PCANT Handbook
EDITION ONE 2006

Part 10: EFFICIENCY CERTIFICATES AND THEIR EXAMINATION

Section 10.01 GENERAL
All exams are to be conducted by two (2) examiners listed on the official PCANT List of Examiners. An Examiner within their Club may examine candidates, but the second Examiner is to be from outside the Club. Exemption from this would be for Clubs in remote regions and an exemption must be approved by PCANT prior to the exams.
This exemption is an “one off” exemption, and if need be must be reapplied for.
All exams must be conducted by a minimum of 2 Examiners:
If supplementary exams are required (C* and above) then it is advisable one of the original examiners should be used.

Section 10.02 EXAMINERS PANEL
The PCANT Examiners Panel will be made up of all C Certificate Level and above examiners. This panel will elect a Co-ordinator and conduct regularly meetings throughout the year.

Section 10.03 EXAMINERS ACCREDITATION
Instructors wishing to become Examiners will need to be nominated by their Club Chief Instructor through their Committee to the Examiners Panel. They will then become Trainee Examiners until they are assessed at the required level.

10.03.01 Criteria for Examiners Accreditation D and D* Certificates:
Pencil a minimum of 2 exams at the level they wish to examine.
Co-examine with a C Certificate or above qualified examiner for a minimum of 2 exams at the level they wish to examine.
A report from the qualified examiner will be forwarded to the Examiners Panel for their consideration.

10.03.02 Criteria for Examiners C Certificate and above:
Pencil a minimum of 2 exams at the level they wish to examine.
Co-examine with a qualified examiner for a minimum of 2 exams at the level they wish to examine.
Pass a written and practical/theory exam (no riding required) at the level they wish to examine.
A report from the qualified examiner will be forwarded to the Examiners Panel for their consideration.

10.03.03Examiners must attend an interstate A level exam or examiners clinic as well as fulfil the criteria set out in 6.06.2.
Co-examining and pencilling can be undertaken at the interstate clinic/exam.

Section 10.04 PROCEDURES FOR EXAMINATION
1. Club Instructors to indicate suitable candidates to Club Chief Instructor (CI). All clubs are to remember we are not here to put candidates up for failure. If the CI of your Club does not think that the candidate will pass their exam, it is preferable that they don’t sit it. Failure at an exam, especially the lower levels, can be very disheartening for your riders and may discourage them from going further.
Formal Application to sit an exam is a mandatory requirement for ALL exams candidates. Applications must be signed by the candidate, or a parent/guardian of a candidate if under 18 years, and endorsed the Club’s CI or Senior Instructor prior to being sent to PCANT for endorsement.
2. Club CI to assess candidates for suitability and formally invite candidates to the exam or a revision day to be assessed further.
3. Club CI to apply to PCANT Exam Co-ordinator, through their Committee and PCANT, to conduct exams. If low number of candidate application’s are received from a Club then PCANT may run a joint Club exam. CI is to advise PCANT what level of exam is required and approximate date. Any candidate that is nominated by the Club CI is assumed to have been assessed as a suitable candidate for the level they are sitting.
4. Applications for holding exams must be received by PCANT 3 months prior to the Exam.
5. Club CI or Club Senior Instructor to run revision days prior to Exam if necessary.
6. PCANT Exam Co-ordinator will advise the Club, through PCANT, of suitable dates and Examiners for the exam.
7. Club holding exam to liaise with Examiners on requirements for exam, preferably through their CI.
8. Examiners will conduct written exams (where required) prior to practical exam. Any candidates that fail to meet the 65% mark of the written exam may not progress to the practical exam.
9. It is the Club’s responsibility to have Certificates available for Examiners to sign after the conclusion of the exam. It is also the Club’s responsibility to have a supply of Certificate Badges.
10. Examiners will provide a report to the Club, PCANT and Exam Co-ordinator of results of examinations conducted.
11. There must be a minimum of 3 months between candidates taking further exams, except in the case of D and D* exams where they may be taken on the same day. For B Certificate and above see 10.04.03.

10.04.01 PROCEDURES FOR ''D'' AND ''D STAR'' CERTIFICATES
Candidates for testing are nominated to the PCANT Exam Co-ordinator by their Club Chief Instructor prior to the examination date and will be notified of the date of the exam as soon as possible. Completed applications must be forwarded to PCANT by a set date.

EXAMINERS
Qualified Examiners listed on the Examiners Panel rated at the correct level may be used. One (1) qualified Examiner is required; the other Examiner may be a trainee. At D and D* exams one (1) Examiner may be from the same Club as the candidates, the other must be from outside that club unless an exemption from PCANT is granted.
Parents may not examine their own children.
Clubs must apply to PCANT for certificates and badges.

DAY OF TESTING
1. A club official must introduce the candidates to the examiner.
2. It is the responsibility of the host club to ensure that all necessary equipment is set up for the examiner and a penciller provided for each examiner, preferably not a parent of a candidate but a person wishing to become an examiner.
3. Flat work area – minimum 20 x 40 arena with letters and corner markers. At a minimum rails should be used to mark out corners. No rope is to be used to mark out the arena.
4. Showjumping equipment (D* only) – At least 4 trotting poles laid out and at least six fences of various types. Must include at least two spreads (width greater than or equal to height), and a combination of two strides. There should be someone available to alter equipment to examiners specifications.
5. Refreshments – As testing will take most of the day, it is important that lunch is provided for the Examiners. Drinks should be available for riders at intervals. Candidates are advised to provide their own refreshments.
6. Timing – Groups of six candidates will take approximately 4 hours for D and 5 hours for D*. Smaller groups may take slightly less time. This is a rough guide only. Candidates should be aware that testing will take most of the day, and pressure must not be put on examiners to finish earlier.
7. Results – will be discussed individually and parents are also encouraged to be present to ensure a good understanding of the results.
8. Horses - Candidates may ride any horse(s) of their choosing on the day of the assessment, however all horses must be clean and tidy. The onus is on the candidate to bring a suitable horse to complete the assessment.
9. Onlookers including club officials, parents and other club members must keep their distance from the examination as examiners need sufficient space to work privately with candidates and other examiners.
10. Parents must not approach the examiners. Any accompanying adults must sign the testing agreement form.

AFTER TESTING
The Examiners will forward a report to PCANT, of results and comments within 14 days of the completion of the test. Examiners will make themselves available to answer candidates’ questions on the day if time permits. PCANT will forward a copy of the examination report to the respective clubs.

SUPPLEMENTARY TESTING
There is no Supplementary Testing for D or D*. If a candidate fails the exam they must resit it.

APPEAL
If the candidate feels they have a genuine reason to be unhappy with the conduct of the assessment, they have 14 days to appeal. Any complaints must be addressed to the preparer of the candidates. If the preparer of candidates feels that an appeal is necessary, the appeal must be in writing, and sent direct to PCANT, marked attention Chief Instructor.

10.04.02 PROCEDURES FOR ''C'' and "C*" CERTIFICATES
Candidates for testing are nominated to the PCANT Exam Co-ordinator by their Club Chief Instructor prior to the Examination date and will be notified of the date of the exam as soon as possible. Completed applications must be forwarded to PCANT by a set date.

EXAMINERS
Qualified Examiners listed on the Examiners Panel rated at the correct level may be used. Two (2) qualified Examiners are required, and one (1) trainee is encouraged. Both Examiners must be from outside the Club they are examining, unless an exemption is granted from PCANT.
Parents may not examine their own children.
Clubs must apply to PCANT for certificates and badges.

WRITTEN PAPERS
Examiners will oversee the written exam (where applicable) a maximum of 2 weeks prior to the exam, if necessary on the previous day or evening of the exam. Candidates gaining less than 65% in their written test will be notified as soon as possible and be given a supplementary written paper if time permits. If less than 65% is again achieved, the candidate will have to reapply at the next exam date as written papers must be passed before attempting the practical examination. Any subsequent papers must be marked by the same examiner.

DAY OF TESTING
1. A club official must introduce the candidates to the examiner.
2. It is the responsibility of the host club to ensure that all necessary equipment is set up for the examiners and a penciller provided for each examiner, preferably not a parent of a candidate but a person wishing to become an examiner.
3. Flat work area – minimum 20 x 40 arena with letters and corner markers. At a minimum rails should be used to mark out corners. No rope is to be used to mark out the arena.
4. Lungeing (C* only) – there must be a suitable area to lunge a horse, either a safe open area or and enclosed arena but not a round yard.
5. Showjumping equipment – at least eight (8) fences of various types. Must include at least four (4) spreads (width greater than or equal to height), and a combination of two strides. There should be someone available to alter equipment to examiners specifications.
6. Gallop – there must be a suitable place to gallop. The Club Coordinator who knows the terrain should show this to the examiner.
7. Refreshments – As testing will take most of the day, it is important that lunch is provided for the examiners. Drinks should be available for riders at intervals. Candidates are advised to provide their own refreshments.
8. Timing – C Exam - Groups of six candidates will take approximately six hours. C* Exam – Groups of four candidates will take approximately six hours. Smaller groups may take slightly less time. This is a rough guide only. Candidates should be aware that testing will take most of the day, and pressure must not be put on examiners to finish earlier.
9. Results – will be discussed individually and parents are also encouraged to be present to ensure a good understanding of the results.
10. Horses - Candidates may use any horse(s) of their choosing on the day of the assessment, however all horses must be clean and tidy. The onus is on the candidate to bring a suitable horse to complete the assessment.
11. Onlookers including club officials, parents and other club members must keep their distance from the examination as examiners need sufficient space to work privately with candidates and other examiners.
12. Parents must not approach the examiners. Any accompanying adults must sign the testing agreement form.

AFTER TESTING
The written paper will not be returned to the candidate after the exam, however the Examiners will forward a report to PCANT, of results and comments within 14 days of the completion of the test. Examiners will make themselves available to answer candidates’ questions on the day if time permits. PCANT will forward a copy of the examination report to the respective clubs.

SUPPLEMENTARY TESTING FOR PRACTICAL SECTIONS
There is no supplementary testing for practical sections for C certificate, only the written test.
For C* and K Certificate, there are supplementary tests available for the written test as well as each section (riding, lungeing, jumping, handling, care and general knowledge).
At least one of the original examiners must conduct supplementary written tests. The original marker must mark supplementary written papers. The date of test will be deemed to be the date on which supplementary testing is completed.
Supplementary testing must be completed not less than 3 months and not more than 2 years from the date of the original test. If supplementary testing is not completed within 2 years the candidate must resit the full certificate exam.
Should a candidate fail a Supplementary Test then the full certificate exam must be retaken.

APPEAL
If the candidate feels they have a genuine reason to be unhappy with the conduct of the assessment, they have 14 days to appeal. Any complaints must be addressed to the preparer of the candidates. If the preparer of candidates feels that an appeal is necessary, the appeal must be in writing, and sent direct to PCANT, marked attention Chief Instructor.

10.04.03 PROCEDURES FOR CERTIFICATES ABOVE ''C STAR'' LEVEL
Once the candidate is ready to be tested, an application form is completed for each candidate by the club and submitted to PCANT, via the Club’s Chief Instructor, which must endorse the application. The candidate’s workbook/wooksheets must be received 1 month prior to the exam. Do not send originals but have them available on the day of testing. CI’s are to ensure that the candidate/parent has read the application form carefully before signing it.
Candidates will not be examined for “K” and “C Star” tests at the same time.
Candidates wishing to sit for their “B” certificate or higher must have a preliminary assessment at least six months prior to the proposed date of assessment. This is to give the candidate assistance in their preparation.
Candidates wishing to sit for their “B” certificate with a view to selection for Interpacific must ensure that they apply for testing well before the closing date of nominations as pressure must not be put on examiners to assess and pass candidates with this in mind.
The application is then forwarded to the PCANT, who registers the nomination. Where possible the PCANT Exam Co-ordinator will form groups of candidates and appoint examiners from the list. Candidates may need to travel for testing. The appointed examiner(s) must be of the appropriate level and be from a different club to any of the candidates being examined by them where possible. For certificates of “B” level or higher, one interstate examiner will be used.
The Exam Co-ordinator will liaise with the club(s) regarding venue, date and time of testing.

WRITTEN PAPERS
The Examiners will oversee the written exam (where applicable) a maximum of 3 weeks prior to the exam, if necessary on the previous day or evening. Candidates gaining less than 65% in their written test will be notified as soon as possible and be given a supplementary written paper if time permits. If less than 65% is again achieved, the candidate will have to reapply at the next exam date as written papers must be passed before attempting the practical examination. Any subsequent papers must be marked by the same examiner.

DAY OF TESTING
1. A club official must introduce the candidates to the examiners. The club is required to provide at least 1 pencillers per Examiner.
2. It is the responsibility of the host club to ensure that all necessary equipment is available for the examiner.
3. Flat work area – minimum 20 x 60 m arena with letters. Please check with the appointed examiner as to their exact requirements.
4. Lungeing area – an open area or enclosed, suitable for lungeing a horse but not a round yard.
5. Showjumping equipment – where jumping is part of the test, adequate equipment must be available and sufficient people available to alter equipment to examiners specifications.
6. Gallop – there must be a suitable place to gallop. The Club Coordinator who knows the terrain should show this to the examiner.
7. Refreshments – As testing will take most of the day, it is important that lunch is provided for the examiner. Drinks should be available at other times as needed. Candidates are required to provide their own food and drinks.
8. Timing –Candidates should be aware that testing will take most of the day, and pressure must not be put on examiners to finish earlier.
9. Results – will be discussed individually and parents are also encouraged to be present to ensure a good understanding of the results.
10. Horses - Candidates may ride any horse(s) of their choosing on the day of the assessment, however all horses must be clean and tidy. There is no obligation for horses to be “qualified”. The onus is on the candidate to bring a suitable horse to complete the assessment.
11. Onlookers including club officials, parents and other club members – Onlookers must keep their distance from the examination as examiners need sufficient space to work privately with candidates and other examiners.
12. Parents must not approach the examiners. Any accompanying adults must sign the testing agreement form.
13. The examiners appoint a chairman from among themselves to act as a spokesman and formulate the reports.

CHANGING OF CHOICES
Candidates may change from “B” certificate to “B” certificate restricted jumping at any time, however if a candidate wishes to change from “B” certificate restricted jumping to “B” certificate, 14 days notice must be given in writing to the PCANT.

AFTER TESTING
The written paper will not be returned to the candidate after the exam, however the Examiners will forward a report to PCANT of results and comments within 14 days of the completion of the test. Examiners will make themselves available to answer candidates’ questions on the day if time permits. PCANT will forward a copy of the examination report to the respective clubs.

SUPPLEMENTARY TESTING
At least one of the original Examiners must conduct the supplementary test. The original marker must also mark the supplementary test paper. The date of the test will be deemed to be the date on which the supplementary test was completed.
Supplementary testing must be completed not less than 3 months and not more than 2 years from the date of the original test. If supplementary testing is not completed within 2 years the candidate must resit the full certificate exam.
Should a candidate fail a Supplementary Test then the full certificate exam must be retaken.

APPEAL
If the candidate feels they have a genuine reason to be unhappy with the conduct of the assessment, they have 14 days to appeal. Any complaints must be addressed to the preparer of the candidates. If the preparer of candidates feels that an appeal is necessary, the appeal must be in writing, and sent to PCANT, marked attention Chief Instructor.

10.04.04 Numbers of Candidates and Examiners for Certificate Testing

There is a requirement of 1 Penciller per Examiner.

10.04.05 Dress Code
Candidate should be in formal Pony Club uniform.

10.04.06 EXAMINATION REPORTS AND PAPERS
Examiners are required to complete and sign an examination report after all exams. This and the examination papers (if part of the examination) should be sent to PCANT no later than 14 days after the completion of the exam. PCANT will forward a copy of this report to respective clubs.

10.04.07 ARM BADGES
Certificate badges are to be attached to the Pony Club rally shirt, on the left shoulder.
Badges will be awarded with certificates after passing their test.

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