1) What level is the Advanced Certificate in Reward Management?

The Advanced Certificate in Reward Management is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and is part of the CIPD Professional Development Scheme at Postgraduate level.

2) Who is the certificate aimed at?

The Certificate is aimed at HR Generalists, wishing to either continue in a generalist role or specialise in reward. And Pay and Reward Specialists and Consultants.

3) What do I need to do to complete the certificate?

To complete the certificate, you will need to:

• Attend the introductory workshop, three course modules and revision day
• Successfully complete 2 assessed written assignments
• Complete the 3 assessed case studies
• Complete independent learning
• Pass the CIPD’s national employee reward examination

4) How long will it take me?

The Certificate programme is designed to be flexible. Completion usually takes a year* although it can be taken over a shorter or longer period, up to a maximum of two years, if necessary.

*You have a maximum of two years to complete the requirements of the programme.

5) Do I need to be a CIPD member?

All students who are not already CIPD members need to enrol as a studying Affiliate as part of the registration process. Membership is not included in the programmes fees.

6) What if I have recently completed the CIPD’s professional development scheme which included the Reward Elective?

The ACRM fully meets and exceeds the CIPD’s syllabus requirements and is mapped at ‘M’ Level. If you have recently completed the reward elective you will be exempt from the examination element of the assessment requirements. If you completed the PQS/reward elective before July 2002 you may need to sit a different examination paper.

7) What happens if I can’t complete it in the two year maximum period?

Extensions/deferments can be agreed with the Programme Manager in the case of extenuating circumstances.

8) What is the cost?

The cost is £4,200.00 + £735.00 VAT

9) Can I split the payments up?

You can pay for the course on a module by module basis. If you would like to pay this way you will be invoiced for the Introductory Workshop (including all Certificate resources), three modules and the Revision Day on an individual basis for the total fee of £4,410.00 + £771.75 VAT.

Fees are valid for bookings received before 31 December 2007

10) What is the enrolment (booking) process?

You must complete an Advanced Certificate in Reward Management booking form. This can be found in the back of the Training Directory. You must fill this in and fax or post to the number/address on the form.

11) How long will it take before my application is processed?

Acknowledgement will be by return and full processing normally takes about 14 days.

12) What happens on the Induction day?

By the end of the induction, you will be able:

• identify the key requirements of the certificate
• define the components of reward
• analyse the links between reward, the organisation and the external environment
• explain the factors that influence people to join or leave an organisation
• identify the factors that create engagement and motivate employees to deliver high performance
• evaluate the skills required of reward specialists

13) How much personal study time is required?

This varies from person to person but an hour or two per week is a good guideline – more time will be required whilst preparing assignments and case studies and revising for the examination. During the programme most students will need to spend at least 60 hours in personal study.

14) Do I have to attend the modules in any particular order?

The certificate in designed to be flexible allowing you to choose the sequence that’s best for you. It’s recommended that you attend the Introductory Workshop first and complete the Reward in Context module last.

15) Assessment, what is required?

You will need to successfully complete:

• 2 written assignments of 2000 words each
• 3 case studies
• a two hour examination

16) What are the assignments about?

• Assignment One - Base and Variable Pay - Do we have a choice?
• Assignment Two - Benefits, Pensions and Share Schemes - The benefits of being flexible
• Assignment Three - Reward in Context - New Pay? Think again

17) When do I give the assignments in?

Both the assignments will need to be submitted no later than 6 weeks after attending the relevant module i.e. six weeks after Reward in Context for assignment three and either six weeks after Base and Variable Pay for assignment one or six weeks after Benefits, Pensions and Share Schemes for assignment two depending on which choice has been made.

There will be annual reviews by the Reward at Work Faculty to ensure continued topicality/relevance.

18) What are the case studies about?

Case Study One

Topic: But some are not as equal as others: criticising job evaluation methods.
Course: Base and Variable Pay

Case Study Two

Topic: Nutkin building society: pensions.
Course: Benefits, Pensions and Share Schemes

Case Study Three

Topic: Eton Morrgate: Re-aligning reward strategy, post acquisition.
Course: Reward in Context

19) What do I need to know about the exam?

The exam is 2 hours 10 minuets (10 minutes of reading time) and are held in May and November.

The exam is broken into two sections:
Section A – case study
Section B - answer 7 out of 10 questions.

There are equal marks for each section and equal marks per question in section B. You need to attempt all questions.

20) What is the role of my personal tutor?

Your personal tutor provides you with the support and advice you need during your studies on any aspect of the Certificate.

21) What is the Learner Support Site?

The Learners Support Site (LSS) is designed as an added benefit to support your study through on-line resources and through networking with other learners as well as discussing key topical issues. The LSS enables you to:

• take part in debates hosted by recognised subject experts
• download key information from a growing catalogue of specially selected – learning resources including case studies, self-assessments and ice-beakers
• read the latest news from the trade and national press

22) When do I get access to the LSS?

Access commences 5 weeks prior to attending a course. Certificate students have access to the LSS for 2 years.

23) Can I change module dates once I have booked them?

Yes and provided requests are made at least 10 working days before the module, no transfer fee applies.