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Important Update: Changes to FC/FD Progression Requirements and Education Support Initiatives
Evolving ASSA’s Candidate Support Framework
The success of our candidates matters to us. ASSA remains committed to supporting candidates throughout the qualification journey while maintaining a rigorous and internationally respected qualification pathway.
Following a review of the current examination progression requirements, the ASSA Education Board has approved a change to the existing FC/FD progression rule for examinations that form part of the technical examination pathway.
What is changing?
Since 2022, candidates who received an FC or FD grade in an examination have been required to register for a prescribed Education Support Initiative (ESI) – typically a Tuition Course, Short Course, or Content Practice Exam (CPE), depending on the subject – before reattempting the same examination. This requirement will now become optional rather than compulsory.
From Semester 2 2026 onwards, candidates who receive an FC or FD grade will be encouraged, but not required, to register for an appropriate Education Support Initiative before reattempting the same technical examination. Candidates remain free to register for any available support initiatives, and ASSA strongly encourages them to consider the support most suited to their learning needs. This change also applies to candidates who have previously received an FC or FD grade and have not yet reattempted the relevant examination.
The examination standard, assessment process, and requirements for passing remain unchanged.
Why is this change being made?
This change reflects an evolution of ASSA’s candidate support framework, informed by operational experience and feedback from candidates, employers, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
The experience since 2022 has reinforced the value of ASSA’s support initiatives. It has also highlighted that candidates may have different support needs depending on their circumstances, learning styles, and stage of progression. A single prescribed route may not always be the most effective form of support for every candidate.
ASSA is therefore adopting a more flexible and candidate-centred approach. The aim is to preserve strong support while giving candidates greater choice in selecting the initiatives that best meet their needs. This approach also supports professional autonomy, accountability, and ownership of the learning process.
The continued value of Education Support Initiatives
ASSA continues to strongly encourage candidates to make use of the support initiatives available to them. These offerings provide valuable opportunities to strengthen technical understanding, refine examination technique, receive structured feedback and support professional development. Many candidates have reported significant value from engaging with these initiatives, and we encourage all candidates -regardless of examination history – to consider how the available support offerings can best support their individual learning needs, examination preparation, and professional growth.
The current suite of support initiatives available to candidates includes a range of both pre-examination and post-examination support offerings, designed to assist candidates at different stages of their qualification journey:
Important exception: N311.03E Model Documentation Analysis and Reporting
Candidates should note that the progression requirements applicable to the N311.03E Model Documentation Analysis and Reporting examination remain unchanged.
For this examination:
– Candidates obtaining an FB, FC or FD grade must either attend counselling or retake the tuition course before being permitted to reattempt the examination.
– Candidates obtaining a No Result or Disqualification outcome must retake the tuition course before being permitted to reattempt the examination.
– Candidates who have not attempted the examination within three years of their last attempt will be required to retake the tuition course before being permitted to attempt the examination again.
These requirements continue to apply specifically to N311.03E and are unaffected by the changes described above.
Looking ahead
ASSA will keep both its progression requirements and its support initiatives under ongoing review and may refine them over time where this would better support candidates’ success. We encourage candidates to engage proactively with the support available and to select the initiatives best suited to their learning needs, examination preparation and professional goals.
Further information regarding ASSA’s Education Support Initiatives, including eligibility, registration details and available support offerings, can be found on the ASSA website under the Education Support section.