Training to become a Specialist SpLD Assessor

You would need to have studied the following:

1. An accredited Level 5 or Level 7 SpLD teacher/practitioner qualification

Please note:  Dyslexia Action Level 5 and 7 courses are targeted at those who are interested in learning about specialist literacy techniques and are therefore designed for literacy practitioners who can commit to studying aspects of linguistics, phonetics and morphology in some depth.

+

2. M02A Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET)

30 credits, level 7 (and be registered) on the British Psychological Society Register of Qualifications in Test User (BPS RQTU) as Test User. If you do not hold a degree, you may be asked to complete an entry essay for acceptance on this course.

The CCET module is running several times a year, more details can be found on the course page here.

+

3. M05C Dyslexia: Professional Report Writing (DPRW)

30 credits, level 7.  If you do not hold a degree, you may be asked to complete an entry essay for acceptance on this course.

The DPRW course runs three times a year: 15 January, 15 May and 15 September. 

Please note:

• To enrol on the DPRW module, it is mandatory to have completed CCET/CPT3A be registered with the BPS and hold  ADG (Level 5 SpLD teacher/practitioner accredited qualification) with The Dyslexia Guild or an equivalent recognised SpLD membership grade from another recognised professional body
• M02A and M05C does not lead to a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma but may be used to attain an Assessment Practising Certificate, and as contributing modules to the MEd Professional Practice in Dyslexia and Literacy
• M02A and M05A are delivered by Real Training please click on the links above to find out more information and apply.

In April 2023 Dyslexia Action will be offering a Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate – Specialist Assessment for Literacy-Related Difficulties (modules DAPP21-03 & DAPP21-04).
See below for entry criteria.

1. Hold a Level 5 SpLD teacher/practitioner qualification (accredited) gained within the last five years plus a degree?

If you would like to follow this route you will be required to study the theoretical bridging module in addition to Modules DAPP21-01 and 02:

• DAPP 21-01 Literacy Acquisition: Underpinning Theory

Please note: Credits for DAPP21-01 will not be counted towards the Certificate in Assessment.

You may then be considered for entry to the following modules:

• DAPP21-03 Psychometric Assessment of Literacy-Related Difficulties
• DAPP21-04 Psychometric Assessment of Cognitive Processing

2. Hold 30 credits at Level 7 from an accredited SpLD provider gained within the last five years?

If you would like to follow this route we may consider 30 credits – Level 7 as recognition of prior learning (RPL). You may then be considered for entry to the following modules:

• DAPP21-03 Psychometric Assessment of Literacy-Related Difficulties
• DAPP21-04 Psychometric Assessment of Cognitive Processing

Please note:

• Credits for RPL will not be counted towards the Postgraduate Certificate – Specialist Assessment for Literacy-Related Difficulties or the Postgraduate Diploma – Specialist Assessment and Teaching for Literacy-Related Difficulties.
• DAPP21-03 and DAPP21-04 will require significant investment in psychometric assessment test materials which is in addition to the course fees. There is a Study Purchase Scheme for key assessment test batteries operated by the Dyslexia Action Shop.  These test materials are resources that you will be able to use in your future professional practice once you qualify. You may also be able to borrow tests from your school or college.  You will be sent a full list of required resources including assessment tests, practical teaching materials, books and materials once you have registered for the course.
• You will be required to find and work with a student/learner in the age range in which you have trained for Modules DAPP21-03 and DAPP21-04, full details can be found in the syllabus brochure above.

The Dyslexia Action Postgraduate programme is a competency-assessed course at Level 7, Master’s level, which requires tutor assessment of the candidate undertaking teaching and assessment. This means that other academic programmes that have not included competency assessment or are at a lower level (e.g. Level 5 or Level 6) will not qualify for accreditation of prior learning (APL).

For further details see: Recognition of Prior Learning

Dyslexia Action and Real Training courses meet several accreditation criteria reflecting the importance we place on the quality of our courses and high standards of teaching and learning which are intrinsic to our programmes.

The Postgraduate Certificate – Specialist Assessment for Literacy-Related Difficulties confers eligibility for Member of The Dyslexia Guild (MDG) recognised as the first grade of professional membership for a specialist teacher/practitioner/assessor and is awarded and quality assured by Middlesex University. This means that you will receive a Middlesex award upon successful completion. 

Both routes are eligible to gain/apply for an Assessment Practising Certificate – SASC (subject to approval).

Established in 1972 and celebrating our 50th year, Dyslexia Action Training has been supporting online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for international schools as well as UK-based educators. We love hearing how our courses and qualifications make a difference in the lives of education professionals working with individuals with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties.

However, it is also amazing for us to receive accolades in various established industry awards, as it gives us great confidence that what we offer is valued by acclaimed leaders and experts in the education section as well.