ABCA Competency Interviews FAQ
Below is an FAQ from the recent ABCA Q&A session focusing on competency scheme interview prep.
What is the interview format?
For the BCCA the interview will be 1 hour and a rolling conversation format:
- 10 minutes of introductions
- 50 minutes focused on portfolio with questions around the 9 BICoF elements
Will we be required to use academic language in the interview process?
No just speak as you would as a surveyor in your day-to-day role.
How much detail are you looking for e.g. if I refer to a regulation do you need an extract?
Not necessarily. If you can’t remember the regulation, you may get asked where you might find the information. Worth keeping in mind the core fundamental regulations e.g. regulations 17 & 18.
What type of questions will be asked in relation to law?
Those aiming for Class 2 need a general understanding, Class 3 will need more detail. Advise to familiarise yourself with:
- Operational Standards Rules.
- Building Regulations Part 2 Dutyholder Responsibilities (including declarations).
- Difference between start and commencement dates.
My role is purely as a plan assessor, will my interview process be different?
You won’t be asked too much about site inspections, but you need to know how your role connects with site inspectors. The key issue is understanding the collaborative nature of the role, communication and use of technologies to collaborate. If something goes wrong on site and there are contraventions, what do you do as the plan assessor? What would happen if you don’t have the information you need to undertake your duties?
Will we be asked about Codes of Conduct from other professional bodies e.g. CABE/RICS?
The Code of Conduct for Registered Building Inspectors is the key document. The CBICAS process may ask you about the CABE Code of Conduct.
Some questions will relate to the Code of Conduct for Registered Building Inspectors. Understand our company whistleblowing, bribery and corruption procedures. Ensure you know what to do in these situations.
Will Local Authority surveyors need to know details from the approved inspector regulations e.g. regulation 17 & 18?
No but you will need to know how this interacts with compliance and stop notices. Be aware of the The Building (Restricted Activities and Functions) (England) Regulations 2023 which detail restricted activities and functions. Have a good understanding of this piece of legislation, be aware of restricted activities and functions and who undertakes what. Local Authorities and Registered Building Control Approvers need to take the advice of Registered Building Inspectors.
What is required of the CBICAS presentation?
The guidelines are very open but recommend showcasing your competence, projects and experience. Around 10-15 minutes and advise using PowerPoint as an aide memoir.
As an approved inspector employee will the discussion revolve mainly around the Building Regulations or the Approved Inspector Regulations?
They are intertwined so would suggest that you can’t talk about one without the other. Have an awareness that the Approved Inspector regulations won’t be there in a few weeks as the legislation is changing. It is useful to know what the primary and secondary legislation is.
How should someone approach the process if recent project experience is minimal or if you cannot evidence all your projects thoroughly (e.g. recently changed jobs)?
Have an enhanced CV and focus on the projects you are working on at the moment. BCCA scheme suggests giving examples from the last 2-3 years. If your portfolio is limited focus on the interview process.
Can you refer to notes during the interview?
The BCCA is open book so OK to have a few notes but recommend keeping these to key points only. Good idea to have your portfolio printed out or on another screen. CBICAS does have a procedure to check surroundings and not generally allowed notes. The panel will take a view on this and advise appropriately.
Can candidates be upgraded after the interview process?
Yes, candidates can be upgraded and downgraded during the process. Ensure you have relevant and appropriate project evidence in your portfolio.
How should we approach questions on safety management?
Multiple aspects to this:
- Personal safety – PPE, lone working practices.
- Safety of others – focused on scenarios of going into a building and seeing someone putting themselves or others at risk. Refer to dutyholder regulations and ensure you can reflect on the best actions e.g. report to Principal Contractor, if no response then report to your company/HSE.
- Provision of information – about the management of buildings going forward.
What questions will be asked of those applying to Class 4?
The panel will want to hear you talk about the following areas:
- Approach to OSR’s, monitoring, strategic context and developing processes/procedures to reflect this.
- Ethics and whistleblowing procedure and how you would deal with this if approached by an employee.
- Good solid approach to safety management of employees.
- Resourcing – admin and technical.
- Company finances.
Advice from the Panel
- The interview is about you and your professionalism and competence, not about your organisation.
- Don’t use a set script.
- You are the expert when it comes to your portfolio! Talk confidently about it.
- Have a few different scenarios prepared.
- Know your competence and aim for the class you are comfortable with.
- Know your limits.
- Practice your introduction and ensure you can confidently talk about yourself.
Good luck!