Answers to Common Questions on CIWM (WAMITAB) Qualifications, Requirements & Assessment Processes

What is a CIWM (WAMITAB) Operator Competence Level 4 Certificate and why do I need one?

A CIWM (WAMITAB) certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the Level 4 Primary Competency qualification, tailored to the specific activities of your site; such as Transfer, Treatment, Landfill, End-of-Life Vehicles, Composing AD or Recycling. This certification is also commonly known as a CoTC (Certificate of Technical Competence).

How do l achieve my CIWM (WAMITAB) qualification?

The number of units required will depend on the risk level associated with your required qualification as per your permit conditions.

Your qualification is achieved by building a portfolio of evidence in hard format or electronic against the units which make up the risk level of the qualification. This is done by various activities covered on your first induction visit with the Assessor:

• Remote contact via email, telecom with your Assessor
• Collection of hard paper evidence, photographs, and video where appropriate
• Answering underpinning knowledge questions
• Being observed by the Assessor in the workplace
• The undertaking of professional discussions with your Assessor

How long will it take to complete my CIWM (WAMITAB)?

The time it takes to complete depends on the time and effort you put into building your portfolio of evidence in between Assessor visits.

When you have undertaken the activities associated with each unit your Assessor will assess the unit and feedback on whether it meets the requirements or if there are any shortfalls and guide you. When all units have been successfully assessed by the assessor your portfolio will be submitted to an Internal Verifier for final approval.

NOTE: CIWM (WAMITAB) registrations only have a 2-year life span so you must complete in this time frame. After 2 years, you will be required to pay to be re-registered with CIWM (WAMITAB).

Eligible Learners are offered Free Affiliated Learner (AFL) Membership with CIWM (WAMITAB):

As a learner, whilst you are working through your waste management qualification, CIWM (WAMITAB) offers eligible learners the opportunity for free CIWM Affiliated Learner membership. 

Their aim for this membership is to: 

• Make you feel part of the CIWM community. 
• Give you access to CIWM content to help prepare for and complete your qualifications. 
• Provide information about changes in the sector. 
• Give you access to a community platform so you can ask peers questions and find answers. 

This is a two-year membership reflecting your two-year registration period for most qualifications offered. When we, as your accredited training centre, register you for your chosen pathway, CIWM (WAMITAB) automatically enrol you for the membership status. You will receive an email direct from CIWM (WAMITAB) asking you to set up an account, which will include your preferences or an option to opt out. Once you the have set up your account, you can access all the benefits of being a CIWM member.  

All questions with regards to this AFL membership must be directed to CIWM(WAMITAB) direct.

What is the Internal Verifiers job?

The Internal Verifier, also known as the Internal Quality Assurer (IQA), is responsible for reviewing assessment decisions to ensure consistency and reliability across the training provider. Their role includes sampling learner work, identifying issues or trends, supporting assessor development, and ensuring that all staff adhere to the provider’s policies and procedures.

How long will my CIWM (WAMITAB) Certificate/Award last?

Technically, in England and Wales, your certificate/award will never expire.  However, if you are using your certificate to act as a Technically Competent person on a site activity for which it covers, you must renew your competency every 2 years by undertaking the Continuing Competency Test and passing.

What is the Continuing Competency Test?

The Continuing Competency Test is an online test that is taken by those who are using their CIWM (WAMITAB) certificate to act as the site technically competent person.

The test must be taken every 2 years, in line with the date shown on the CIWM(WAMTAB) certificate if it is the first test being taken, or if a test has been taken 2 years prior, 2 years from the date shown on this certificate.

Tests are booked online through the CIWM (WAMITAB) website. Testing locations are run by Pearson VUE and there are many locations UK wide.

Is there any revision course available prior to taking a test?

Yes, EWS runs a successful one–to-one online course for those wishing to have a refresher session.  See our course details on our short courses page.