Q: Can I apply to be an Associate Examiner if I am out of programme and undertaking a fellowship post?
A: Yes, this is not a barrier. However, you should provide confirmation that your Fellowship supervisor supports your time commitment. This can be included in, or accompany, approval from your TPD or Educational Supervisor.
Q: I am an ST5 registrar approaching CCT. Can I apply to be an Associate Examiner?
A: Yes, you can begin training at this stage. However, you should ensure this commitment is appropriately reflected in your consultant job plan, as the first year post-CCT can be demanding.
Q: What happens if applications exceed available places?
A: An informal interview process may be used where candidates are otherwise equally suitable.
Q: How long does the Associate Examiner role last?
A: For the MFPH, typically around two years, allowing participation in multiple sittings, including shadow marking and role play. For the DFPH this can continue until CCT at which point you will have the opportunity to transition to a full examiner role.
Q: What happens after the Associate role, prior to meeting the 3-year post-CCT requirement?
A: This will be reviewed individually at the end of the Associate period. Some flexibility may be applied, or you may return to a full examiner role once eligible
Q: Is time allocated for examiner duties, or would annual leave be required?
A: This depends on your employer, but the role should be recognised as professional development and eligible for CPD. It should be incorporated into your job plan where possible.
Q: When will the role commence?
A: Recruitment is expected to take place shortly after the application deadline (26 May). For the Diplomate Exam, the first commitment will be the training days on 18 and 19 June. For the Final Membership Exam, the role will commence in September.
Q: What does training involve?
A: For the Diplomate Exam, the Associate DFPH and MFPH Examiners will have access to the same training and support as that offered to full examiners prior to commencing work on question development.
For the Diplomate exam in-person training on question setting and standard setting will take place on 18th and 19th June.
The training day for the MFPH exam is yet to be confirmed but will be online via video conference for one day only in Autumn.
Both MFPH and DFPH associate examiners will have the opportunity to take part in shadow/practice marking, however, this will not contribute to the live exam scores.
Both DFPH and MFPH associate examiners will be asked to complete an online exam-specific EDI training module. This focuses on standard setting, question setting and reasonable adjustments.
Q: What information about the process can I share?
A: General information about the process may be shared. However, Associate Examiners must sign a confidentiality agreement and must not disclose exam content.
Q: How are questions developed?
A: Through structured question-setting training sessions, which differ for the Diplomate and MFPH exams.
Q: Will there be opportunities to review and revise questions based on performance?
A: Yes. Ongoing review and refinement of questions is a core part of the role, informed by previous exam performance.
Q (Diplomate only): Can I take on an ‘offline’ role focusing just on question writing?
A: No. While much of the role is remote, attendance at in-person question-setting and standard-setting meetings is essential.
Q: For the Diplomate exam, must I attend both consecutive training days?
A: Attendance on both days is preferable, but participation on at least one day is required
