DSC2 is a practical based qualification which enables candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and competence in legally, safely and humanely culling deer and dealing with a carcasses hygienically. The DSC1 is a prerequisite for DSC2.

To achieve the DSC2, a candidate must provide sufficient evidence demonstrating the necessary standard of competence to be awarded the Certificate. It is recommended that candidates obtain sufficient practical experience under the guidance of a competent person before registering for DSC2.

The DSC 2 is assessed based on evidence that the candidate collects. The key document for recording this evidence is the DSC2 electronic portfolio which you are given access to via email on registration. Along with this, the email will include guidance notes which candidates should read thoroughly before proceeding any further. An assessor will already have been allocated at this stage. Once registered, candidates have three years to complete their evidence gathering.

Once a candidate has registered, they will be able to access a list of all approved witnesses in the resources area of their e-portfolio account. It is imperative that the witness chosen is DMQ-approved. The Approved Witness  is someone who would be present when a deer was killed and the carcass inspected and prepared, and who has already been sponsored by DMQ as a suitably knowledgeable person who understands the standard required. They will know what an assessor’s role is and will already hold a DSC2 DMQ award. 

The cost of the DSC2 registration does not include the cost of any witnessed stalks. This is to be agreed upon and negotiated directly between a candidate and an approved witness.

During the assessment phase an Assessor will usually telephone a candidate and Approved Witness and question them over aspects of the evidence. If an Assessor is satisfied that the evidence is of a required standard for the award to be given, they will notify an Internal Verifier with a recommendation that an award is given. The Internal Verifier primarily checks to ensure that an Assessor has done as required. When the e-portfolio has passed Internal Verification, a submission is made by the Assessment Centre to Deer Management Qualifications for a Certificate to be produced and sent to the candidate.