractor Competency Scheme (MRCCS)
The Metal Recycling Contractor Competency Scheme (MRCCS) has been developed in collaboration with the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA). The MRCCS tests provide evidence of individual capability and competency; enabling organisations to quickly and easily check that contractors have the required skills and training, and health and safety awareness to work on a site in the metal recycling sector. This will lead to improved health and safety in the workplace and reduce the risk of accidents occurring on site.
CIWM recently hosted a webinar dedicated to providing an overview on the scheme, how it works, the benefits and the background behind it. You can watch the full webinar recording here.
There are two MRCCS tests to choose from:
Contractor – Operative Test
Contractor – Supervisory Test
The Contractor – Operative test comprises 26 multiple-choice questions.
The Contractor – Supervisory test comprises 40 multiple-choice questions.
Both tests allow a maximum of 55 minutes for completion
The pass mark for the tests is 85% meaning that a learner must answer at least 22/26 questions correctly to pass the Operative test and at least 34/40 questions correctly to pass the Supervisory test.
All contractors are required to take their test every three years to provide continued evidence of competence.
Revise for your test
To support those individuals undertaking their MRCCS test:
The syllabus documents outlining the topics covered in both tests can be accessed here:
Early Bird promotion: Receive an exclusive 50% discount on the e-learning courses above when you book to take your Metal Recycling Contractor Competency Scheme (MRCCS) Operative/Supervisory Test before 31st December 2022 . To access this limited-time discount, simply email info.admin@ciwm.co.uk with evidence of your test date.
Evidencing your credential
MRCCS Learners are required to have their photo taken on the day of their test. Pearson Vue will store these photos and use them to check identity when a MRCCS learner returns for their repeat test every three years, as additional evidence to validate a learner’s identification.
When you book your test, you will be asked to confirm that you understand that you will be required to have your photo taken on the day of your test. On the test day, if you refuse to have your photo taken, the test centre will not allow you to sit your test.
The competence for MRCCS tests will be confirmed by a Pearson VUE test and evidenced via CIWM ProFile, a new digital credential system being developed by CIWM, which allows the credential to be validated on-demand via a unique QR code.
Through this secure system, you will be issued with a digital CIWM ProFile card where your MRCCS credential will be stored. In the days following your test, you will receive a notification asking you to download your personalised CIWM ProFile card via the Vircarda app.
The photo captured by Pearson Vue on the day of your test will be transferred to CIWM and will be used as your photo for the ProFile card.
For further information about how we use your data please see our Privacy Notice. If you have any questions, please contact info.admin@ciwm.co.uk
About the test
Test registration and scheduling information
To book your test through Pearson VUE, you will need a valid credit or debit card. You will be asked to select the location, date and time of your test through the Pearson VUE booking system.
The test is computer based and delivered through a suite of ‘independent test centres’ operated by Pearson VUE.
Where possible, please ensure you use your personal email address and mobile number when creating your account – this provides a seamless service should your employer change. If you are unable to provide a personal email and mobile number, please ensure you advise us should your employer change in the future.
Deciding which test option to take
Before taking the test the candidate must already have decided what test option to take as the test menu will ask him/her to select either the Operative or Supervisory test.
When you use the Pearson VUE booking system you will be asked for your CIWM (WAMITAB) ID. If you do not have a CIWM (WAMITAB) ID you should select “No, I don’t know my CIWM (WAMITAB) ID” to continue the process. If you are still experiencing problems, you will need to call Pearson VUE on 0161 855 7316. CIWM (WAMITAB) is unable to provide help as we do not issue this ID.
If you have lost your log in details you will need to click on the “Forgot my username” or “Forgot my password” links on the Pearson VUE booking system. If you are still experiencing problems, you will need to call Pearson VUE on 0161 855 7316 for further assistance.
You will be asked to provide your name, address and contact details (email address and/or mobile number as mandatory). Please make sure you use your personal email address and mobile number when creating your account wherever possible, to ensure a seamless service should your employer change.
We ask that you arrive at the test centre 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This will give you adequate time to complete the necessary sign-in procedures. Be prepared to show a valid form of personal identification. Pearson VUE will not seat a candidate for an exam unless he/she provides valid ID which contains a photo and a signature e.g. a valid signed UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional) or a valid signed passport of any country containing the candidate’s photograph and signature.
Important note: In addition to providing a valid form of ID, on arrival, we will need to take a photo. This photo will be used to evidence your ID within your CIWM ProFile; CIWM’s new digital credential system.
Before taking the test the candidate must already have decided what test option to take as the test menu will ask him/her to select either the Operative or Supervisory test.
The Contractor – Operative test comprises 26 multiple-choice questions
The Contractor – Supervisory test comprises 40 multiple-choice questions
Both tests allow a maximum of 55 minutes for completion.
The pass mark for the tests is 85% meaning that a learner must answer at least 22/26 questions correctly to pass the Operative test and at least 34/40 questions correctly to pass the Supervisory test.
Yes, you will need to be able to use a computer and a mouse. There is a short tutorial available on our website to get used to the system before starting your test. You may also decide to undergo some IT training or practice before booking the test. If you still have concerns about the use of the IT equipment, call Pearson VUE on 01618 557316
A paper-based test is not currently available. However, there are provisions available for individuals that require a reasonable adjustment.
There is a range of support available for people revising for their MRCCS tests, including:
CIWM (WAMITAB) is required by the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments where a learner, who is disabled within the definition of the Equality Act 2010, would be at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to someone who is not disabled. CIWM (WAMITAB) will consider applications for reasonable adjustments (e.g. a reader or extra time) on a case by case basis.
If you want to apply for a reasonable adjustment, please complete the MRCCS Access Arrangements Form and email it to info.admin@ciwmquals.co.uk with any evidence. If CIWM (WAMITAB) approves your application, you will receive a confirmation email within 5 working days. You will then need to contact Pearson VUE 24 hours after approval, in order to schedule a test with an ‘accommodation’ at the test centre.
Yes, you will be able to apply for a reasonable adjustment for support with the test; for example, a reader and scribe.
Yes, the test has been set up as a multiple choice test and candidates should follow the instructions on the screen.
Booking the test
You can book your MRCCS test at any time on Pearson VUE website. You will need a valid credit or debit card and will select the location, date and time of your test.
Contact Pearson VUE on 0161 855 7316 or email ciwmqualscustomerservices@pearson.com regarding cancellations, bookings or any problems you experience during the registration process.
To cancel or reschedule your test, you must contact Pearson VUE directly. Cancelling or rescheduling an exam must be done at least 24 hours prior to the exam appointment time. Late cancellation requests will result in forfeiture of your exam fee and you will need to pay the fee again to take the exam. There is a button on the right-hand side of CIWM (WAMITAB) landing page which allows you to re-schedule your test.
Effective from 20th April 2022, the test cost is £110.
All contractors are required to take their test every three years to provide continued evidence of competence.
Pearson VUE will send a confirmation letter via email to the email address supplied by the candidate in the registration/booking process. This will confirm the details of your test booking.
No, all payments are made using debit or credit cards at the time of booking and the confirmation letter via email is evidence that the test has been paid for.
What happens when I arrive at the test centre
If you do not arrive for the test (‘no-show’) or arrive 15 minutes late for your test and are refused admission, you will forfeit your exam fee and will need to pay the fee again to take the exam.
If you are unable to attend your test due to illness, and do not cancel or re-schedule at least 24 hours before your appointment, you will forfeit your exam fee and will need to pay the fee again to take the exam.
If for some reason the test centre is closed due to adverse weather conditions or ‘force majeure’ candidates will be offered a re-test at no cost to themselves. However, if the centre is open and candidates are unable to attend this will be considered as a no-show and you will forfeit your exam fee and will need to pay the fee again to take the exam.
We ask that you arrive at the test centre 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This will give you adequate time to complete the necessary sign-in procedures. Be prepared to show a valid form of personal identification. Pearson VUE will not seat a candidate for an exam unless he/she provides valid ID which contains a photo and a signature e.g. a valid signed UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional) or a valid signed passport of any country containing the candidate’s photograph and signature.
Important note: In addition to providing a valid form of ID, on arrival, we will need to take a photo. This photo will be used to evidence your ID within your CIWM ProFile; CIWM’s new digital credential system.
The test is based on multiple-choice with one question at a time shown on the screen. Underneath the question the various answers are set out. To select an answer you use the mouse to touch the button beside the answer you want on the screen.
Yes, you will be able to go back and change your answers by using the mouse.
Yes, you will be able to ‘flag’ a question so you can go back to it and review it at the end of the section.
If there is a short interruption to the test, candidates are usually able to continue. The answers that have been given up to that point will not normally be lost. If there is a large disruption then you will be offered a new test free of charge.
Once you have completed the test, a message will appear on screen advising you that the test is now complete.
After the test
Once you have completed the test, a message will appear on screen advising you if you have passed or failed the test.
You go back to the booking section of the website using the right hand navigation – schedule a test.
