e:EQE discussion paper
The epi-learning.org website (this item open access) and the epi Forum (epi members only) provide a discussion paper providing "a general concept of a new e:EQE for the future, not a detailed exam setup" (for -at the earliest- EQE 2024 and later).
The paper has been made available to allow all epi members (not just members from the PEC and the Council) to comment on the paper. On the epi Forum, members are invited to comment before 30 May 2021.
In the Preamble of the paper, the paper indicates that:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Qualifying Examination was held online in March 2021. Although the e:EQE in 2021 was not perfect, the EQE of 2022 and 2023 will have more or less the same structure. The format of the EQE can only be changed from 2024 at the earliest because any changes have to be written into the Regulations and the candidates must be informed well in advance. If changes are to be effected from 2024, it is now time to propose a new structure of the EQE.
As "General drivers and boundary values" the paper provides:
"Updating the EQE to a new model gives the possibility to make the exam fit for the future and more effective for both students and the profession.
When updating the EQE, it is important to maintain standard and avoid lowering the bar in an unacceptable way. Accordingly, candidates will still need to spend a lot of time studying for the EQE. However, the workload can be redistributed to better fit the candidates’ development by introducing a progressive learning roadmap which builds in complexity towards the final exams and subsequent qualification.
There is a strong desire amongst different stakeholders to move towards a multi-level modular approach instead of the current pre-exam followed by a 20-hour main examination condensed in one week.
It is also desired that each module does not exceed 2 hours.
On-the-job training, support and supervision by a qualified professional representative is retained as an essential element of the proposed alternative e:EQE setup. Additionally, the current minimum training period is retained but not necessarily as a requirement to sit the final exams."
The paper proposes a modular e:EQE setup (please refer to the complete paper for full details, as well as for a proposed resitting policy, mapping current EQE and proposed e-EQE, and transitional arrangements):
