Bridging the Gap: Supporting Learners to Succeed in the CIWM (WAMITAB) Continuing Competence Test

Every year, highly capable and experienced waste management professionals fail their CIWM (WAMITAB) Continuing Competence Test — not due to a lack of knowledge or commitment, but because of a range of genuine and often overlooked challenges. At Certora Training, we’re committed to helping learners overcome these barriers and succeed with confidence.

Understanding the Challenges

There are many reasons why people struggle with the test, and it’s important to acknowledge these without judgement. Some of the most common include:

• Learning Differences: Conditions such as dyslexia or the challenges of working in a second language can make tests particularly difficult and some questions unclear.

• Test Anxiety: Many learners experience stress or panic in exam settings, which can impact performance regardless of how well they know the material.

• Educational Background: For those who left formal education early, (and for many of those that didn’t) exams may feel intimidating or unfamiliar.

• Mismatch Between Test and Role: Learners taking qualifications such as MROC14 (for Household Waste Recycling Centres) are often presented with exam questions more relevant to HROC4 roles, which involve procedures they are not required to perform, such as waste pre-acceptance checks, consignment note handling, or composite sampling.

We’re pleased to hear that CIWM and the Environment Agency (EA) are currently reviewing this issue to ensure more role-specific testing for the COTC Test – much like the approach taken for ELV and WEEE qualifications.

Other important factors that can impact success include:

• A lack of tailored revision support or up-to-date learning materials.

• Legacy training that did not include current essential topics, such as WM3 waste classification guidance (in place since 2015) or Fire Prevention Plans.

• Learners relying on outdated practices or advice from assessors who may not be familiar with the current syllabus.

How We’re Helping

Following consultation and feedback from our customers and their learners we’ve designed a comprehensive eLearning revision course that directly addresses these issues. Our training:

• Breaks down complex topics into accessible, easy-to-understand content.

• Focuses on the specific requirements of your qualification and day-to-day responsibilities.

• Includes updated guidance on current regulations, including WM3 and Fire Prevention Plans.

• Provides support for learners with additional needs or language barriers.

• Helps build exam confidence with mock tests and expert advice.

Whether you're returning to learning after many years or simply need to refresh your knowledge in line with the latest standards, our course is built to support your success.

Ready to Succeed?

No matter your background or experience, the CIWM (WAMITAB) Continuing Competence Test shouldn’t be a barrier to continuing your professional journey. With the right support and preparation, you can approach the exam with confidence and clarity.

Don’t just take our word for it….

The system and interface is brilliant, really great course layout and content.
One of the better online modules I have done, was engaging and relevant! Very pleased to have done it and feel suitably refreshed ahead of the assessment! - Becky Rayner, Viridor

I have just returned to the office from doing my test and I passed comfortably I would say.
I used the e-learning as my only revision guide/materials and found it very useful and it was great. - David Haygarth, Hartlepool Council

I used the revision books but this course is on another level. Excellent mix of information, guidance and questions. - Patrick Tighe, Breedon

I absolutely loved it. Whoever designed needs a big pat on the back. This course was so much easier than reading / researching book after book and it was very up to date. - John Smith, Aggregate Industries