My experience of the COCA

As an asbestos training provider for over 20 years I had undertaken several of the BOHS modules, and also delivered some of their training courses. I felt that the “top qualification” in the subject of asbestos was the CCP, now the COCA. I actually first applied to undertake the CCP (after passing the S301 course) over 10 years ago and thought back then it would challenge and test me, I applied and then didn’t get the chance to sit the interview due to work commitments.

I have recently set up a new analytical business, and one of the requirements to hold the accreditation is that somebody in the organisation must hold the COCA, therefore a good time to revisit something that I should have completed 10 years ago. I also act as an Expert Witness on occasions, qualifications and experience are always challenged, so the COCA was becoming a necessity not just a challenge.

So I applied, with a colleague of mine and we decided to undertake it at the same time. The process wasn’t quick but that was mainly down to me getting my submission report to BOHS, and then reviewing the submission and feedback, I wasn’t in an extreme hurry and work commitments had to come first.

I started the process early 2018, and due to the scheduling of the oral exams, I opted for December 2018, which was the quietest time for me at work. I am sure the process is relatively quick if you are willing to commit to it, my time was my issue. With my background in the industry I had no issues with oral questions relating to the subject of asbestos, asbestos management, asbestos Graham O’Mahony BSc HONS, COCA LFAAM

surveying, asbestos legislation asbestos removal or asbestos air testing, as I have taught in all these subjects for many years. I identified that my weakness was asbestos bulk analysis. So I studied hard to learn, understand and practically teach myself the process, with some lab assistance, how bulk samples were ACTUALLY analysed, obviously I knew how samples were analysed, but when delving into the EXACT process and full analysis procedure I identified this as my weakness.

So I set aside a day near the oral interview date and held a question and answer session with my colleague (who was also being interviewed) to identify each others weakness, this really helped and I would strongly advise any person deciding to undertake the oral interview, be prepared and study hard, some of the questions are tough…very tough….but fair, after all it is assessing your competence.

On the day, I arrived and had a very nice welcome from Val and the team, who I must say were very helpful throughout the whole process. I attended the interview and felt very confident afterwards. Once the results were received, I was very pleased with myself. Subsequently I then joined FAAM.

I would say it wasn’t as daunting as people make it out to be, the three individuals on the panel were very nice and the process wasn’t difficult.