2023 epi survey of Paper C Candidates
J. Gwilt, Chair, Professional Education Committee, M. Mackett, Chair epi Students and EQE Candidates sub-committee (PEC)
Following numerous complaints received from candidates, tutors and bench-markers, the Professional Education Committee, by way of its epi Students and EQE Candidates subcommittee, carried out a survey about Paper C to be able to discern trends and to highlight specific issues relating to candidates having to sit this examination paper online. The surveyed group comprised individuals who could be contacted by epi, namely epi Students, and recently registered professional representatives. We received 636 responses to the survey.
In the survey, we asked a number of questions including those relating to time management in Part 1 and Part 2 of the paper; the language in which the paper was answered; technical difficulty of the subject matter; and suggestions on how the examination could be improved.
Part 1 of the examination was the main issue with candidates sitting the examination as many ran out of time and could not complete all the required tasks. Chart 1(a) summarises the responses for reading documents, performing analysis, and attacking all three claims (respondents could select more than one option). In addition, very few respondents finished on time as shown in Chart 1(b), and when compared to 2019’s examination, candidates still needed up to an additional time to complete the paper.
From analysis of the responses, we were able to evaluate overall success rate relative to time management for Part 1 as shown in Chart 1(c) above. The results appear to be skewed because large numbers of respondents passed (except in 2023), but not surprisingly, those that indicated that they needed more time are more likely to fail.
Chart 2(a) indicates that respondents were more able to complete tasks in Part 2 of the examination with Chart 2(b) indicating that less than 20% of the respondents needing more time.
Chart 3 shows the comparison between Parts 1 and 2, indicating that there is too much to do within the available time for Part 1 (particularly in 2023).
With respect to mother tongue analysis, it was found that for time management in Part 1, apart from in 2022, there was no significant difference between those answering the paper in their mother tongue and those who are answering in a second language. This is shown in Chart 4.
Overall, for 2023, the pass rate appears to be better for those sitting in their mother tongue as shown in Chart 5.
The technical difficulty in the subject-matter appears to have increased significantly in 2023 as shown in Chart 6.
Suggestions for improving Paper C were also received which include changing the split, shortening the length of the prior art documents, moving annexes from Part 1 to Part 2, having an easy attack in Part 1 and connection to a translator as shown in Chart 7.
In summary, there is a need to alleviate the consequences of the forced split of Paper C into Part 1 and Part 2 and to keep the technical subject-matter accessible to everyone (irrespective of their technical background). There is no wish for an easier paper but for a paper in which candidates can prove their knowledge of the EPC and deal with the provided subject-matter efficiently and effectively.
The survey results have been shared with members of the Supervisory Board, the Examination Board as well as Examination Committee ECII.
