An EXAM weighted at 100%.
There are three components as follows:
[1] 25 Multiple choice questions on the subject area of firearms classification. These are marked as +1 for a correct answer, -1 for an incorrect answer and 0 for an unanswered question. The pass mark is 15.
[2] 25 Multiple choice questions on the subject of firearms classification, particularly relevant legal questions, procedural matters and evidence interpretation. These are marked as +1 for a correct answer, -0.5 for an incorrect answer and 0 for an unanswered question. The pass mark is 15.
[3] A proficiency test lasting three hours.
The assessment of the proficiency test will be made against criteria that are described on a form produced in advance by the CSoFS which has been considered and deemed to be satisfactory by the Quality Committee of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences of Staffordshire University.
For each candidate, the outcome of the assessment process will be either that he or she has passed the module or that they have failed it. There no other grades of attainment that are used when expressing the outcome of this process. Candidates must pass each of the above (i.e. [1], [2] and [3]) in order to pass the module overall.
Additional Assessment Details:
As a Special Admissions Requirement, all candidates will have passed successfully through a pre-assessment process operated by the CSoFS.
The CSoFS will give feedback to the candidates, whether or not successful, resulting from this process, indicating strengths and weaknesses of the application. The CSoFS will make available sample MCQs and sample proficiency test papers on its website to enable candidates to assess their capability in relation to the expectations that the CSoFS has for successful completion of this module.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to the relevant National Occupational Standards:
There are no existing NOS that are specific to this specific Certificate of Professional Competence as the material that professionals may be required to examine may not be forensic in nature and forensic examination of the item is not required. There are some limited sections of the following NOS, which are relevant:

CN701 Receive and process items for forensic examination
CN703 Examine exhibits
FS901 Prepare written reports regarding forensic examinations

Learning Outcome 1 – N/A
Learning Outcome 2 – CN701, CN703
Learning Outcome 3 – N/A
Learning Outcome 4 – FS901


The details above map the learning outcomes of this module to the relevant National Occupational Standards. It reflects the core elements that apply to the following tasks which capture the specialty of firearms classification prior to forensic examination:
1. The visual examination of exhibit(s).
2. Review and research relevant sections of firearms legislation and literature, specifically the Firearms Acts, Proof Acts and Police Firearms Guidance.
3. Consideration of the effect of stated cases on interpretations of firearms laws in the context of the exhibt(s).
4. Legal classification of the exhibit(s).
5. Preparation of a witness statement to support a case held in court.

There are no contact hours associated with this module.
The candidates are responsible for all aspects of their learning in relation to this module. The learning time required will vary from person to person.

The learners are responsible for their own learning resources and the CSoFS is responsible for providing the resources that are required for the assessment of this module.

All those embarking on this module must have passed the pre-assessment process that is devised, administered and quality assured by the CSoFS. Staffordshire University has no responsibility for this process.

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences will provide a list of suggested reading.