European Association for Transactional Analysis
EATA Training and Examinations Handbook

Section 9 – The CTA Oral Examination

This section describes the structure, roles and procedures of the CTA oral examination (on-site and online), including candidate preparation, examiner responsibilities, time allocation, translation, and appeal procedures.

Stage Who is involved Main focus
Candidates briefing meeting Candidate, LES/OES, translators (if any) Held usually the day before the exams; LES/OES explains the examination process, timing and scoring sheets; candidates hand in required documents and receive guidelines, including for translated and online exams.
Examiners briefing meeting Examiners, chairperson, LES/OES, observers, translators (if any) Peer-group training for examiners; review of roles, scoring, use of observers and process facilitators; best practice for translated and online exams.
Board pre‑meeting Chairperson and exam board About 15 minutes before the exam; board members review the candidate’s documents, clarify procedure, and formulate questions and areas of focus.
Oral examination Candidate, exam board, observer (optional), translator (if any) Candidate presents three recorded segments and engages in a professional dialogue; board assesses competence using TA theory, ethics and practice criteria according to the scoring sheet.
Scoring and voting Exam board, chairperson, process facilitator (if called) After questioning is complete, board members score individually, may discuss and revise, then vote to pass or defer based on guidelines and scoring scales.
Feedback and appeals Candidate, LES/OES, appeal panel (if applicable) Candidate completes examiner evaluation form; in case of concerns or defer, candidates may follow the formal appeal procedure within the specified time limits.

Contents

9.1 Introduction and overview

Important. As part of PTSC’s commitment to fostering inclusive and psychologically safe learning and assessment environments, we invite all those involved in training and examinations to give careful consideration to any accessibility or support needs—whether their own or those of the candidate. These needs may relate to neurodiversity, disability, mental or physical health, cultural or linguistic background, or other aspects of lived experience. To facilitate this process, the Expression of Accessibility Requirements Form (13.4.7) is available as a structured means of identifying and communicating any adjustments or support that may enhance participation and performance. This form can be completed or updated at any time and shared, as appropriate, with trainers, supervisors, examiners, or other relevant individuals. Engaging with this process actively supports equitable access to learning and assessment, and promotes dignity, respect, and understanding for all.

The CTA oral examination is taken before a board of four (minimum three) qualified CTA members of EATA and/or ITAA, one of whom will act as chairperson. Evaluation and marking is done according to the scoring sheet for the different fields of application. If the candidate passes the oral examination, they are certified as Transactional Analysts.

The examination is not public. An observer may be present at the examination if the local examination supervisor (LES) so decides. The function of exam observers is described in Section 9.6.

Candidates and examiners are committed to high examination standards. The oral examination examines and evaluates whether the candidate:

  • Presents him/her/themself as personally and professionally competent and ethically responsible.
  • Demonstrates knowledge and competent TA application within their own field of specialisation.
  • Is able to evaluate human behaviour appropriately in practice, relate this to TA theory and make an assessment.
  • Shows sufficient competence as a Transactional Analyst.
  • Demonstrates during the examination process that he/she/they have assimilated values and principles compatible with TA such as respect, autonomy, acceptance, and positive confrontation.

9.1.A Online CTA Exams – Introduction and overview

Online exams follow the procedures of on‑site exams, the LES is now called the online exam supervisor (OES) and appropriate adjustments are made for the different formats as outlined below. Under each subheading of Chapter 9, where appropriate, candidates will find instructions on how to proceed with an online exam.

9.1.A.1 General and technical requirements for taking an exam online

  • Ensure a quiet and undisturbed room where examiners need to be able to see the room.
  • Ensure a secure and stable internet connection, with camera and microphone functioning, and become familiar with the technology ahead of time.
  • Use good lighting so that people can be seen clearly.
  • Zoom will be the platform used for online exams; gallery view is advised.
  • Ensure that the candidate and all examiners are clearly visible and that sound is clear.
  • Muting can be used while listening to recordings to promote the best audio experience.
  • Private chats are not allowed during the exam.
  • Any technical problem that cannot be solved within 10 minutes will result in a “no exam” and the exam can be taken again at a later date at no further cost.
  • CoC will provide one person in exam headquarters for technical support who can be called in the exam room if needed; this person will not be present in the exam itself.
  • Disturbances in the physical rooms of any people involved in the exam process, lasting more than 10 minutes, have the same effect.
  • Candidates must ensure that recording devices are of good enough quality so that recordings can be heard by the online exam board.
  • Candidates need to be familiar with Zoom technology for sharing audio sound and must practice this in advance.
  • If a recording cannot be heard properly then the exam may result in a “no exam” decision.
  • Candidates must secure written permission to play online the recordings from the clients/group presented.
  • Candidates are required to be able to upload all documents usually brought to the live exam into a cloud folder assigned by the OES.
  • If an exam is observed, the observer introduces themself to the board and candidate, then turns camera and microphone off for the duration.
  • All candidates must plan to record their exams on their own personal device for use in case of appeal; examiners are not permitted to record the exam.
  • The process facilitator can be called online; the chair holds the responsibility and contact details.
  • Candidates are recommended to have support people before and after the exam, but not in the same room during the exam, and to practice mock exams in this online format.

9.1.1 Working language

The language used at CoC examination venues is English. Examinations organised by national associations may use different working languages.

Candidates at any CoC examination venue will normally be offered an examination board in English, as well as in the working language of that venue if it is not English. The language coordinator needs to be consulted to find out which languages will be used at an examination venue.

It is the responsibility of candidates who intend to take an oral examination with translation to inform their language coordinator when applying for the oral examination, and candidates must take responsibility for organising a translator.

9.1.1.A Online exam – Working language

It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure their translator has all the information needed, including timing of meetings and Zoom links. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the OES knows the name of their translator and to involve them in the briefing and debriefing meetings.

The OES will brief the candidates, their translators, and the examiners on best practice for a translated exam as laid out in the handbook. The same principles apply for online as for onsite.

9.2 Instructions for Candidates

9.2.1 The Candidates Briefing Meeting

Candidates must attend a candidates’ briefing meeting, usually held at the examination location the day before the exams. The LES will be at this meeting and will answer questions, explain the process, go over the scoring sheets, and describe and illustrate the process of the examination and the role of the candidates in it.

Guidelines for translators will be available at this meeting. Candidates must take the oral examination documents (see list below) to this meeting and give them to the LES. Curriculum vitae and log should be clear and concise so that the examiners can read them easily.

If the documents are not in the working language of the examination venue, candidates must provide translations of all of them except the written examination. Once given to the LES, the files may not be removed from the examination office until after the examination.

9.2.1.A Online exam – Candidates Briefing Meeting

A candidates’ briefing meeting will be held online the day before the exams, and it follows the onsite meeting procedure. A candidate will upload all documents for the oral examination into a cloud folder assigned to them by the OES, one week (date to date) before the examination date.

Documents needed for the Oral Examination.

One copy of the following:

  • The Completion of Registration Certificate Form (13.7.4).
  • Completed Expression of Accessibility Requirements Form (13.4.7) – this can also be added to the candidate’s documents for examiners if wished.
  • The Written Examination.

Four sets of the following documents:

  • The Written Examination Evaluation.
  • The principal supervisor’s personal letter of recommendation.
  • The curriculum vitae.
  • A chronological list of all training, supervision and contact hours, summarised by year.
  • The training contracts.

A candidate who presents incomplete or inaccurate documentation will not be examined.

9.2.2 Notes for candidates on refusing examiners

Candidates may refuse to be examined by certain examiners. It is useful to discuss this with the candidate’s own principal supervisor and to make this clear prior to the exam. If the candidate refuses too many examiners, it may be difficult to assemble an examination board.

If the candidate has any doubt about whom to refuse at the exam meeting, he/she/they need to discuss this with the LES/OES. An examiner should be refused by the candidate if it is someone:

  • With whom he/she/they have had a significant personal or business relationship.
  • With whom he/she/they have done a significant amount of training or supervision.
  • With whom he/she/they have had exam preparation supervision in the previous six months.
  • Who has deferred him/her/them at a previous examination.
  • Against or for whom he/she/they are prejudiced.

9.2.3 Guidelines for Candidates about the Oral Examination

It is highly recommended that candidates read all of Section 9 prior to the oral examination to familiarise themselves with the whole process and the roles of the participants.

9.2.3.1 Selection of exam recordings

A. Technical advice.

Pictures and sound should be of high quality and without intrusive background noise and all speech must be clearly audible.

B. Content.

The recording should show reasonably fluent interaction between the candidate and the person or group with whom they are working. The recording is supposed to show effective interventions using TA, and the work the candidate wants to demonstrate must be clearly shown on the recording itself.

Examiners will assess the candidate’s work according to what they hear on the recording, and reports of what happened before or afterwards are relevant only as background. The work presented should have a title taken from TA theory, such as decontamination, exploration of script material or contract making. The work should relate to the client’s or group’s stated contract. Ideally, the recording should show changes in the clients in the direction of the stated goal, facilitated by the candidate’s interventions.

The process needs to be clear and directional in the segment presented, which does not necessarily have to deal with the same subject all the time. The recording piece presented does not need to be perfect; it may contain elements which, on reflection, the candidate might have chosen to do differently. The candidate should be aware of such options and be able to comment on their significance.

Candidates need to secure permission to use the transcripts of clients presented to the oral exam.

9.2.3.2 What to take to the Oral Examination

Candidates must bring:

  • Equipment for playing the recording, together with either batteries or appropriate socket adapters, leads suitable for the local mains supply and batteries, including spares.
  • A second audio or video recorder to record the examination.
  • Three segments of recorded work, either audio only or audio with video. Each segment must be between 4–6 minutes long and part of a longer recording of the candidate’s work, and must be ready to be played when asked to do so. The recordings must not have been edited.
  • For each recorded segment, four copies of an accurate transcript of the piece of work presented. The transcripts may be accompanied by appropriate supporting material, such as a brief description of the work to be heard and brief details of the client or group (no more than two pages).
  • In the counselling and psychotherapy fields, at least one recording must be of work with an individual.
  • In all fields of specialisation, one of the three recordings must be of the candidate working in a couple, group or family setting, demonstrating facilitation of group dynamics and the use of TA in understanding group processes. For the exam, a group is defined as two or more people.
  • The group recording may be a personal self‑development group, a training or experiential group led by the candidate; it must be a group led by the candidate.

For an oral examination with translation see Sections 9.1.1, 9.1.1.A and 9.8.3.

9.2.3.2.A Online exam – What to provide for the oral examination

The candidate will send transcripts of three recordings and appropriate supporting material into a cloud folder assigned to them by the OES. Transcripts need to be in PDF files. Candidates’ recordings will be played over the Zoom platform and must be audible to all examiners. The candidate is responsible for protecting the anonymity of the client on the recording.

9.2.3.3 During the examination

It is the task and responsibility of candidates to choose appropriate methods for demonstrating their competence. Candidates should present themselves to the examiners as competent TA colleagues, developing a specialist/technical conversation in a collegial way.

At the start of the examination, the board will give procedural information, introduce themselves and invite the candidate to introduce themself. The board will have already reviewed the CV, log and a copy of the written examination and the written examination evaluations and may base initial discussion and questions on that material.

After this the board will ask the candidate to play one or more recordings, and ensuing discussion should be within a TA frame of reference. It is useful for the candidate to listen closely to the questions and to give short, specific answers, asking for clarification where needed and checking whether examiners are satisfied with their answers.

Candidates must be prepared to explain and interpret anything that happens in the recording, talk about alternative ways of interpreting the material, discuss different TA approaches, relate their interventions to client reactions, and relate the work to contract and overall strategy with regard to the client.

It is the responsibility of everyone in the examination room to maintain the integrity of the examination process. One of the functions of the chairperson is to protect the candidate and exam process. If the candidate experiences that this is not taking place, he/she/they must take responsibility for raising concerns and, if needed, call the process facilitator.

9.2.3.3.A Online exam – During the exam

In online exams, the candidate must ensure they have permission of the people whose recordings they present. They must ensure that recording devices are of sufficient quality, be familiar with Zoom technology for sharing audio and video, and practice this in advance. If a recording cannot be heard, the exam may result in a “no exam” decision.

9.3 Instructions for Examiners

9.3.1 The Examiners Briefing Meeting

Examiners must attend an examiners’ briefing meeting, usually held at the examination location the day before the exams. The LES will be at this meeting and will answer questions, explain the procedure, go over the scoring sheets, and talk about the examination process and the role of the candidate in it.

CoC strongly suggests that this meeting is organised and conducted as an opportunity for a peer‑group training for examiners to ensure high standards of examinations as well as improving their quality. Information will be given to examiners and chairpersons, and guidelines will be available for translators and observers.

9.3.1.A Online exam – Examiners Briefing Meeting

The examiners’ briefing meeting will be held online the day before the exams. The examiners will receive communication about it when the material is ready in the cloud folder.

9.3.2 Notes for examiners on refusing candidates

Examiners may refuse to examine certain candidates. In case of doubts about whom to refuse, examiners need to discuss this with the LES/OES. However, examiners would normally refuse candidates:

  • Who are their trainees or former trainees.
  • Who are trainees of close friends.
  • With whom the examiner has a significant personal or business relationship.
  • To whom the examiner has given a significant amount of training or supervision.
  • Who have been therapeutic clients of the examiner.
  • Who have been supervised by the examiner on their exam preparation during the previous six months.
  • Who have been deferred by the examiner at a previous examination.
  • Towards whom or against whom the examiner is prejudiced.

9.3.3 Guidelines for Examiners

Fifteen minutes before the oral examination process begins, examiners must meet with their chairperson to check final details, discuss process and review the candidate’s documents. The chairperson is responsible for informing the board of the procedure for the oral examination.

There should be no expectation that the candidate is perfect. There are many ways of using TA, and examiners should be willing to listen and understand the candidate’s frame of reference. Oral exams can be particularly challenging; examiners are encouraged to focus on the ideas being expressed, rather than the delivery, and to respect any agreed adjustments.

Examiners should look for strength and competence in the candidate and consider the question: “Is this candidate competent to practise as a Transactional Analyst?”. They should use the initial discussion to make contact and establish an OK–OK relationship with the candidate, ask one clear question at a time, formulate questions positively, and give feedback after every question.

If the candidate answers incompletely or inaccurately, examiners need to rephrase the question and be explicit about the answer they were looking for. Problem areas should be discussed or explained. Examiners should support each other, monitor time, and consider calling the process facilitator if the end of the examination is not in sight within the suggested time frame.

In line with the EATA Ethical Code all exams are conducted as a confidential and boundaried process to ensure integrity and fairness and to protect all involved. Any concerns regarding the oral exam should be directed only to the LES at the time.

9.3.3.A Online exam – Guidelines for examiners

The process needs longer to allow for online adjustments – up to 30 minutes longer if necessary. This means that the oral CTA exam can last up to one hour and thirty minutes, and for translated exams up to one hour and forty‑five minutes.

9.4 The Function of the Chairperson

The chairperson will be an experienced examiner whose function is to be the responsible leader of the oral examination. The chairperson’s contract is to manage the examination process, protect the candidate and safeguard their rights, contract with the observer and translator if present, call the process facilitator where needed, and structure time so the examination does not overrun.

Before the exam begins, the chairperson confirms with the LES/OES whether the candidate has expressed any specific learning or accessibility needs and ensures that exam format, timing and communication style are adapted as needed. The chair meets the board approximately fifteen minutes before the examination, brings the candidate’s written examination, documentation and scoring sheets, and ensures that the board is prepared and attuned.

During the exam, the chairperson welcomes the candidate, checks seating, explains the procedure, leads introductions, and takes a proactive part in establishing a respectful and collegial atmosphere. The chair observes and supports the board, monitors energy level and time boundaries, and ensures clear and concise questions and cooperation with the candidate.

Before scoring, the chairperson informs the candidate that this is their last opportunity to call a process facilitator and invites them to choose whether to remain or to leave for the scoring procedure. The chair ensures that the recorder remains in operation until the exam is declared finished, records the scores, completes the scoring sheet and conducts the voting procedure.

After the examination, the chairperson gives the candidate the examiner evaluation form, returns the written examination and documentation, has a brief closing discussion with the board, and returns the scoring sheet and reports the examination result to the LES/OES.

9.4.A Online exam – The Function of the Chairperson

Additionally, for online exams, the chair is responsible for taking the initiative in resolving technical problems and may call a process facilitator in case of technological failure. If one examiner loses internet connection and cannot return to the exam, the board may proceed with three examiners. If more than one examiner loses connection and cannot return within ten minutes, a “no exam” is declared.

9.5 The Function of the Process Facilitator

The process facilitator will be an experienced examiner whose function is to assist candidates and oral examination boards who are experiencing process difficulties. The process facilitator remains available during the examination period and may be called by the chairperson, an examiner, or the candidate, within specific time limits related to scoring and voting.

The process facilitator makes interventions aimed solely at clarification of the process or to give advice, does not engage in debate about TA theory, does not examine, score or vote, and maintains confidentiality except for brief feedback to the LES/OES.

9.5.A Online Exam – The Function of the Process Facilitator

In online exams, the process facilitator will be called into the Zoom room when needed or requested by either the candidate, the chair or board members. The chair holds responsibility to call the process facilitator.

9.6 The Function of the Observer

Observers at a CTA oral examination will be appointed by the LES/OES. There will be no other observers allowed in the examination process. The observer will give feedback to the examiners and to the LES/OES.

Observers may be an experienced examiner giving specific process feedback to the board after the examination, or a new examiner observing as part of their professional development. They observe, for example, patterns of stroking, the relationship between candidate and board, energy levels, and communication between examiners.

Observers must not intervene in the examination, comment on content, record or transcribe, make interpretative or evaluative comments, or take on a supervisory role. Guidelines for observers will be available at the examiners’ briefing meeting. The need for examiners takes precedence over the provision of observers.

9.6.2.A Online Exam – The Function of the Observer

In online exams, the observer introduces themself to the board and candidate, then turns camera and microphone off for the whole duration of the exam. It is recommended that all use the “Hide Non‑video Participants” mode.

9.7 Procedure

The EATA Supervising Examiner delegates to the LES/OES the right to limit the number of exams held at any particular site, according to the number of available examiners.

9.7.1 Allocation of Examination Boards and Briefing Meetings

The names of the members of each board, times and rooms should be posted in the CTA examination meeting room so that candidates and examiners have the relevant information. Where the exam is translated, one of the examiners will be, whenever possible, someone who speaks the same language as the candidate.

If possible, examination boards will be made up before the briefing meetings. Briefing meetings, giving information and advice on examination procedure, will usually be held on the day before the examinations and must be used to train examiners in how to examine, to ensure high standards.

Candidates and examiners may attend each other’s briefing meetings if they wish. Examiners can examine a maximum of three examinations per day. A board is made up of a minimum of three, normally four, examiners.

9.7.2 Time allocation for Oral Examination

The time allocation differs by modality and translation, as summarised below.

Exam format Exam duration (max.) Total slot (from one exam start to next)
On‑site, without translation 1 hour 2 hours, including board pre‑meeting, scoring, observer feedback and a short break.
On‑site, with translation 1 hour 30 minutes 2 hours 30 minutes, including meetings and breaks.
Online, without translation Up to 1 hour 30 minutes Longer slot than on‑site to allow for online adjustments.
Online, with translation Up to 2 hours Extended to accommodate both translation and online process needs.

The remainder of the time in the slot is to allow for examiners to have a 15‑minute discussion before the oral examination, a brief closing discussion afterwards, feedback from the observer and a half‑hour break.

9.7.3 The Oral Examination, Scoring and Voting Procedure

The examination board meets fifteen minutes before the oral examination process begins to review the candidate’s documents and prepare. During the examination, the chairperson welcomes the candidate, explains the procedure and ensures that the candidate has opportunity to demonstrate effectiveness.

The candidate is responsible for bringing three recordings, transcripts and two pieces of recording equipment (one to play the recordings and one to record the exam). The board will probably ask to listen to two of the segments, and may ask to hear all three, including parts beyond the selected 4–6 minute segments.

When ready to score, the chairperson informs the candidate that this is their last opportunity to call the process facilitator. Each board member does their own scoring, there may be discussion and revision, the scores are called out and recorded, and the chairperson then informs the board that this is their last opportunity to call the process facilitator before voting.

Board members vote to pass or defer. Points are used as a guide and the judgement of the examiners is the final decision. If three or more examiners (or two in a three‑person board) vote to pass, the candidate passes unless two or more vote to defer, or the candidate receives a rating of 1 from all examiners on any one scoring scale, in which case the candidate is automatically deferred.

After the exam, the chairperson gives the candidate the examiner evaluation form, the observer gives feedback, the board has a brief closing discussion and the chairperson returns the scoring sheet to the LES/OES.

9.7.4 No Exam

A “No Exam” may be declared if it is discovered that something is missing from the requirements (for example a group recording or completion of national requirements), when a process facilitator has been called and no resolution is achieved such that it is not possible to complete the exam, or if the candidate requests a “no exam” prior to the exam when there are no examiners available in the candidate’s field.

9.7.4.A Online exam

In online exams, CoC provides one technical support person at exam HQ who can be called into any exam room. Any technical problem that cannot be solved within 10 minutes will result in a “no exam” and the candidate can take the exam again at a later date at no further cost if the issue is with EATA or technical conditions.

Disturbances in physical rooms (for example an uninvolved person entering the room) will automatically mean the end of the exam and a “no exam” will be declared. If a recording cannot be heard adequately by all, the exam may also result in a “no exam” decision.

Where the issue is with the candidate (for example, inaudible recordings or missing requirements), the candidate needs to pay to retake the exam.

9.8 Guidelines for Oral Examination with Translation

9.8.1 Introduction

The time allocated for oral examination with translation is extended; the total time allowed from the beginning of one examination until the beginning of the next is two and a half hours, and the oral examination itself should take a maximum of one and a half hours.

Where a translator is being used, one of the examiners will be, where possible, someone who speaks the same language as the candidate. CTA candidates can share a translator within the limit of three candidates sharing the same translator, provided they inform the LES/OES well in advance. CTA TS and TSTA candidates are not allowed to share the same translator.

Guidelines for translators will be available at the examiners’ and candidates’ briefing meetings.

The following table summarises key responsibilities when an oral examination involves translation.

Role Before the exam During the exam Must not do
Candidate Inform language coordinator when applying; find a translator; ensure all documents (except written exam) and transcripts are translated and laid out with original language alongside translation. Agree seating with board and translator; address answers to the board, not to the translator; follow agreed pace and sentence length for translation. Direct conversation exclusively to the translator or bypass agreed translation process.
Translator Attend candidates’ briefing; read candidate’s papers and transcripts in both languages; listen to recordings; practice with candidate; agree speed, sentence length and how to interrupt if needed. Translate everything exactly as said in short passages; speak clearly so all can hear; use “I” when the candidate speaks in the first person; stay focused and in the background, maintaining flow between candidate and board. Explain what they think was meant; summarise or filter content; change to indirect speech; add or omit information; break confidentiality about the exam afterwards.
Exam board / chair Ensure one examiner speaks the candidate’s language where possible; review translated documents and guidelines for translators. Address questions directly to the candidate; pace questions so translation is possible; support clarity of process and respect agreed adjustments. Engage directly with the translator instead of the candidate or ask for off‑record clarifications that bypass the candidate.

9.8.2 Guidelines for Candidates

If the candidate needs a translator, he/she/they must inform the language coordinator when applying for the oral examination and are responsible for finding a translator. If documents are not in the working language of the venue, all must be translated except for the written examination.

For transcripts of recordings, candidates must divide the page so that the transcript in the original language is next to the translation, each line numbered, so examiners can follow both texts simultaneously. Candidates must provide copies of all translated material for each examiner and their translator.

In the oral examination, the board, candidate and translator need to agree where to sit, and the candidate needs to address what they say to the board or examiner, not to the translator. It is strongly recommended that the candidate discusses the guidelines for translators with their translator in advance, practises the process together, and makes a clear contract.

9.8.3 Guidelines for Translators

The translator’s task is to enable the candidate and examiners to understand one another in the oral examination process. Translators must attend the candidates’ briefing meeting, review the candidate’s papers, listen to recordings, read transcripts in both languages, and establish a relationship of trust with the candidate.

Translators should agree with the candidate on speed, length of sentences and how to interrupt, and they must translate everything exactly as said, in short passages, out loud and clearly so that everyone can hear. They should remain in the background, allow the candidate and board to speak to each other, and may ask speakers to slow down or speak in shorter phrases where necessary.

Translators must not explain what they think was meant, summarise or reflect only main ideas, attempt to clarify or expand what the candidate says, or translate into indirect speech. They must treat all information as strictly confidential and not share anything about the candidate or their clients outside the examination room.

9.8.3.A Online exam – Guidelines for Translators

Translators in online examinations need to have experience in online translating and are strongly recommended to take part in a mock exam before the actual exam. The translation has to be consecutive (not simultaneous), and the board needs to hear both languages.

9.9 Exceptional Circumstances

In exceptional circumstances a candidate may apply for a variation of the examination regulations by writing to their language coordinator no later than six months ahead of the intended oral examination date. The language coordinator, in consultation with the supervising examiner, will consider the application, make a decision and reply to the candidate with reasons.

If the candidate disagrees with the decision, their application will be submitted to PTSC, which will then make a final decision. National TA organisations do not have independent authority to vary the examination regulations.

9.10 Appeal procedures

A. Formal appeals. Formal appeals must be made within one month of receipt of the written examination evaluation or the date of the oral examination. Appeals cannot be made on matters of academic judgement.

B. Reasons for making an appeal. An appeal may be made if there has been a serious administrative error, if the evaluation was not conducted according to EATA regulations, or if any other serious circumstance or irregularity occurred.

C. Reasons why an appeal would normally be rejected. Appeals will normally be rejected if they are against academic/professional judgement, if the candidate could have raised the circumstances earlier, if they concern misunderstanding of published regulations, longstanding health problems known at enrolment, or if the appeal is out of time.

D. The appeal process. Candidates must confirm in their appeal that they have discussed the marker’s feedback in detail with their principal supervisor and both consider an appeal justified. Candidates must complete the application to appeal form (13.9.1), outline the grounds, and attach corroborative evidence.

The EATA Supervising Examiner, in consultation with a CoC/PTSC member, will consider whether the appeal is valid. If valid, an appeal panel will be convened within six weeks, and the candidate will receive written notification of the decision within two weeks of the panel meeting.

E. Possible outcomes of an appeal. The appeal may be denied (no further appeal) or upheld. If upheld, the pass/defer evaluation may be revised (written exam only), the candidate may re‑take elements or all of the exam at no cost, or other evaluation options may be suggested. The oral examination board or written exam evaluators will be notified of the outcome and reasons.

9.11 Documentation

Application to Appeal (13.9.1)

Expression of Accessibility Requirements Form (13.4.7)

Procedures for CTA Oral Examination (13.7.5)

The CTA Oral Examination Scoring Scales (13.7.9–13.7.12)

The Examiner Evaluation Form (13.7.14)