The growing concerns surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19) are likely to impact CPCS Test Centres and Cardholders, please see the latest updates below:
1. Cancelled / Missed tests
We know that many tests are being cancelled or are not able to be delivered. For this reason we are content for Centres to postpone tests until a time when it is safe to do so. Please email your named contact and they will do this for you. They require the Batch Number of the test being postponed and the date you want to postpone it until. If you don’t know a date, please use 1st September. Once you know the date you want to move the test to please email your named contact with the Batch Number and the correct date. This will not result in you being invoiced twice. If you completely cancel a test you will end up being charged for any replacement/new registration by our automated system.
2. CPCS plan to relax notification rules and be flexible during the Covid 19 period
We will allow late notifications, change of address, potentially allow testing to be done on other sites if a particular area is affected by Covid 19, providing all CPCS test criteria can be met. Although we will allow flexibility, all changes to notifications must still be approved by the sector EQA team. This will allow the use of unused facilities and equipment during any periods of partial shut down.
3. CPCS Advice on accepting recently out of date cards on site
We have been asked by industry to relax the rules over expired cards onsite. Please see this poster that has been sent to industry suggesting this.
4. Pearson VUE Test Centres
Pearson VUE are currently working to 50% capacity to allow safe distances between people whilst they are undertaking tests. Pearson VUE are keeping us updated daily with any change to their services, as soon as we hear anything different we will re-communicated any new information. We are hearing that Pearson VUE centres are actually closed, but we have not been told this officially.
5. Our resilience for the situation
Currently we are all coming into the office, but the NOCN team have tested contingency plans to work from home if necessary; taking calls, replying to emails and processing applications. Our printers are also planning on providing a skeleton crew to continue printing cards through out the period, although we must all follow Government guidelines. Card delivery times could also be affected by how Royal Mail’s ability to adhere to their current operating levels. We therefore feel that we will be able to provide some level of continuous service to the sector, however, there will inevitably be some disruption.
