There is rising concern about student misconduct in exams and assessments, says the ICAEW.
The Institute said the number of students engaging in activities with the intention of giving themselves an unfair advantage in an assessment or exam is on the rise.
ICAEW’s senior manager in the conduct department, Laura Olsson, said the cases range from cheating in exams and assessment, colluding with other candidates to gain advantage, and plagiarising the work of others.
She urged firms to be on the alert, and reminded them they are obliged to report any misconduct to the ICAEW.
Olsson revealed that the education and training team will contract her department if software identifies plagiarism, including the use of artificial intelligence.
A growing problem is students cheating in assessments within their firm. There are also problems with Project Reports. The Project Report is part of the Level 7 apprenticeship and assesses evidence of a student’s competence. Olsson said some students don’t seem to understand there is a problem with sharing.
Both students and firms need to adhere to the Code of Ethics, where integrity and professional behaviour are key attributes. Breaking this code could potentially put your careers at risk, said the ICAEW.
