FACTS Northern Ireland - Basis

FACTS TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS RELATING TO THE FACTS SCHEME
TERM
FACTS
FACTS Qualified
Adviser
FACTS Annual
Scheme
FACTS Certificate /
Exemption
FACTS Training
Syllabus
FACTS Exam Passed
FACTS Turf and
other specialised
FACTS qualifications
Regional Training
Centres
FACTS Information
Service (FIS)
FACTS Member
FACTS Workshops/
Seminars
FACTS Management
Committee
Field Sales and
Advisory Staff (FSAS)
DEFINITION
Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme. An independent nonstatutory
certification scheme for professionals providing advice and information
on the management of plant nutrients and fertiliser materials.
Member of the BASIS Professional Register with the FACTS qualification or a
member of the FACTS Annual Scheme..
An annual subscription service available to professionals who have passed the
FACTS exam or hold a FACTS exemption certificate. Benefits: membership card,
entry on the FACTS Register and access to benefits of FACTS Information Service
(FIS).
A certificate of basic competence in fertiliser and plant nutrient advice for Field,
Sales and Advisory Staff. Experienced advisers working with fertilisers for at least
5 years prior to 1993 were awarded the certificate on the basis of their
accumulated knowledge.
The national standard on which all candidates will be assessed whether training
takes place at recognised training centres, in-house or elsewhere.
Recognised non-statutory qualification (multiple choice exam plus written
recommendation exercise paper and viva) for those providing plant nutrient
advice
Specific qualification for advisers on amenity turf – other specific qualifications
include FACTS Horticulture, FACTS Agriculture and FACTS Veg.
Approved training centres that have agreed to run training courses based on the
FACTS Training Syllabus. Approved Trainer details can be found at the rear of this
booklet.
FACTS Information Service provided by ECOPT as part of the FACTS Annual Scheme
subscription. Provides four newsletters per year and access to free and impartial
plant nutrient information via a Helpline and email contact
Member of the FACTS Annual Scheme.
Events organised by the FACTS Management Committee. Open to all FACTS
Members with a small attendance fee.
Committee responsible for determining FACTS policy and maintaining the financial
viability of the Scheme.
Those employed by manufacturers, distributors, independent consultants, agents
and Government bodies who are involved in selling and/or giving advice on
fertilisers and nutrient management to end users.
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