Assist Knowledge Development

Assist Knowledge Development (AssistKD) is the UK’s leading specialist provider of business analysis training, offering courses accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. These courses lead to recognised qualifications, including the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis, the BCS Advanced International Diploma in Business Analysis, and the BCS International Diploma in Solution Development. The seminal book on Business Analysis, now in its fourth edition, was co-authored by AssistKD’s CEO, Debra Paul.

AssistKD run Apprenticeship programmes in Business Analysis and Service Design and their customers include DWP, Environment Agency, Aviva and NFU Mutual.

The examinations for some AssistKD courses are delivered by BCS, as the awarding body. However, AssistKD is an approved Examination Provider for certain certifications. Many AssistKD courses have transitioned to online or blended learning formats, so it has become essential to create, manage, and run accredited examinations online while maintaining test integrity. This has allowed candidates across the UK, and internationally, to take their examinations at a convenient time without the need for travel.

AssistKD chose TestReach as its online assessment partner as the solution provided features that met all the company’s requirements, including:

• On-demand examinations that allowed candidates to choose their examination time - whether immediately after training, or at a later date.
• Advanced question bank capabilities with multiple question types, detailed taxonomies and clear workflows to manage question creation, editing and examination paper assembly.
• Online marking functionality enabling AssistKD consultants to mark written examination questions.
• Reporting features that enable straightforward analysis of question performance, so that examination administrators can easily identify questions that require attention.
• Human-led remote proctoring delivered within a single application that meets the test integrity requirements for accredited examinations. Ofqual have confirmed in 2024 that invigilation to prevent and detect malpractice in examinations is currently best secured by human involvement.
• A unified solution where both the proctoring and assessment software are provided by a single supplier, with one point of contact and all data in one location.
• A straightforward experience for candidates to book and access their examination, eliminating the confusion of accessing multiple systems in browser windows.
• A supportive and knowledgeable service from online proctors.

AssistKD candidates who have taken their examinations using TestReach’s remote proctoring have provided highly positive feedback. According to Kerry Adams, Business Design Consultant at AssistKD:

“The feedback on TestReach is very good. The proctors are friendly, polite, supportive and professional, and they understand the software well. This positive candidate experience is provided while ensuring a highly secure exam delivery in line with our accreditation requirements. The TestReach Helpdesk also responds promptly to queries, which is appreciated by our professional candidates.”

AssistKD candidates have valued the flexibility of on-demand remotely proctored examinations. Some prefer to take their examinations immediately after training, while others opt to study further and sit the examination later, when they feel fully prepared.

Moving examinations online with TestReach has allowed AssistKD to scale its qualifications across a wider geographical area. The number of examinations offered by AssistKD via TestReach has increased steadily, along with the number of candidates taking these examinations each year.

The TestReach marking and reporting features have also been extremely beneficial. As Kerry Adams notes:

“The reporting in TestReach is fantastic. I frequently analyse our question performance to ensure exam quality, and TestReach allows me to do this quickly and efficiently. The marking platform is also intuitive, making it easier to manage our written based exams in a streamlined way.”

Read more about TestReach remote proctoring here

Download an eBook on Remote Proctoring here