MTCS is launching a new short course designed to support everyone involved in the assessment of individuals in the workplace. The course is free for all individuals with an MTCS account, and it is coming soon.
Whether you are a supervisor signing off competence documentation, an HR professional who wants to understand the assessment process, or a qualified assessor looking to refresh your knowledge, this course has been built with you in mind.
What Is the Course About?
The course is called Supporting Competence in the Workplace. Its purpose is to give participants a clear understanding of how formal competence assessment works, who is involved, and what is expected of each person in the process.
It provides a practical overview of the MTCS Competence Programme and introduces the features available through MTCS Online for both candidates and their managers.
What Will the Course Cover?
By the end of the course, participants will have covered the following:
- What competence means and how it is defined
- An overview of the assessment process and what makes it effective
- The roles and responsibilities of Assessors, Expert Witnesses, Verifiers, and Managers
- An introduction to the MTCS Competence Programme
- The tools and features available to candidates and managers within MTCS Online
The course is designed to be accessible and straightforward. No prior formal training in assessment is required.
Who Is It For?
This course is suitable for a wide range of professionals working in or alongside the offshore and maritime sectors. It is particularly relevant for:
- HR personnel who want a better understanding of how competence assessment works
- Supervisors and Managers who are required to sign competence-related documentation as an Approved Expert Witness
- Trained and Qualified Skills Assessors who want to refresh their knowledge of the assessment process
- Witnesses and Technical Authorities (such as Senior Pilot Technicians, Supervisors, and Superintendents) who sign documentation in the absence of a qualified Assessor
If you are involved in any part of the workplace assessment process, this course is relevant to you.
What Do You Receive on Completion?
All participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance. This recognises that you have completed the course and gained an understanding of the competence assessment process.
It is important to note that the Certificate of Attendance does not grant Expert Witness status on its own. There are additional requirements that must be met to achieve that status.
How Does Expert Witness Status Work?
Completing the Supporting Competence in the Workplace course opens the pathway to applying for MTCS Expert Witness status. There are two routes available, depending on your existing certification.
Option 1: MTCS Competence Certificate Holders
If you hold a current MTCS competence certificate at Senior Engineer level or above (for example, Senior Pilot Technician or above), you can submit your certificate details. Once automatically validated, MTCS will issue your Expert Witness Certificate.
Option 2: Non-MTCS Competence Certificate Holders
If you hold a competence certificate from another provider that is aligned with IMCA guidelines at the appropriate grade, you may apply for validation. An associated fee applies. Upon approval, you will be added to the Approved Expert Witness Register.
Expert Witness status is only valid when accompanied by a current, in-date competence certificate at Senior Pilot Technician level or above. It is essential to keep your certification up to date to maintain this status.
Why Does This Matter?
Competence assessment is at the heart of safe, effective offshore operations. Understanding the process, knowing your role within it, and having the right credentials in place protects both individuals and the organisations they work for.
MTCS has been setting the benchmark for competence certification since 2003. This course is another step in making that knowledge accessible to everyone involved in the assessment process, not just those directly delivering it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course free? Yes. The course is free for all individuals with an MTCS account.
Do I need formal training experience to take this course? No. The course is suitable for anyone involved in or connected to the assessment process, regardless of prior training qualifications.
Will I receive Expert Witness status when I complete the course? No. Completion of the course results in a Certificate of Attendance. Expert Witness status requires additional steps, including holding a current MTCS or IMCA-aligned competence certificate at Senior Engineer level or above.
Who can apply for Expert Witness status? Any individual who completes the course and holds an appropriate, in-date competence certificate at Senior Pilot Technician level or above can apply through one of the two routes outlined above.
Keep an eye on MTCS Online for the launch date. If you have questions about the course or Expert Witness status, visit our Support Centre or get in touch.
