CompEx Assessment Centres in the UK — Where to Take Your Assessment
CompEx assessments are carried out at accredited assessment centres across the UK. The assessment centres are authorised by JTL to conduct the formal written and practical assessment for CompEx units Ex01–Ex06. This guide explains how to find a centre, what to expect, and how to book.
How to Find a CompEx Assessment Centre
JTL maintains a list of accredited CompEx assessment centres on their website (compex.org.uk). Centres are located across the UK, with concentrations in areas of high demand — Aberdeen, Teesside, the Humber, Merseyside, South Wales, and the Midlands. Some centres are residential, offering accommodation for candidates travelling from offshore or distant locations.
What to Expect at a CompEx Assessment Centre
Assessment centres provide both the written assessment environment and the practical assessment facilities, including Ex equipment for the practical demonstration. On assessment day you can expect:
- Written assessment — typically 2–3 hours, covering the knowledge requirements for the unit. The centre will provide the question paper and any permitted reference material.
- Practical assessment — a demonstration of competency observed by an accredited CompEx assessor. The centre provides Ex equipment, tools, and a realistic work scenario.
- Results — written results are typically available shortly after assessment. Practical results are provided by the assessor on the day.
Booking Your Assessment
Assessments must be booked in advance. Most centres operate set assessment dates — availability can be limited, particularly in peak periods (post-summer, pre-winter offshore season). Book well in advance of your intended assessment date.
Assessment places are limited and cancellation policies vary. Ensure you have completed adequate preparation before booking your assessment date — EX Academy's platform gives you a realistic indication of your readiness through the 70% pass threshold on module questions and inspection simulations.
Assessment Preparation
EX Academy is an online preparation platform that you can use to prepare for your CompEx assessment from anywhere — before attending the assessment centre. The 15 inspection simulations, 15 selection scenarios, and 1,185+ practice questions prepare you for both the written and practical elements.
Major Assessment Centre Regions
| Region | Typical Demand | Common Industries Served |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen / North East Scotland | Very high — North Sea hub | Offshore oil and gas, subsea |
| Teesside / North East England | High | Chemical, petrochemical, process |
| Humber / Lincolnshire | High | Refining, chemicals |
| Merseyside / North West | Moderate-high | Refining, chemical manufacturing |
| South Wales | Moderate | LNG, refining |
| Midlands | Moderate | Manufacturing, general industry |
This is a general guide to regional demand rather than an exhaustive list of every centre — exact locations, accreditation status, and available dates change over time. Always check the current JTL-approved centre list directly on compex.org.uk before booking, since centres do occasionally open, close, or change their unit offerings.
What to Bring on Assessment Day
- Photo ID — passport or driving licence, required for identity verification at most centres
- Booking confirmation — printed or on your phone, depending on the centre's preference
- Appropriate PPE — for the practical assessment, centres typically specify safety footwear and may require additional PPE depending on the unit; check your booking confirmation for specifics
- Reading glasses if needed — written assessments can run 2-3 hours and detailed equipment inspection requires close work
Choosing Between Centres
If you have a choice of more than one centre within reasonable travelling distance, consider: assessment date availability (some centres book up faster during peak season), whether the centre offers the specific units you need in one visit (saving a second trip), and whether residential accommodation is available if you're travelling from offshore or a distant location. Cost differences between centres for the same unit are typically modest — convenience and availability usually matter more than small price differences.
If this is your first CompEx assessment, build in extra time — arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled slot, and don't book travel that requires you to leave immediately after the written assessment, since practical assessment timing can vary. Centres run a tight schedule and arriving rushed or stressed works against you in the practical assessment, where a calm, methodical approach is exactly what's being evaluated.
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