The maximum time for completing a qualification full-time is double the minimum time associated with the qualification, and for part-time an additional year is allowed.

Any year of interruption (non-registration) does not extend the maximum time permitted. Students who have interrupted their studies are required to complete the curriculum structure of the qualification as it is being offered when they return to study – there can be no expectation that the original module structure has not been changed. They are also expected to complete the qualification in the period available to students who have not interrupted their study on a qualification that is to be phased out.

The onus is on any student who interrupts their study, to ascertain any changes in the requirements for the qualification when they return – including but not limited to curriculum changes.

Once a qualification, mode of offering or curriculum has been earmarked for discontinuation, students are required to complete the offering in the time stipulated. In particular, where a student has exceeded maximum completion time, The IIE is no longer obliged to make either the offering or the outstanding modules available.