How to become an SpLD assessor with BDA accreditation
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AMBDA accreditations explained
What is AMBDA/AMBDA FE/HE/AMBDA dyscalculia?
Accredited with the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA/AMBDA FE/HE/AMBDA Dyscalculia) are accreditations which indicate a high standard of professional competence in both diagnostic assessment and specialist teaching. AMBDA courses are accessible on successful completion of a level 5/7 SpLD/Dyslexia course that meets ATS/ATS FE/HE/APS requirements and AMBDA dyscalculia courses are accessible on successful completion of a level 5/7 SpLD/Dyscalculia course that meets the requirements for ATD/APD.
The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) approves holders of AMBDA accreditations to formally assess and make recommendations for exam access arrangements as they hold an appropriate level 7 qualification. AMBDA/AMBDA FE/HE holders can also assess for and diagnose dyslexia and AMBDA dyscalculia holders can assess for and diagnose dyscalculia. However, the BDA also strongly recommend that assessors hold an Assessment Practising Certificate. This is because reports conducted at any age may be used to apply for Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA) in the future and only reports conducted by someone with an APC are acceptable for this purpose. See the APC page and/or the SASC website for more details.
You may still assess if you hold an AMBDA accreditation and you do not hold an APC. However, you have a professional responsibility to alert parents/carers that your report will not be accepted as part of an application for DSA in the future. By agreeing to adhere to the Code of Ethics, you are acknowledging this responsibility.
Who can apply for an AMBDA accreditation?
Anyone who has successfully completed an AMBDA/AMBDA FE/HE/AMBDA Dyscalculia accredited (Level 7) postgraduate course within the last three years can apply. Courses currently accredited for AMBDA accreditation are listed below, all AMBDA courses can lead to an Assessment Practising Certificate. See SASC SpLD Assessor Qualification for courses leading to an APC.
If you would like to apply for an AMBDA accreditation but have not completed an AMBDA accredited course within the last three years, please email accreditation@bdadyslexia.org.uk to determine if you can gain AMBDA via an alternative route. You will still need to have completed a level 7 SpLD course.
Maintaining AMBDA/AMBDA FE/HE/AMBDA dyscalculia
Holders of AMBDA/AMBDA FE/HE/AMBDA dyscalculia are required to commit to continuing professional development, keeping abreast of current thinking and legislation in dyslexia and related SpLDs. You must submit a CPD Log every three years to evidence your continued commitment to professional excellence, on the anniversary of gaining your AMBDA accreditation. If you hold Professional Membership, your AMBDA accreditation CPD can be reviewed at no cost. Holding professional membership also has a range of other benefits see the following for more detail: Membership.
Visit our Training pages to find out more about the CPD courses we offer.
AMBDA accredited courses
* courses marked with an asterisk also offer AMBDA FE/HE (Further and Higher Education) specialism