Assessment Rules for Candidates

These assessments rules apply to CIM and CAM qualifications

ASSESSMENT RULES FOR CANDIDATES

The following rules for candidates apply to all candidates taking professional qualifications with The Chartered
Institute of Marketing. These regulations define the basis for your relationship with us so please make
yourself aware of all the rules and regulations contained within this document before undertaking your
assessments.

Assessment Rules for Candidates

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INDEX
1

ASSIGNMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 4
1.1

ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS ...................................................................................................... 4

EXAMINATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 4

BEFORE THE EXAMINATION ............................................................................................................ 4

2.1

REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS ...................................................................................................... 4

2.2

ALLOCATION OF EXAMINATION CENTRES ................................................................................... 5

2.3

UK EXAMINATION CENTRES .................................................................................................. 5

2.4

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATION CENTRES .................................................................................. 5

2.5

ONLINE EXAMINATION CENTRES ................................................................................................ 5

2.6

PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION .............................................................................................. 5

2.7

ARRIVAL .................................................................................................................................... 6

2.8

LATE ARRIVALS ......................................................................................................................... 6

2.9

TEMPORARY ABSENCE ............................................................................................................... 6

2.10

PERMANENT ABSENCE ............................................................................................................... 6

2.11

STATIONERY ............................................................................................................................. 6

DURING THE EXAMINATION .............................................................................................................. 6

2.12

INVIGILATION ........................................................................................................................... 6

2.13

SMOKING .................................................................................................................................. 6

2.14

FOOD ........................................................................................................................................ 6

2.15

NOISE ....................................................................................................................................... 7

2.16

ADVICE ..................................................................................................................................... 7

2.18

USE OF CALCULATORS, DICTIONARIES ETC. ............................................................................... 7

2.20

ADDITIONAL STATIONERY .................................................................................................... 8

2.21

USE AND COMPLETION OF ANSWER BOOKS ........................................................................ 8

2.22

ROUGH NOTES ........................................................................................................................ 9

2.23

CLOSE OF SESSION .................................................................................................................... 9

2.24

NON-SUBMISSION OF ANSWER BOOK......................................................................................... 9

2.25

PRESENTATION OF WRITTEN WORK .......................................................................................... 9

2.26

LOST ANSWER BOOKS ............................................................................................................... 9

2.27

QUESTION PAPERS .................................................................................................................... 9

2.28

BREACH OF RULES AND MALPRACTICE DURING THE EXAMINATION ............................................ 9

AFTER THE EXAMINATION ............................................................................................................. 10

2.29

RESULTS ................................................................................................................................. 10

2.30

ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES .......................................................................................................... 10

2.31

EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES (occurring just before or during the examinations).................... 10

2.32

ILLNESS (resulting in non-attendance) ...................................................................................... 10

2.33

FEEDBACK ON RESULTS ........................................................................................................... 11

2.34

APPEALS .................................................................................................................................. 11

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Assessment Rules for Candidates

ASSIGNMENTS

1.1

ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS
Candidates have to complete the assignment brief published by The Chartered Institute of Marketing
(CIM) for the relevant academic session. The assignment brief is issued by tutors at accredited study
centres. Tutors should be prepared to offer advice to candidates regarding the brief, the mark scheme
and the grade descriptors. Tutors and candidates should also understand and apply CIM policies
relating to assignments including word count, plagiarism and collusion. Each assignment must be
completed individually, not as part of a group.
Guidance on the following areas are in the assignment briefs Guidance notes for candidates.

Confidentiality
Assessment criteria and mark schemes
Grade descriptors
Tutor guidance to candidates
Word count policy
Presentation
Appendices
Plagiarism and collusion
Submission of assignments
Final grades
Assignment deadlines

Candidates are obliged to make a declaration statement on the front cover of their assignment
confirming their understanding of the CIM policies. CIM take issues of word count, plagiarism and
collusion very seriously. It is the candidates responsibly to ensure they submit their assignment in
compliance with CIM regulations.

EXAMINATIONS

You should ensure that you read and are thoroughly familiar with the following regulations BEFORE
presenting yourself for The Chartered Institute of Marketing examinations.
BEFORE THE EXAMINATION
2.1

REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS
Please note: If you have additional support needs, such as a permanent or temporary condition ie,
long term illness, mental impairment, broken limbs, recovery from a serious operation etc, during study
and you believe that this will affect your examination performance, you are advised to read the
Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration policy, and the guidance notes for completing the
Reasonable Adjustment claim form, which can be found on the CIM Learning Zone website.
CIM is committed to providing equal opportunities for all candidates. We aim to make reasonable
adjustments when a candidate is placed at a disadvantage to others, with regard to assessments due
to a learning difficulty or disability.
Each request will be assessed on an individual basis. All applications must be made in writing to CIM at
least four weeks prior to the date of your examination. Each request must be supported by
medical evidence etc. Should you have a long-term condition you will not be required to submit new
medical evidence each session as the original evidence will be kept on file for future reference.
However, you must notify CIM that you have booked your examination(s) by completing the
Reasonable Adjustments Claim form (available on the Learning Zone). This can be sent by post to:
Reasonable Adjustments, Awarding Body, The Chartered Institute of Marketing, or via e-mail:
reasonableadjustments@cim.co.uk to enable CIM to make the necessary arrangements.

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If you choose to sit examinations at a centre other than your own study centre, you may
be required to pay for any additional costs incurred when accommodating your reasonable
adjustment(s) at this centre.
If a reasonable adjustment has meant that you have had to use a computer, at the end of the
examination, you must save your work to a removable disk; either a CD or memory stick. This must be
given to the invigilator who will print out two copies, one to return with your answer book along with
the removable disk, labelled and packaged securely to avoid any damage in transit. The invigilator
should then keep a copy of your work, in case of any loss in transit.
2.2

ALLOCATION OF EXAMINATION CENTRES

At the time of booking your assessment, you will be able to select an examination centre which will
either be your own study centres examination centre or an independent centre; these are available in
several countries throughout the world.

2.3

UK EXAMINATION CENTRES
Should your study centre choose not to be an examination centre then you will be allocated a place at
the nearest independent centre available, although this is on a first come, first serve basis and spaces
cannot be guaranteed.

2.4

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATION CENTRES

If you are sitting an examination outside the UK, you may be required to pay local fees to the authority
conducting the examinations. These fees are payable in advance, direct to the examination centre.
Should no examination centre be available in your area, you may be offered the option of setting up a
miscellaneous centre but you will incur an additional cost for the venue hire and invigilation needed.
If you are not able to attend the examination, then it is your responsibility to advise the centre in
advance, in order to avoid payment of these local fees. For more information regarding these centres
please contact CIM on +44 (0)1628 427120.

2.5

ONLINE EXAMINATION CENTRES

If you have registered to do the What is Marketing? examination on the CIM Introductory Certificate in
Marketing, you will be required to book your examination as per the normal booking process by the
deadlines set.
Once your booking is confirmed, you will need to inform your study centre that you have booked for
the online examinations and arrange a suitable venue, date and time for you to sit the online
examination. The provision of the examination centre is the responsibility of the study centre at a
venue previously approved by CIM.
Online examinations cannot be held in-company apart from in exceptional circumstances where CIM
has approved a location.
If you are sitting the examination outside the UK and do not have an approved online examination
centre, in certain countries, you will be required to sit a one hour written examination on an agreed
date and time.

2.6

PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION
Only current CIM members are permitted to sit examinations with CIM and all candidates sitting CIM
examinations (written or online) must provide photographic identification to the invigilator in addition
to their current CIM Membership Card and/or Final Notification e-mail. Photographic ID can be in the
form of a Passport, Driving Licence or a National ID card. Candidates who do not have BOTH forms of
identification (photographic and CIM Membership Card/Final Notification e-mail) will be refused
entry to the examination room.
Please note: If you are sitting the online examination, What is Marketing? you will not
receive a Final Notification E-mail/Letter and must therefore provide photographic
identification as well as your current CIM Membership Card and/or Initial Confirmation Email/Letter.
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Assessment Rules for Candidates

2.7

ARRIVAL
You must be seated in your correct place at least 10 minutes before the start of each
examination session. Your CIM Membership Card and/or Final Notification E-mail/Letter plus your
photographic ID must be placed on your desk so that the invigilator can mark the attendance register.
All mobile phones, pagers and alarms must be turned off and left in bags. All property such as books,
bags or briefcases must be left with the invigilators at the front of the room before the examination
and collected after the session. Neither CIM nor the examination centre will be responsible for any loss
or damage that might be sustained to your property.
If your name has changed between booking your assessment and the day of the
examination, you must be able to show the invigilator official proof of this name change
eg, showing a passport or marriage certificate. This will also be noted against your name
on the register.

2.8

LATE ARRIVALS
You are advised to check the exact start time and location of the examination venue, the time it takes
to get there, allowing additional time for parking and for finding the correct room etc. Fifteen minutes
after the start of the examination session, the doors will be closed and no candidate will be allowed to
enter without special permission of the Senior Invigilator. No extra time will normally be granted.

2.9

TEMPORARY ABSENCE
No candidate may leave the examination room without the permission of an invigilator, who will
arrange for an escort. Question papers, answer books and any other materials must not be removed
from the examination room.

2.10 PERMANENT ABSENCE

No candidate may leave the examination room permanently until the examination has been in session
for 30 minutes. Any candidate leaving the examination room before the end of the session must return
the question paper, answer book and any supplementary sheets to an invigilator.
No candidate will be allowed to leave the examination room during the last 15 minutes of the
examination.
2.11 STATIONERY
It is essential that you equip yourself with pens, pencils, corrective fluid, highlighters, erasers and
rulers as these are not provided by CIM. If bringing them in a pencil case, please ensure it is made of a
transparent material. All other necessary stationery will be supplied by CIM.
DURING THE EXAMINATION
2.12 INVIGILATION
Each examination will be supervised by a senior invigilator, whose job it is to ensure the examination is
conducted in accordance with CIM rules and regulations. The invigilator has the authority with regards
to admission to the examination, permission for temporary absence, and general discipline and conduct
of the examination and candidate. The senior invigilator will give candidate information necessary for
the smooth running of the examination. This will include announcements about the use of materials
and the time at the start of the examination and prior to the end of the examination.
The examination invigilators will ensure compliance with these regulations and report any irregularities
to CIM.
2.13 SMOKING
Smoking is strictly forbidden at any time in the examination room.
2.14 FOOD
Food and drink are not normally permitted in the examination room but a clear plastic bottle of water
may be taken in if required. No other drink is permitted. All labels must be removed from water
bottles before entry into the examination room.

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2.15 NOISE
Complete silence must be observed throughout each examination. Again, mobile phones, watch alarms
and pagers must be turned off and stored in bags/briefcases at the front of the examination room.
2.16 ADVICE
No form of advice or guidance may be sought from the invigilating staff on the meaning or
interpretation of any part of the content of the examination paper.
2.17 QUESTION PAPERS
You should read the front of each question paper carefully to ensure you understand the requirements
of that question paper as the instructions vary from one paper to another.
2.18 USE OF CALCULATORS, DICTIONARIES ETC.
You can take a calculator into the examination room, especially if there is a financial element in a unit
you are taking, but it must be a non-programmable, scientific and quiet battery-operated pocket
calculator. The use of programmable calculators is not permitted under any circumstances.
A standard English dictionary is permitted for all candidates.
When a candidates first language is not English, then a standard language dictionary is permitted ie,
French to English/English to French, in addition to the standard English dictionary. No electronic
dictionaries may be taken into the examination room. The invigilator is required to check all
dictionaries to ensure they do not contain annotations. Any that do will be confiscated and sent to CIM
as evidence of malpractice.
You may not bring into the examination room any type of marketing or general business dictionary or
glossary of terms and expressions.
2.19 USE OF NOTES, BOOKS ETC
No reference books, notes or any other papers may be taken into the examination room with the
exception of the Assessing the Marketing Environment (AME), Delivering Customer Value
through Marketing (DCVTM),Analysis and Decision (A&D) examinations and Strategic
Marketing (SM).
AME and DCVTM candidates are permitted to bring ONLY ONE additional item into the examination
room:

The analysis, a maximum of four sides of A4 (hole-punched in top left hand corner),
individually prepared by you. You must download (from www.cimlearningzone.co.uk) the relevant

case study to read, approximately 6 weeks prior to the examination in order to prepare the
analysis.

This analysis can be referred to during the examination and it is your responsibility to attach your
analysis to your answer book on completion of your examination, using the treasury tag provided.
You are not permitted to bring any other materials into the examination room, including your
downloaded case study, and if you do, it must be left with your personal belongings at the front of
the exam room at the start of the examination.
You will be issued with a clean copy of the case study for these examinations by the invigilator at
the start of the examination along with the question paper. These case study copies will be
collected after the examination by the invigilator; you are not permitted to remove them from the
examination room.
A&D candidates are permitted to bring ONLY TWO additional items into the examination room:

Your original copy of the case study that has already been provided by CIM (photocopies will not
normally be allowed in the examination room*). The case study may be annotated with models,
notes and any ideas on possible decisions or courses of action.
Your analysis summary (hole-punched in top left hand corner), a maximum of six sides of A4
paper, word processed, minimum of font size 11; the content of tables, models or diagrams must
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Assessment Rules for Candidates

be in a minimum of font size 8, individually prepared by you. This analysis can be referred to
during the examination and it is your responsibility to attach your analysis to your answer book on
completion of your examination, using the treasury tag provided by the examination centre.
You are not permitted to bring any other materials into the examination room eg, papers, files or
books. You may not attach any other information, in any format, to your answer books and any
attempt to do so will result in your paper being declared null and void.
*If for any reason candidates do not receive a hard copy of the A&D case study in the post,
they are permitted to bring a hole-punched copy of the case study into the examination
room with them, which can be downloaded from our website, www.cim.co.uk. This
printed/photocopy may also be annotated with models, notes and any ideas on possible
decisions or courses of action as above however, no additional notes on separate sheets of
paper can be included within the copy. At the end of the examination candidates MUST
attach this copy to their answer book using the treasury tag provided so that the
invigilator can return this along with the analysis to CIM for marking.
For all candidates sitting AME, DCVTM and A&D:
You MUST attach your prepared analysis to your examination script and submit both for marking in
order that the analysis can be checked by the examiner. Failure to submit the analysis document,
having used it during the examination, will be treated as breach of examination procedures and the
invigilator will record this in their report booklet so that CIM can investigate this.
Please note: If you do not bring your analysis to the examination, you will still be allowed to sit the
examination but you will not be able to submit your analysis to CIM after the examination. The
invigilator will make a note of this in their report booklet.
SM Candidates are permitted to bring in ONLY ONE additional item into the examination room:

The Marketing plan, a maximum of eight sides of word processed A4 paper, minimum of font size
11 (eleven) should be prepared by the student before the examination. Content of models, tables
or diagrams must be in font size 8 or larger.
You are not permitted to bring any other materials into the examination room, and if you do, it
must be left with your personal belongings at the front of the exam room at the start of the
examination.

2.20 ADDITIONAL STATIONERY

You may request additional stationery at any time during the examination by raising your hand. DO
NOT CALL OUT. You must not remove any stationery, blank or used, from the examination room. The
only exception to this is the A&D examination where you may take your own personal (hard) copy of
the case study away with you.
2.21 USE AND COMPLETION OF ANSWER BOOKS
You must not commence writing in your answer book until told that you can do so. Answers must be
written in black or blue ink. You must enter your CIM membership number, unit name, examination
centre and date on the front of the answer book, and enter your CIM Membership Number at the
top of each page within the answer book and on any supplementary sheets used.
Please note: Where there is a choice of question, you need to record the numbers of the questions in
the order that they were attempted on the front cover of the answer book.
YOU MUST NOT WRITE YOUR NAME ON THE ANSWER BOOK OR SUPPLEMENTARY SHEETS.
You must not attach or write notes/messages to the examiner within your answer books.
All pages of the answer book should be used, but you should start your answer to each question on a
new page. When an answer book is filled, you should then use both sides of the supplementary sheets
provided.

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2.22 ROUGH NOTES

Rough work and notes must be written in the answer book or on supplementary sheets and clearly
identified.
No other pages of notes or other correspondence should be attached in any circumstances, with the
exception of the analyses for AME, DCVTM and A&D examinations.
2.23 CLOSE OF SESSION
Please note: No extra time will be allowed for reading the questions, numbering sheets or
putting papers together.
No candidate is permitted to leave the examination room within the last 15 minutes of the examination
session. When the invigilator declares the examination session over, you must cease writing at once
and close your answer books. No candidate is allowed to leave until the invigilator has checked that all
papers have been collected.
2.24 NON-SUBMISSION OF ANSWER BOOK
In all cases where a candidate decides not to submit an answer book for marking, the answer book
must be given to the invigilator, showing the candidates CIM Membership Number. This will be
recorded against the candidates name on the register and sent back to CIM for their records.
No answer books must be taken out of the examination room. Any answer book that is accidentally
taken out of the examination room cannot subsequently be submitted for marking.
2.25 PRESENTATION OF WRITTEN WORK
Unless special arrangements have been made, you are required to submit a legible, handwritten
examination script. CIM reserves the right not to mark any answer books that it considers to be
illegible.
2.26 LOST ANSWER BOOKS
Whilst every care is taken, if for any reason an answer book is lost during transportation, prior to
marking, then no grade can be issued and the candidate will be required to undertake an alternative
assessment.
2.27 QUESTION PAPERS
All used and unused question papers will be collected up and returned to CIM with registers and
examination answer books. Question papers will be available for candidates to download from
www.cimlearningzone.co.uk approximately two weeks after the examination.
2.28 BREACH OF RULES AND MALPRACTICE DURING THE EXAMINATION
Any breach of the rules contained in this document will be penalised by CIM and may result in action
being taken against the candidate. The following offences in particular are likely to result in disciplinary
action:

being in possession of any materials, equipment, notes, books or other papers at any time during
the examination session, other than those specified previously or those issued or authorised by the
senior invigilator
contacting, communicating, talking to, or copying from any other candidate or allowing work to be
copied
helping or receiving help from another candidate
leaving the examination room without the permission of an invigilator and without an escort
consulting any materials or persons outside the examination room during periods of authorised
absence while the examination is in progress
attempting to make contact or influence the examiner in any way eg, by writing or attaching notes
to your answer book
behaviour that is considered inappropriate by the senior invigilator in an examination room
any person taking or submitting an assessment on another candidates behalf.

Please note: Disciplinary action may include exclusion from and/or prevention of any category of CIM
Membership. If the senior invigilator considers that there is any breach of the regulations as contained
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Assessment Rules for Candidates

in this document, they are empowered to request the offending candidate to leave the examination
room, and can confiscate any such material they consider as evidence of the candidates intention to
evade the rules.
AFTER THE EXAMINATION
2.29 RESULTS
Candidates can expect their results to be sent directly from CIM by post by:

last
last
last
last

Friday
Friday
Friday
Friday

in
in
in
in

February after the December examinations

June after the March/April examinations
September after the June examinations
November after the September examinations.

Although results are despatched in good time, international candidates are warned that postal delays in
some countries may lead to later notifications.
Assessment results will also be emailed to you during the week of despatch and will be available to
view online from midnight on the day of release at www.cim.co.uk/examresults.
NOTE: RESULTS WILL NOT BE GIVEN BY TELEPHONE OR FAX
Study centres will also be issued with a list of candidates results for all candidates who are registered
with them as their study centre.
Please note: Results will not be issued to candidates or their study centres where there are
assessment and/or membership fees outstanding.
Assessment results once published are FINAL and there is no appeal against academic judgment.
Please note that CIM has a policy of not returning scripts to either ASCs or candidates (scripts are
exempt from the Data Protection Act of 1998, Schedule 7, Section 9 (1).
2.30 ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES
All certificates are normally issued within 12 weeks of the results being released.
2.31 EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES (occurring just before or during the examinations)
If you wish any extenuating circumstances (eg. illness, personal difficulties, unforeseen circumstances)
to be taken into consideration during the marking process, you must complete the Claim Form for
Extenuating Circumstances, which can be found at: www.cimlearningzone.co.uk. The completed
form should then be returned with supporting evidence directly to: registrar@cim.co.uk
within four weeks of the date of the examination taking place.
Discussion on extenuating circumstances will not be entered into over the telephone; the claim form
and supporting evidence will be accepted by post and e-mail. Extenuating circumstances will only be
considered by dealing directly with individual candidates and not with tutors, colleagues, family or as
groups.
Candidates are strictly instructed NOT to attach any correspondence to their answer book (see Rule
2.20). Any breach of this rule will result in the answer book being considered null and void.
ANY E-MAILS RECEIVED AFTER THE FOUR WEEKS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
2.32 ILLNESS (resulting in non-attendance)
If you are not able to attend an examination due to illness, you must inform the Membership Team at
CIM in writing within 14 days after the examination date, attaching supporting evidence of your illness
(medical certificate) to deferextend@cim.co.uk. Please contact your tutor at your study centre for the
relevant form and for authorisation. A panel will assess your request, and if successful you will have
your entry transferred to the next available session (providing all your fees have been paid in advance).

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We do not refund examination entry fees and normally only one free transfer is allowed. Also, we are
unable to accept deferrals requested for work-related reasons.
2.33 FEEDBACK ON RESULTS
CIM has a number of quality processes in place to ensure that the grades published are a fair and
accurate reflection of each candidates performance in their assessment(s). However, if you have
reason to think that your work has not been marked according to these processes, you can, for the
relevant fee, request one or more of the following services:

a check of your mark and grade (and/or)

a feedback report on your examination script or assignment.

Candidates who have reason to think that they have been disadvantaged due to process failure can,
with the relevant supporting evidence and for the relevant fee, lodge an appeal. Appeals are not
permitted on the grounds of academic judgment.
Any requests for feedback need to be received, with the relevant fee(s), within four weeks of the
results of that assessment being published by CIM.
Copies of the Assessment Feedback Policy and the Appeals Policy can be downloaded from the
Learning Zone website. For hard copies, please phone the Customer Experience Team on +44 (0)1628
427120 or email qualifications@cim.co.uk. Study Centres are sent electronic copies of this policy for
their files and can access it on the Tutor Zone website, or request a hard copy by calling +44 (0)1628
427107.
2.34 APPEALS
Grounds for appeal
You may only make an appeal on the grade awarded for an examination or assignment on the
following grounds:
Where the examination or assignment was not conducted in accordance with CIM
assessment regulations. Candidates will be required to provide supporting evidence.
Disagreement with the academic judgement of the Board of Examiners cannot itself constitute grounds
for appeal.
Procedure for lodging an appeal
The appeal should be made in writing within four weeks of the result being issued, to the Secretary
to the Appeals Panel at the Institute, and should state the grounds of appeal together with supporting
evidence.
APPEALS RECEIVED AFTER FOUR WEEKS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
Please be aware that the outcome of any appeal may not be available until AFTER the
deadline of the following examination session entry closing date. Candidates should
therefore book to take their resit and if their appeal is successful, the fee will be refunded.
Please visit the Learning Zone (www.cimlearningzone.co.uk) for all policy documents relating to
the appeals service.

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The Chartered Institute of Marketing

Moor Hall
Cookham
Maidenhead
Berkshire, SL6 9QH, UK
Tel: 01628 427120
Fax: 01628 427158
www.cim.co.uk