The CES assessment does not require a high level of English, yet knowledge of the current rules is essential, as much as is communication skills and behaviour.

Following type of questions are used to evaluate the FEI Rules and Regulations competency:·

  • True/false·
  • Multiple choice with one correct answer·
  • Multiple choice with one or more correct answer
  • Missing word with a selection of answers to choose from

The Official conveniently reads the question and chooses the right answer/s.

The CES was supported and approved by the FEI Board, that Officials are assessed on a yearly basis to ensure that they are updated with the current rules. The first 3 years will be a transition period. To handle the amount of Officials who would have to attend an In-Person Maintenance course, the years 2017/2018/2019 were kindly put into Group A (> online assessment). For Group A, it will not be necessary to travel and they have 3 ½ months to conveniently complete the CES assessment in a moment of their choice.

The In-Person Maintenance courses with assessment are organised throughout the year also depending on the season and hemisphere. Therefore the Officials of Group B (In-Person assessment) will have the whole year to attend such a course.

After the transition period, the following cycle is established:

  • Year 1 > Online assessment
  • Year 2 > Online assessment
  • Year 3 > In-Person Maintenance Course with assessment

This transition period is needed in order to ensure a smooth start and to ensure equal and fair treatment of Officials. The ones that are current with their Refreshers will have the advantage that they will not have to travel to an In-person Maintenance course. The CES assessment evaluates the FEI Rule and Regulation competency and not the English proficiency. The CES and its framework have been reviewed by the FEI Legal Department.

In addition to the CES, the regularity of officiating are also requirements to stay listed. This new system is supporting the Course Directors in their tasks and was developed together with them. This system is in line with the future education systems for all disciplines.

The Working Group on Officials was tasked with an in-depth review of FEI Officials’ education, management and career progression and produced a set of recommendations. This working group was not involved in the creation of the CES.

However, the creation of the CES involved all FEI Departments, Technical Committees and Officials’ Representatives.

English skills

An high languages proficiency is required from our Top Level Officials who officiate at highest level events. It goes without saying, that in order to ensure adequate legal protection to our FEI Officials, we must have an understanding of the English proficiency of our Top Level Officials. It is our responsibility towards our so beloved Sport.

Regarding this English proficiency test, we use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is an international standard for describing language ability. The test takes 30-45 minutes and is done online. This test indicates the level of English in the most accurate manner. Should we see that an Official wants to take the opportunity to improve his/her English, we will support and provide the Official with a 12-months online English training, where we cover half of the costs of a license.

The FEI Rules and Regulations are written in English and the FEI Official is required to understand, interpret and apply them as they are written. In the CES in the first phase assesses the FEI Rules and Regulations in a simple form. Following type of questions are used to evaluate the competency:

  • True/false·
  • Multiple choice with one correct answer·
  • Multiple choice with one or more correct answer·
  • Missing word with a selection of answers to choose from

To answer the questions you will have to tick the correct box and it is not necessary to write or speak English.