--- title: "NEW IRATA TACS Updates: Failed Assessments" description: Updates to IRATA TACS! image: https://staging.pacificropes.com/hubfs/FB-TACS%20update%20blog.png --- ##### Call: 604-447-8055 # Pacific Ropes Training Blog [< Pacific Ropes Training Blog](https://staging.pacificropes.com/training-blog) Carla June 06, 2021 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) # NEW IRATA TACS Updates: Failed Assessments ![Copy of IRATA Direct Entry (3)](https://staging.pacificropes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20IRATA%20Direct%20Entry%20(3).png?width=780&name=Copy%20of%20IRATA%20Direct%20Entry%20(3).png) IRATA has recently updated its training requirements in its Training, Assessment, & Certification Scheme (TACS) manual. The question we will discuss in this post is: ** Can assessments continue at a lower level if a candidate fails when attempting to recertify or upgrade their IRATA certification? ** ([Sections 9.4.3, 9.4.4,9.4.5 and 9.4.6](https://irata.org/downloads/2059)) In the past, candidates who were unsuccessful in their assessments for upgrade or recertification were able to continue the assessment at a lower level, upon assessor approval. There was potential to obtain a new certification at a lower level on the same day. The new TACS outlines a change in procedure: participants will no longer be permitted to continue an assessment at a lower level** if they fail due to a major discrepancy**. Instead, they must reschedule a new assessment within the **60-day window** after the course is taken, while their training is still valid. Assessments **may continue** for the purpose of downgrading in the **following scenarios**: - A candidate is attempting a **level 2** or **level 3** re-validation. - The candidate failed because of a third **minor** **discrepancy**. - When downgrading, the relevant items transferred to the lower level do **not** result in **more than 2 **discrepancies Downgrades are subject to the **following**: - If a candidate passes relevant items on a re-certification, but does not pass the assessment, the **passed** items will be **carried over** to the lower level assessment. - Any failed **minor** **discrepancies** that are only required at an **Awareness** level will not be passed down to the lower level assessment. These items may be re-taken at the lower level, if required. The following guidelines remain **unchanged** in the new TACS version: - When a candidate **fails** an assessment for **revalidation**, their current certification will **not** remain valid. - When a candidate **fails** an **upgrade** assessment, their existing certification **will** remain valid until its expiration date. We hope this clarifies this section of the TACS update for you!! FYI, this is not the official IRATA website or blog. So, always refer to the actual TACS document on the IRATA website for the official wording. If you have any questions, please email us or chat with us! [![Contact](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3894618/5270ff7b-fb11-442e-aa8d-0ef4201a7da1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3894618/5270ff7b-fb11-442e-aa8d-0ef4201a7da1) # Subscribe to our Blog! [Privacy Policy](https://pacificropes.com/privacy-policy) © 2017 Pacific Ropes   The contents of the www.pacificropes.com Web site (“Site”) and all other affiliated sites, such as “info.pacificropes.com” and “shop.pacificropes.com,”  including text, graphics, images and other material (“Content”) contained within the Site are for informational purposes only. Pacific Ropes makes no representations and disclaims any and all warranties with respect to the accuracy of content published on this page. Always obtain qualified professional advice before relying the content published on this Website. Use of this Website and its content is subject to the website [*Terms of Service*](https://staging.pacificropes.com/hubfs/Documents/Website%20Terms%20and%20Services%20(2020-08-06).pdf)”   - [**](https://www.facebook.com/pacificropes) - [**](https://twitter.com/PacificRopes) - [**](http://instagram.com/pacificropes) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-ropes-contracting-ltd-)