By The content team Coronavirus - studentsCovid-19 An update from AAT’s CEO to students29 Apr 2020 AAT’s CEO Mark Farrar discusses the current climate for with updates on assessments, subscriptions, synoptic windows as well as a student Q&A.AAT Assessments Does AAT allow students to take assessments at home?Allowing students to take assessments at home is something that we have explored.Whilst some other Awarding Organisations do use this type of technology, it is not currently deployed for qualifications like AAT’s Accounting Qualifications as our qualification is described by regulators as “high stakes” which means the assessments have to be taken under strict conditions.Synoptic assessment windowsWhat is AAT doing with synoptic assessment windows?What has been cancelled and will they be replaced?With colleges and assessment venues currently closed, we have reluctantly cancelled the Level 3 AVSY window scheduled for the week beginning 27 April and the Level 4 PDSY window previously scheduled for week beginning 11 May. We don’t know how things will develop but we will keep you informed of any decisions as soon as we make them.Restarting assessments How soon will assessments be back up and running after the UK emerges from the current lockdown?Once we reach a point where Government regulations allow, we are working hard behind the scenes with the aim of getting our assessments live again as soon as we can. As the Government position shifts, we will look to provide an update as soon as we can on a revised assessment schedule.GradingCan we use predicted grades like that being discussed for A-Levels and GCSEs?This is a very difficult area and one of the potential solutions that we are discussing with OFQUAL. AAT qualifications are used to demonstrate competence and skills at various levels and are linked directly in some cases to either a licence to practice or professional membership. For these qualifications, it may not be considered appropriate to use an “estimation” approach to outcomes. We are monitoring the situation in line with government and regulator guidance and continue to explore options with Ofqual.Student membershipWhat happens if my subscription runs out in the period where assessments are suspended so I cannot complete my qualification?We have identified a number of students whose subscriptions ran out in March or will do so before the end of May. As it stands, we have made the decision to extend the subscription of these students by two months* and, if it affects you, we will have written to you about this. *Please note that subscriptions have now been extended by three months – not two, for those who are eligible.Useful learning resourcesThe new AAT Lifelong learning portal has been launchedHow to keep what you’ve learned and carry onDistance learning: Study in the real worldFurther readingCoronavirus help and informationFacing furlough? Here’s what it could mean for youAAT President: keep studying to protect your future The content team are the owners of AAT Comment.