2.3   Testing Process

For the AV, TLE, Event Management and Event Safety designations, candidates are required to write an online examination that tests both the breadth and depth of their knowledge. All examinations are administered through the SACIA Academy using a secure, professional web-based testing service. There is a charge to write the online examination – this provides access to the examination for a period of 24 hours. Payment can either be made through the SACIA office, or online using PayPal or any credit/ debit card. If you fail the exam, up to two re-tests are allowed without any additional charge.

The exams are accessed through the SACIA website at www.sacia.org.za. The exam presents each question with four response alternatives (A, B, C and D). One of these represents the single best response and credit is granted only for selection of this response.

Candidates are required to answer 100 questions in 120 minutes. The exam questions are based upon a list of competencies either detailed in the tables below, or described under the designation competencies related to each designation. Questions are written in a format that evaluates a candidate's ability to perform their job tasks rather than solely based on knowledge recall or memorization of facts.

Exam questions are written by individuals certified by SACIA, or deemed subject matter experts. They are also reviewed and validated by both test development experts and other subject matter experts.

2.3.1 Exam content outline – Theatre & Live Events

Individuals wanting to earn a professional TLE designation are assessed on their understanding of 15 core competencies.

Competency	TLE Associate/ Practitioner	TLE Professional
		Practitioner exam + Professional assessment
Questions at the Associate level are designed to test an individual’s broad competence, while questions at the Practitioner level explore a greater depth of knowledge.	Number of questions	An individual applying for the CertTLE Professional designation needs to demonstrate a broad understanding of the technology used in the theatre and live events industry, as well as a deep understanding of at least one core technology. They should also demonstrate their deep understanding of safety issues related to this field, as well as the regulatory framework that applies to the theatre and live events industry. They should also have an in‐depth understanding of the management and administrative functions associated with technical production in the theatre and live events sector. Individuals claiming a deep knowledge in (1) audio; (2) video and display; or (3) Signal Management can write the standard TLE002 exam, as well as a 100-question multiple choice exam that covers Health & Safety (25 questions), Management (25 questions) and Core Competence (50 questions). Individuals claiming a deep competence in any other area are required to write the standard TLE002 exam, as well as a 50-question multiple choice exam (TLE003) that covers Health & Safety (25 questions) and Management (25 questions). They will also provide a Portfolio of Evidence that supports their claim of competence. The Portfolio will be assessed by a body of expert practitioner’s active in that field.
Audio	12
AV Operations	8
Cabling & Signal Management	6
Display	12
Event Power	6
Health & Safety	6
Laser	2
Lighting	10
Management	3
Pyro	2
RF	2
Rigging	10
Stage craft	6
Temporary Structures	3
Video	12
Total	100

2.3.2  Exam Content Outline – Audio Visual

Individuals wanting to earn a professional AV designation are assessed on their understanding of 15 core competencies.

Competency	AV Associate	AV Practitioner	AV Professional
Audio	12	12	10
AV Design			12
AV Generic	6	6	2
AV Install	6	6	6
AV operations	6	6	4
AV Project management	-	-	8
AV Troubleshooting	12	12	6
Cabling & Signal Management	12	12	6
Control Systems	6	6	2
Display	12	12	10
Health & Safety	6	6	6
Lighting	6	6	4
Management	3	3	10
Power	6	6	4
Video	10	10	10
Total	100	100	100

2.3.3  Scoring process

The minimum passing score for both the AV and TLE examination is 65%, while the minimum passing score for the Event Safety designation is 75%. On completion of the examination a “Pass” or “Fail” report will be issued to you. Candidates who pass the exam will be invited to apply for the relevant professional designation.
In addition to their exam results, an individual will need to provide supporting documentation relating to their work experience, as well as certified copies of the qualifications, ID documents, etc.

2.4   Application Process

The application process is similar for all the SACIA professional designations:

The Application Form is completed and submitted to SACIA for processing, together with the required supporting documentation. Candidates are notified of outcome of evaluation.  Certification fee needs to be paid before the certificate can be issued.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment is used to award the designation.  This occurs at two levels:

• Qualification - an RPL assessment is applied to evaluate the equivalence of the competence of an individual who might not have the required qualification.  This assessment is currently a desktop evaluation that is performed for the candidate to access the certification process and does not result in the awarding of an NQF registered qualification; and,
• Evaluation of application – the methodology used to evaluate an application is aligned to RPL practices and takes formal, informal and non-formal learning into consideration when awarding the designation.

Successful candidates are certified, and their name is added to the National Learner Records Database.

D – Schedule of Fees