Would-be immigration advisers applying for Level 1 registration with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) now only have one shot at passing the exam. Instead of having two goes at it, those who fail first time will need to re-apply for registration and show that they have undertaken further training.

The OISC website, updated yesterday, says:

A new assessment process for Level 1 is being introduced… From 1 June 2021 applicants seeking registration at Level 1 will only be allowed one attempt at the assessment. Currently applicants are allowed two attempts. To support these changes the pass mark for the assessments will also change from 65% to 60%. This is in recognition that applicants will now need to successfully complete both test sections in one exam.

If someone fails their Level 1 assessment, that is the end of the road for that application for registration. A new application can be submitted, but must include details of “what further training has been completed to ensure the applicant is now in a better position to pass the assessment”. The OISC will also not allow someone to take to retake the exam for at least four weeks.

This may only be the beginning: the OISC says that more changes to how advisers are accredited and regulated are coming down the track. Advisers attending today’s annual conference may be getting a sneak preview; we’ll keep an eye out for anything significant. If you’re not already signed up for our OISC email alerts, you can do so here.