APSCA Part III Exam:  
Guidance on Multiple Attempts Policy  
1. Purpose  
This guidance supports Auditors who have not successfully passed the APSCA Part III  
Exam after multiple attempts. It provides the step-by-step instructions,  
recommendations, and resources to help auditors prepare for future success.  
2. Understanding the Requirements  
APSCA’s Part III Exam Multiple Attempts Policy outlines two scenarios. Each has its  
specific requirement and process.  
Requirement  
After 3-5 Attempts  
After 6+ Attempts  
Waiting  
Period  
A 30-day waiting period  
A 30-day waiting period  
Auditors must complete  
Auditors must complete 20 days  
of onsite social compliance audit  
Learning  
additional training tailored to the  
Requirement  
feedback received from their prior participation after their most  
exam attempts.  
recent exam.  
Auditors must submit appropriate Audit participation must be  
training documentation to the  
“Education” tab in their APSCA  
online account.  
documented in the APSCA Onsite  
Training log, signed by both the  
Auditor and Member Firm  
Submission  
Refer to the How-To guide for  
detailed instructions.  
representative, and submitted to  
exam@theapsca.org
.  
Auditors must only reschedule  
once APSCA has approved the  
submitted evidence and the  
Auditors must only reschedule  
once APSCA has approved the  
submitted evidence and the  
Eligibility  
Approval  
Auditor has received confirmation Auditor has received confirmation  
email that eligibility is restored.  
email that eligibility is restored.  
Document Name:  
Version & Date:  
Replaces:  
APSCA Part III Exam – Guidance on Multiple Attempts Policy T-074  
Author/Owner: APSCA Exam Team  
Version 1 – September 2025  
Nil  
Page 1 of 4  
Authorized by: APSCA President & CEO  
3. Training Expectations and Evidence (For 3-5 Attempts)  
Training is required after 3 - 5 unsuccessful attempts and must be completed  
following the most recent exam attempt. There are no fixed formats—the Auditor and  
the trainer(s) can choose the method best suited to the learning style and feedback of  
the Auditor based on the exam result and feedback.  
Accepted Training Formats:  
Training can be achieved through a variety of formats, including but not limited to:  
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Classroom-based training  
Online courses  
Formal Training Formats  
Informal Training Formats  
Workshops  
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One-on-one session  
Peer roleplaying or practice interviews  
Virtual/online tutorials  
Informal coaching session  
Training Topics:  
Auditors should work with their trainers, supervisors, CSCAs, and experienced social  
compliance professionals to develop a training plan matched to the feedback you  
received. The Exam Report includes a feedback section that highlights areas of  
strength and areas you need to improve. Training topics should address these  
opportunities to ensure meaningful progress.  
Examples of common focus areas include:  
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Active listening skills  
Interviewing skills  
Investigation techniques and follow-up questioning  
Critical thinking and problem solving  
Addressing challenging situations  
Management system and skills  
Risk assessment and analytical decision making  
Interviewing on the Functional Knowledge Areas in the APSCA Competency  
Framework – for example, underage labor, wages and benefits, working hours,  
discrimination, freedom of association, forced labor, health and safety.  
Document Name:  
Version & Date:  
Replaces:  
APSCA Part III Exam – Guidance on Multiple Attempts Policy T-074  
Author/Owner: APSCA Exam Team  
Version 1 – September 2025  
Nil  
Page 2 of 4  
Authorized by: APSCA President & CEO  
What to Submit  
Auditors must submit training records to the “Education” tab in their APSCA online  
account.  
Supporting documents must be uploaded to demonstrate proof of attendance and  
evidence of training content.  
a) Proof of attendance must include:  
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Auditor’s Full Name  
Auditor’s APSCA Member Number  
Training title, date, and duration  
Trainer’s name and contact email  
Certificate of completion (if provided)  
b) Evidence of training content may vary depending on the training format, use the  
table below for guidance:  
Evidence of training content  
Formal Training Format  
Informal Training Format  
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Training agenda or syllabus  
Training materials (e.g. slides, handouts)  
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Completed Training Learning Notes template  
to demonstrate content and learning outcomes  
4. Onsite Audit Requirement (6+ Attempts Only)  
For Auditors who have 6 or more unsuccessful Part III exam attempts, APSCA requires  
participation in 20 days of onsite social compliance audits. This experience must be  
captured in the APSCA Onsite Training Log to verify participation and learning.  
The 20-day requirement is designed not only as a condition for retaking the exam, but  
also as a valuable learning opportunity. It allows Auditors to:  
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Work alongside experienced Auditors,  
Gain practical, hands-on approach to interviewing and auditing, and,  
Learn on the job and apply feedback in real-world scenarios  
To meet this requirement, Auditors must:  
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Complete 20 new days of onsite social compliance audits, carried out after the  
most recent exam attempt  
Record these activities in the APSCA Onsite Training Log signed by the Auditor  
and a Member Firm representative  
Submit the completed and signed log to exam@theapsca.org for review  
Reminder! Do not schedule your next Part III attempt until you have APSCA’s approval.  
Document Name:  
Version & Date:  
Replaces:  
APSCA Part III Exam – Guidance on Multiple Attempts Policy T-074  
Author/Owner: APSCA Exam Team  
Version 1 – September 2025  
Nil  
Page 3 of 4  
Authorized by: APSCA President & CEO  
Tips for Success  
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Set clear learning goals with your trainer.  
Practice mock interviews to build confidence.  
Focus on skills that match your feedback.  
Work closely with your Member Firm to access support.  
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  
Q1: Do I have to attend a formal class?  
No. Informal or customized sessions are acceptable if they include learning notes and  
trainer validation.  
Q2: Who can be my trainer?  
Your trainer can be from your Member Firm or an external trainer. You need to include  
their name and contact details for validation purposes.  
Q3: Can I combine multiple short sessions for training?  
Yes. Please ensure all sessions are documented and tied to your feedback areas.  
Q4: When can I submit my training or log?  
You may submit your documents as soon as you complete the training. There is no  
deadline for completing your training, however, it must be done after your most recent  
exam attempt.  
Q5: What happens if I schedule the exam before my eligibility is restored?  
The booking will be automatically cancelled if done before APSCA approval.  
Q6: Where can I find more preparation resources?  
Visit the APSCA website at www.theapsca.org for resources.  
Q7: Who can I contact with questions?  
Contact the APSCA Exam Team at exam@theapsca.org  
Document Name:  
Version & Date:  
Replaces:  
APSCA Part III Exam – Guidance on Multiple Attempts Policy T-074  
Author/Owner: APSCA Exam Team  
Version 1 – September 2025  
Nil  
Page 4 of 4  
Authorized by: APSCA President & CEO