Hi All I have registered for my IPD for September, any advice on the open book test, I cant get time off work for the IPD workshop, any advice would be appreciated Regards Terry

Hello both What worked for me was reading the examiner's reports for previous assessments. They are available under the IPD part of this website. They give the examiner's' view of what the question was about, plus they give example of good answers. Hopefully the last two will be available soon. The papers also give you the opportunity to test yourself, by for example trying to research (mainly via the Internet - the HSE site is a very good STARTING point) and then answer a question within the word limit in a day. To pass the assessment you will need to be able to answer 12 questions inside 12 days. The word limit is critical, and it does take practice to cram the info in. Missing out words like 'the' where possible saves a surprising number of words. Would be a good idea to book some time off during the assessment period if you can. All the best!

Hi Also agree with Clive. I did attend a workshop and received the following advice. Be able to show that you have researched and that you have been able to interpret that research. Plan how you are going to research-1st 2 days-read questions and research your answers, then draft your answers, read them, re-read them, redraft if necessary (word count) and finalise. Don't get hung up on the word count initially as you can easily deal with this (as Clive says) at the final stage. Ensure that you include your thoughts that you know what the question is about. Include your sources of information throughout your answers. Common errors to note: Ignoring or misinterpreting the command words. Writing everything you know on a topic leaving the examiner to extract what is relevant. Providing an answer that is factually correct but either doesn't answer the question or is at the wrong level. Finally, I was pleasantly surprised when I received my open assessment paper and found the whole experience quite therapeutic, you will know a lot more than you think. Don't stress and good luck Tracey