Assessments
Assessment Misconduct, Investigations and Appeals
What counts as assessment misconduct, how a concern is investigated fairly, the outcomes that can follow and how you can appeal. We decide on evidence, never on assumption.
1. What counts as misconduct
- 1.1Impersonation (sitting for someone else or letting someone sit for you), getting or giving help during an assessment, collusion, and using unauthorised notes, devices, websites or AI tools.
- 1.2Copying, photographing, recording, sharing or selling assessment content, and attempting to obtain content or marking keys in advance.
- 1.3Tampering with or interfering with the platform, the timer, the logs or another candidate's attempt, and giving false information to us.
- 1.4Disruptive or abusive behaviour towards staff, invigilators or other candidates. This list is examples, not a full list.
2. Our principles
- 2.1We do not presume guilt. We look at evidence, decide on the balance of probabilities and treat similar cases alike.
- 2.2A system flag (for example a very fast finish) or an anonymous report is a reason to look, not proof. We never decide on a flag alone.
- 2.3We keep the matter confidential. Only people who need to know are told, and we do not publish names.
3. The process
- 3.1Step 1, concern raised. From a system flag, an assessor, an invigilator or a report. The attempt may be held as under review and the result withheld, to protect the assessment.
- 3.2Step 2, first review (5 working days). The Assessment Officer (George Mureithi, FCCA, FCPA, MBA, BSc (Hons)) decides whether there is anything to answer. If not, the matter is closed and any hold is lifted.
- 3.3Step 3, you are told and can respond (7 days). We tell you what is alleged and show you the evidence we rely on. You can give your explanation and any evidence, and may bring a support person to any meeting.
- 3.4Step 4, decision (within 15 working days of the notice). Two people who were not involved in the earlier steps decide. You receive the decision in writing with the reasons.
4. Possible outcomes
- 4.1No action. A reminder or formal warning. The attempt marked as invalid with a fresh attempt allowed. The attempt or result cancelled. A bar on sitting assessments for a set period. Suspension or closure of the account, with refund decisions made under our Refund Policy. Withdrawal of a certificate that was issued on an invalid result.
- 4.2The outcome is proportionate to how serious and how deliberate the breach was and whether it is a first matter. Where the law or a sponsor agreement requires it, or you have asked us to, we may tell your sponsoring employer or the relevant professional body; otherwise we do not.
5. Appeals
- 5.1You may appeal a decision within 14 days of receiving it, by email to coreknowledgedigital@gmail.com with the subject "Misconduct appeal", saying why you think the decision is wrong (for example new evidence or an unfair process).
- 5.2A senior reviewer who took no part in the decision will consider the appeal and reply within ten working days. The reviewer may uphold, change or set aside the decision. That is our final internal decision. This does not affect your legal rights.
- 5.3If you remain unhappy, our Complaints Policy explains the further steps open to you.
6. Reporting a concern
- 6.1If you think a candidate has cheated or content has leaked, please tell us. Reports can be made in confidence. See the Whistleblowing Policy. Reports made in good faith never count against you.
- 6.2Exam bodies such as ACCA and CIMA have their own investigation and disciplinary processes for their official exams. A matter under their rules is handled by them.