How to become a Dyslexia/Dyscalculia assessor and APC renewal
Contents
Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA)
What is AMBDA?
Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA) indicates a high standard of professional competence in both diagnostic assessment and teaching. AMBDA is now the professional membership required for all those applying for and holding an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) issued by the BDA. The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) approves holders of AMBDA to formally assess and make recommendations for exam access arrangements.
The Department of Education (DfE) has announced that a Diagnostic Assessment conducted at any age, which results in a diagnosis of dyslexia, will now be accepted as part of an application for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA). It is no longer necessary that a report is carried out post-16. A report will be accepted only if conducted and written by an assessor holding a valid Assessment Practising Certificate (APC), or by an HCPC-registered psychologist, at the time of the assessment.
As reports conducted at any age may be used for DSA purposes, it is recommended that all assessors should now hold an APC, so that no further diagnostic assessment will be required should the dyslexic individual wish to apply for DSA in the future.
You may still assess if you hold AMBDA and you do not hold an APC. However, you have a professional responsibility to alert parents/carers to the fact that your report will not be accepted as part of an application for DSA in the future. By agreeing to adhere to the Code of Ethics, you are acknowledging this responsibility.
Holders of AMBDA are expected to commit to continuing professional development, keeping abreast of current thinking and legislation in dyslexia and related SpLDs and to submit a CPD portfolio to the BDA for verification every three years, on the anniversary of gaining AMBDA.
AMBDA holders receive these benefits:
- CPD verified every three years
- BDA Dyslexia Contact magazine
- Discount on a BDA conference
- Discount on a BDA eLearning training
- Professional Indemnity Insurance at members' rate through Alan Boswell
- Eligible to join the BDA Tutor List
- Members' rate for online access to the Dyslexia Journal, published 4 times a year
- BDA e-newsletter
- Invitation to the BDA AGM
Who can apply for AMBDA?
Anyone who has successfully completed an AMBDA accredited (Level 7) postgraduate course. Applicants have three years from finishing their course to apply. Courses currently accredited for AMBDA are listed below, all AMBDA courses can lead to an Assessment Practising Certificate. See SASC SpLD Assessor Qualification for courses leading to an APC.
To apply for AMBDA
- Visit the Professional membership page and start your application
- Upload your signed tutor form for AMBDA ; AMBDA FE-HE ; AMBDA Dyscalculia or AMBDA Dyscalculia FE-HE
- Read and agree to adhere to the BDA Code of Ethics
- Pay the annual £70 membership fee by direct debit
Please contact accreditation@bdadyslexia.org.uk
AMBDA Courses
* courses marked with an asterisk also offer AMBDA FE/HE (Further and Higher Education) specialism
To Maintain AMBDA
To maintain AMBDA you should submit a CPD Log every three years to evidence your continued commitment to professional excellence. See Continuing Professional Development page.
Visit our Training pages to find out more about the CPD courses we offer.