POP Record FAQs

How do I gather evidence?
When gathering evidence, you should initially decide which job functions match different performance standards and identify potential existing evidence to demonstrate competence against those standards. Once any gaps have been identified, you should consider what other evidence could be gathered from normal work activities and which activities could provide additional evidence. This could be done with or without the support of the Supervisor and additionally be used to formulate your development plan. You should also be aware that evidence can be gathered and used from more than one project. Also, a particular piece of evidence may, where appropriate, be used for more than one CIAT unit. Candidates are encouraged to use evidence to satisfy multiple performance standards, especially if this rationalises their evidence and allows maximum demonstration of their skills.

How long will the POP Record take?
There is no specific time plan for the completion of the POP Record as it largely relates to the individual's circumstances and abilities to meet the performance standards. We would, however, expect it to take two to three years from leaving college/university to build up the required range of competence.

Who can be the Supervisor?
The POP Record Supervisor is required to:

• be a Chartered or full member of a built environment professional institute, for example: MCIAT, ARB, RIBA, MCIOB, MRICS, MICE etc. A complete list of acceptable qualifications can be downloaded below:
    POP Record Supervisor Qualifications
   
• know your work well enough to be able to endorse the work documented in the POP Record and sign off the units in the POP Record Knowledge and Performance Portfolio and
• ideally, be senior to you and be able to help you gain the experience required.

Do I need a single Supervisor?
We are able to accept more than one Supervisor for a POP Record. If your Supervisor changes, then ensure that your previous Supervisor has completed the appropriate sections of the POP Record Knowledge and Performance Portfolio. Then arrange for your new Supervisor to complete the additional Supervisor section, in the Knowledge and Performance Portfolio, and then continue forward with him/her approving each performance standard achieved.

What if I cannot get an appropriate Supervisor?
It is recognised that some people may not have access to an appropriate Supervisor. If this is the case, then CIAT will provide you with a list of approved Supervisors who will be able to help assess your evidence. For further information, please contact CIAT Central Office.

What if I am progressing from Architectural Technician membership (TCIAT)?
Candidates progressing from Architectural Technician membership are encouraged to use the same knowledge and performance evidence, and use this to demonstrate how their competence levels have increased to meet the requirements of a Chartered Architectural Technologist.
An example of this is the Chartered Architectural Technologist unit 8 and the Architectural Technician unit 5, where Architectural Technicians are asked to provide knowledge evidence for preparing and presenting design proposals. Chartered Architectural Technologists are required to provide knowledge evidence for justifying and advising upon the selection of project designs in addition to presenting. Thus, a candidate with the Higher National Unit Design Technology A and has already demonstrated the knowledge to Architectural Technician will be required to provide evidence to fill the gap rather than the whole unit.

This increase in the knowledge level requirement could be demonstrated by evidence from typical sources for knowledge evidence. It is possible for this evidence to also come from the original Higher National Unit. A comparison of the units within each POP Record indicating where units overlap and the gaps between is contained with the knowledge map section.

What if I change employer?
It is recognised that candidates may change employment and this should not hamper your POP Record. You should however ensure that your previous employer is happy either for you to retain copies of any evidence referred to in your POP Record. Ensure that these will not be destroyed and you will be able to access them at a later date should it be required by CIAT, as part of the quality assurance process.