WHY CHOOSE THE ARMS FOUNDATION LEVEL ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (FLAP)?

People come into research management from many different backgrounds. Some from administration, some from management, and an increasing amount from research backgrounds. Much of the learning in research management comes from on the job training supplemented by workshops, conferences and personal encounters.

FOUNDATION LEVEL ACCREDITATION PROVIDES:

  • Independent verification of the skills and knowledge of those engaged in research management;
  • An opportunity to learn from other passionate research management professionals currently working within the industry and whom have developed different experience-based perspectives; and
  • The environment to network with other like-minded research management professionals.

THE FOUNDATION LEVEL ACCREDITATION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE: 

  • New to research management/administration (less than 5 years);
  • Not new to research management/administration but seeking to update their knowledge;
  • Seeking to learn more about research administration;
  • Not new to research management but may be new to a specific element of it; and
  • Those seeking to extend their knowledge beyond existing specialisations.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of the key elements of research and the innovation system;
  • Basic understanding of legislation as it applies to research;
  • Understanding of the motivations and drivers for researchers and research managers;
  • More indepth knowledge in two core areas of knowledge; and
  • Successfully applied learnt knowledge to a case study simulating a real life management experience.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

ARMS has developed a wide range of Foundation Level Accreditation Program (FLAP) modules. View all current modules in the ARMS Accreditation Foundation Level Accreditation Program Guide.  These consist of a mix of compulsory modules and elective modules.  Modules may be taken as stand-alone units for professional development.

To view the full foundation module descriptions, read more here.

To become accredited as an ARMS Accredited Research Manager (Foundation) or ARMF, candidates must:

  • Participate in five module workshops offered face to face, as online virtual meetings or as a complete online module. Three of the completed modules must be compulsory and the remaining two elective modules are of the participant's personal preference.
  • Complete the multiple choice assessment for each of the five modules. Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 75% to pass each assessment.
  • Complete a Case Study. This is a critical review highlighting issues of relevance to research management professionals.  Case studies are offered bi-annually (typically May and October).
  • At the successful completion of all stages you will receive the post nominal ARMS Accredited Research Manager (Foundation) or ARM(F).

STEPS:

There are two steps in obtaining 25 points for accreditation at the Foundation Level:  

Step 1: Successful completion of five (5) modules of learning (three (3) compulsory and two (2) electives) and successful completion of the assessment for five (5) modules of learning by multiple choice questions .  Each module has a value of four (4) points. Registrants will be required to select relevant country specific modules from:

  • 1.1: The National Research and Innovation System in … (Australia, New Zealand or Singapore);
  • 1.2: Legislation as it Affects Research in … (Australia, New Zealand or Singapore); and
  • 1.3: Understanding Research and Researchers ... (all regions).

For modules being delivered face-to-face (including virtual deliveries) attendance is required for the successful completion of the modules.

Step 2: Successful completion of short answer questions to a case study within twelve (12) months of completing the last module of learning. The case study has a value of 5 points.

PATHWAYS:

Click here to review the two pathways to enable you to complete your Foundation Level Accreditation Program.

ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS:

To obtain ARMS Accreditation as an ARM(F), an individual must fulfil the requirements listed above.  The registrant must successfully complete a multiple-choice assessment quiz for each of the five (5) modules (including two country specific compulsory modules, and compulsory module 1.3: Understanding Research and Researchers; and two electives of the individual’s choice. Following the successful completion of the five (5) modules, an individual must successfully complete a case study assessment. The multiple-choice assessment for each module requires a participant to achieve a minimum of 75% correct answers. Click here to find out more on the ARMS Case Study.

HOW IS ACCREDITATION MAINTAINED?

Accredited members must complete a minimum of 60 hours of CPD over each three year period following accreditation in accordance with the CPD guidelines.

The objective of continuing professional education helps members to:

  • Maintain relevant knowledge;
  • Develop and implement research management practices in their workplaces;
  • Develop their careers; and
  • Be an example or mentor to other research management professionals in their workplaces.

Read more on Continuing Professional Development

QUALITY CONTROL:

The Accreditation Council oversees the quality standards of module content and the ARMS Training Fellows. This provides independence from the ARMS Board in accreditation recommendations and standards.

WHO WILL ASSESS ME?

Case Study Reviewers are endorsed by the ARMS Accreditation Council. These are typically very senior and experienced research management professionals such as Research Officer Directors. For consistency in marking, case study reviewers are provided with a set of marking instructions which includes a set of standard responses to each of the case study questions.

ARMS TRAINING FELLOWS:

ARMS Training Fellows (or module presenters) are also appointed by the ARMS Accreditation Council. These are individuals that act as ambassadors to the Accreditation Program and have been recognised by the ARMS Accreditation Council as having the knowledge and skills to speak authoritatively on selected areas of research management and the ability to effectively train others.

ARMS Training Fellows come from varied backgrounds and provide comprehensive knowledge of research management. They also bring a fresh and innovative approach to the delivery of module material.

ENROLLING IN THE FLAP:

There is no formal application process for the Foundation Level Accreditation Program (FLAP). The accreditation process commences when the first module is delivered.

MODULE REGISTRATION FEE:

The module registration fee is revised on an annual basis to include CPI increases.  The revised fee is endorsed by the ARMS Board. Registrants will be advised of the Society’s Cancellation Policy at the time of registration. At time of printing, participation in the case study does not attract an additional fee.

Read more information on the ARMS Training Fellows.

The ARMS Accreditation Program Policy has full details of all requirements to achieve accreditation and to maintain accreditation.

For more information on the ARMS Foundation Level Accreditation please read the ARMS Foundation Level FAQs.