Certificate of Merit : Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Certificate of Merit scheme :

• Question : What is the Certificate of (chess) Merit?
  Answer : The Certificate of Merit package comprises learning and teachers materials in the form of a DVD and associated booklets. Progress is then measured by the taking of on-line test(s).
• Question : What are the levels of attainment?
  Answer : The levels start with Level One which is the most straightforward. Then comes the Level Two and finally, Level Three. There are future plans to add further levels. We also offer a practice level which requires no credits and a free chess Pub quiz which features pub quiz type questions about English chess.
• Question : How much will it cost me?
  Answer : Levels One, Two and Three will each require one CoM credit. Each CoM credit costs £6. All other levels are free to any registered student. You will only use one credit when you pass the test.
• Question : Who can take the CoM test?
  Answer : Anyone can provided that they have access to the CoM web site! There are no limits of age, gender or location. Whatever your playing strength, the CoM will improve and measure your chess!
• Question : Do I need to register?
  Answer : To receive the full benefits of on-line testing we require that you register. Without registration we cannot send you your Certificate of Merit (or Distinction!) and CoM goodies bag!
• Question : How many questions will I be asked?
  Answer : You will be presented with a maximum of twenty (20) questions per test.
• Question : How many possible answers to each question are there?
  Answer : Each question will generate five possible answers. One of these will be the most accurate answer and four will be less accurate. You will have the option of passing on that question and revisiting the passed questions at the end of the test.
• Question : Will I get the same set of questions as everyone else?
  Answer : No, each level has at least one hundred (100) possible questions associated with it. Your twenty (20) questions will be chosen at random from the set of 100. You will get the 20 questions in a random order.
• Question : What mark will I probably get if I chose answers at random?
  Answer : Since there are 5 possible answers for each question, you would, on average, attain a mark of 20% : this is a poor fail mark and would be a waste of a credit.
• Question : What mark do I have to achieve to pass?
  Answer : The pass mark is set at 70%. For this you will receive a Certificate of Merit. If you achieve 90% or greater then you will receive a Certificate of Merit with Distinction. This should be your aim!
• Question : How many times may I take the test for each level?
  Answer : In theory you could take a test for any level as many times as you wish. Levels One, Two and Three each cost one credit so you need to take this into account.
• Question : When will I receive my Certificate of Merit?
  Answer : Assuming you have passed the test then you should receive your Certificate in a few days. It will be electronically posted to you from the ECF Office via email.
• Question : What should I do if I do not pass the test first time?
  Answer : Don't give up! You should study the material associated with the level and then take another test. You will only use up a credit when you pass a test and therefore, you may retake a level as many times as you wish before you pass.
• Question : Where will my CoM certificate be sent?
  Answer : If you are a student of a CoM registered school or organisation then it will be sent to the CoM coordinator for your school or organisation. If you are an individual student then it will be sent to the email alias defined in your personal profile.
• Question : Do I need to purchase the DVD or booklets?
  Answer : You do not need to purchase the DVD and booklets to take the tests : all you need to do is register, purchase at least one CoM credit and you can get going straight away! If you prefer we offer a number of practise questions which you can attempt without payment but you will need to register.