When participants complete one of the PEP manuals they can apply to the Trust to write the formal examination. Each manual has its own examination. Successful candidates receive a PEP certificate which states that the participant has completed that manual. The examination consists of 75 multiple choice questions. As these questions are selected from the unit tests, candidates must score at least 80% to pass. Currently, the clinical skills are not tested at the end of the course although some hospitals have arranged their own skills examinations. The Supplementary manuals each have a seperate examination and a certificate which is issued to successful candidates.

The group leader has the responsibility for arranging the time and venue for the examination. A reliable person (usually a nursing manager) is asked to convene the examination and mark the examination papers. The list of correct answers is sent to the examination convenor. Examination papers may be ordered from the Trust. When placing orders give the name and language of the manual studied and allow at least two weeks for posting. As the responsibility for studying the PEP course is taken by the individual participants themselves, their sense of pride and achievement is great. They are encouraged to arrange a celebration where the PEP certificates can be awarded.

By the end of 2005, a total of 3385 Maternal Care and 3268 Newborn Care certificates had been awarded in South Africa.

BADGES

In order to encourage participants to complete both the Maternal Care and Newborn Care manuals, participants who receive the two certificates may apply to the trust for a PEP badge (either English or Afrikaans). The inclusive price is R25. A separate badge is available for those who have completed the Maternal Care or Newborn Care manual plus one or more supplementary manuals.

By the end of 2005, badges had been awarded to 1952 participants who had successfully completed the full two year Maternal and Newborn Care course in South Africa.

CREDIT

Both doctors and nurses should be actively encouraged to take responsibility for their own continuing professional training. The PEP course is an ideal way to achieve this goal.

In South Africa the PEP courses have been registered with the Medical and Dental Professional Board for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. Thirty points will be awarded on the successful completion of each of the Maternal Care and Newborn Care examinations while 10 points will be awarded on successful completion of a supplementary manual examination. A certificate of CPD points awarded will be issued by the Trust.