When it comes to advancing your career in educational testing and access arrangements, choosing the right qualification is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between two Level 7 educational testing qualifications —ETAAC and CPT3A. Both are BPS-accredited and JCQ-compliant, but they offer unique advantages depending on your professional goals.Â
Level 7 Educational Testing and Access Arrangements Certificate (ETAAC) course offered by Education Elephant and the Certificate of Competence in Psychometric Testing, Assessment & Access Arrangements (CPT3A) from Real Training, both courses provide comprehensive and practical knowledge, equipping professionals with a strong foundation for working with educational assessments and access arrangements.
However, depending on your professional needs, geographic location, and career focus, one course may suit you better than the other. To ensure you are well-informed and confident in your decision, let’s dive into a thorough, honest, side-by-side comparison! We’ll compare their accreditation, flexibility, cost, and professional development opportunities to help you find the best fit for your career in educational testing and access arrangements.
#1 Course Structure and Content
ETAAC: ETAAC offers comprehensive training in psychometric testing and access arrangements, with a strong focus on practical skills for professionals working in the UK educational system.The course provides flexibility through two learning options: online self-paced and intensive live training.
This allows professionals to choose the format that best suits their learning style and schedule, making it ideal for those juggling work commitments or seeking to learn at their own pace.
CPT3A: CPT3A provides similarly in-depth training in psychometric testing and access arrangements, with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on experience. Like ETAAC, CPT3A offers multiple delivery options to cater to different learning preferences: the course can be completed through an online version, an intensive route, or a classic blended learning model that combines both online and face-to-face learning.This flexibility allows participants to choose how they engage with the course based on their personal and professional needs.Â
Verdict: Both ETAAC and CPT3A offer flexible learning options; ETAAC’s self-paced format and live boot camps may appeal more to those who need to fit their studies around a busy schedule, whereas CPT3A’s blended learning is ideal for those who value face-to-face interaction.
#2 Accreditation and Recognition
ETAAC: ETAAC is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and meets JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) standards, ensuring that professionals who complete the course are fully qualified to carry out psychometric testing and make access arrangements for students in line with JCQ regulations.
The course provides a Level 7 equivalent qualification, making it an ideal stepping stone for those interested in progressing into roles like dyslexia assessors or similar educational specialist roles
CPT3A: CPT3A is also BPS-accredited and offers a Level 7 equivalent qualification, making it highly recognised and respected. A key strength of CPT3A is that it can serve as a pathway to a Master’s degree in Special Educational Needs (SEN), giving professionals a clear academic progression route.
Verdict: ETAAC remains an excellent option for those focused on advancing into roles like dyslexia assessment and other specialist qualifications. CPT3A is suitable for those looking to continue their studies towards a Master’s in SEN.Â
#3 Flexibility and Course Delivery
ETAAC: ETAAC is highly flexible, offering both an online self-paced and intensive live training option. This allows participants to choose a learning method that suits their schedule and learning style, whether they prefer studying at their own pace or participating in more structured, live sessions.Both options include tutor support to ensure learners are guided throughout the course.
CPT3A: CPT3A also offers flexibility with its online, intensive, and classic (blended learning) options. The online version allows for self-paced study, while the intensive option provides a faster, more immersive learning experience.The classic version blends online learning with face-to-face sessions, giving participants a mix of both flexible study and in-person interaction. This variety in course delivery ensures that CPT3A caters to a wide range of learners with different needs.
Verdict: Both ETAAC and CPT3A offer flexible delivery models, including self-paced, intensive, and blended learning options, making them equally adaptable for different professional schedules and preferences.
#4 Professional Development and Graduate Benefits
ETAAC: One of ETAAC’s key advantages is its ongoing professional development opportunities for graduates.Upon completing the course, ETAAC graduates gain access to alumni benefits, including exclusive resources, webinars, exclusive referral programs, and professional development opportunities through Education Elephant’s dedicated platform.
This ensures that participants can continue learning and expanding their expertise in areas such as specific learning difficulties (SpLDs), dyslexia support, and more.
CPT3A: CPT3A provides strong support for professionals during the course, with tutors and mentors available for guidance. It also offers further progression opportunities in educational psychology and access arrangements.However, it lacks the structured alumni benefits and ongoing access to professional development resources that ETAAC provides.
Verdict: ETAAC edges ahead with its ongoing alumni benefits and access to a professional development platform, making it an attractive choice for professionals who want continuous growth opportunities after completing the course.
#5 Cost and Value for Money
ETAAC: One of the standout benefits of ETAAC is its affordability. It offers excellent value for money, providing BPS-accredited training at a lower price compared to CPT3A.This makes it an ideal option for professionals seeking high-quality training without the higher cost. The affordability, combined with flexible learning options, enhances its appeal.
CPT3A: CPT3A tends to be more expensive, reflecting its established reputation and pathways to higher-level qualifications, including a Master’s degree.While the price may be justified for those seeking specific academic progression, it may be less accessible for professionals with tighter budgets.
Verdict: ETAAC wins on affordability, offering BPS-accredited training at a lower price, making it a cost-effective option for many professionals. CPT3A might justify its higher cost for those pursuing long-term academic qualifications like a Master’s.
Which Course is Right for You?
CPT3A is an excellent option for professionals focused on advancing toward a Master’s in SEN or those who prefer a more structured learning experience, including face-to-face components.Its well-established reputation and progression pathways make it ideal for those pursuing higher-level academic qualifications.
ETAAC, on the other hand, offers affordable, flexible learning that is perfect for professionals who need to balance their studies with work.Its ongoing alumni benefits and access to professional development courses ensure that graduates can continue building their skills after completing the course.ETAAC is a strong choice for those seeking to progress into dyslexia assessor roles or other specialist areas or professional educational testing or access arrangement qualification .
