A New Qualification For Statistical Clerks In National Statistics Offices

For many years the Royal Statistical Society has had an Ordinary Certificate in Statistics as a first qualification in statistics. In 2000 the three authors worked with colleagues from the National Statistical Office (NSO) in Malawi and from Chancellor College, University of Malawi, to develop a parallel course in Key Statistical Skills for clerks at the NSO. This course emphasizes the practical nature of statistics and develops skills in teamwork, communication and project work as well as including some extra statistical content in demographic and economic statistics. The first students took the courses in 2000/2001. The authors will report on the experience and the positive gains in tailoring courses for particular student needs.