Practical/Project Work
The practical/project component is where the candidate demonstrates skills rather than describes them. The exam typically combines a skill demonstration, a written project or field report, and a logbook of activities done during the course.
What is demonstrated
- Drill commands and turnout.
- Fire extinguisher operation using PASS on a training ground.
- First aid: bandaging, splinting, recovery position, CPR on a manikin.
- Access control role-play at a gate with a visitor register and pass.
- Writing an incident report from a given situation.
The project report
The usual structure:
- Title page and candidate details.
- Aim and objectives.
- Methodology - what you observed, where, and over what period.
- Findings - numbered, factual, with dates.
- Analysis - link the finding to a taught concept, for example a missing camera at the rear gate being a defence-in-depth gap.
- Recommendations and conclusion.
- Annexures - checklist, photographs (only where permitted), sample register pages.
The logbook
Entries dated and signed by the supervisor, describing what was practised: fire drill, gate duty shadowing, first aid drill, patrol with a beat route. Each entry states date, activity, person supervising, and what was learnt.
Worked example. A candidate is asked to write a report on a fault found at the site. Reasoning: a good answer is not 'light is not working'. It states: 'Observation on 12.05 at 19:40 hrs: gate light No. 3 not functioning; the area near the material gate is dark; risk of an approach being undetected at night. Reported to supervisor at 19:45 hrs. Recommendation: replace the fitting and add a standby light.'
Assessment traps
- Copying a project from the internet - examiners ask questions in the viva.
- Writing opinions in a project where facts are expected.
- Leaving the logbook unsigned or filling it in one sitting at the end.
- Demonstration with unsafe handling, such as pointing an extinguisher at a person.