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NVQ Assessor Award

Important Information: The existing NVQ Assessor and Internal Verifier Awards listed below are being updated and aligned with the QCF (Qualifications Credit Framework) - for more information about this - click here.

The NVQ Assessor Award is available Online. We provide learning materials on this site, some of which are free, for Understanding Assessment and the background knowledge and understanding required to be an NVQ Assessor. We also provide access to ePortolios to complete the fully online service.

  • To access the learning materials, click here, you will need to be a registered user to access these learning materails and registration is free.

FAQs

These are taken from our Free Discussion Forum within our Free NVQs (Understanding them) Course

About the NVQ Assessor Award

In 2002, the standards for NVQ Assessors were revised. Prior to this, the requirement was for NVQ Assessors to obtain units of competence D32 and/or D33 from the Training and Development Lead Body Standards.

Following the revision, these 2 units have been simplified and the revisions are now:

  • A1 - Assess Candidates Using a Range of Methods (Overview of Unit A1)
    • For those Assessors who will assess NVQ candidates, using a variety of different methods. THIS IS THE APPROPRIATE UNIT FOR THE VAST MAJORITY OF ASSESSORS;
  • A2 - Assess Candidates' Performance through Observation (Overview of Unit A2)
    • For those Assessors who will ONLY use observation as a method.

One important revision is that the language has been simplified and the confusion removed for those Assessors who achieve A1. However, the rigour and assessment requirements us to assess Unit A1 have been strengthened.

Units D32 and D33 were virtually identical and candidate assessors struggled to come to terms with the requirements, making the award (and, indeed, the assessment process, inaccessible for many would-be assessors).

Award Overview

This award is appropriate for you if you are going to assess National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

There are 2 options available to you:

  • Unit A1 (Assess Candidates Using a Range of Methods), if you are going to assess people using a whole range of methods;
  • Unit A2 (Assess candidates Performance through observation), if you are going to assess people using only observation and questioning.

The standards were revised in 2001 from the original NVQ Assessor Award Units D32 and D33:

  • A1 replaces D32 and D33;
  • A2 replaces D32.

It is not necessary for you to achieve both units.

Please also note that those people that have D32 and D33 do not need to achieve unit A1 or A2. However, during the External Verification process, it will be expected that Assessors are working to these standards.

What should you do if you are assessing and assuring the quality of in-house systems?
Units A1, A2 and V1 are not appropriate for in-house systems. Instead, the following units are appropriate:

  • For Assessors: Work Based Assessor Award - Unit L20 - Support Competence Achieved in the Workplace;
  • For the person responsible for internal quality: Unit L8 - Manage the Contribution of Other People to the Learning;

Programme Duration:
No set time line. Qualification and development can fit around the delegate.

Maximum number of Delegates:
There is no minimum or maximum as the NVQ Assessor Award programme can work around an individual or individuals working as a close support group.

Use our contact form to request more information on the process, costs, what needs to be in place, etc.

Achieving the NVQ Assessor Award

We are often asked about how someone goes about achieving the NVQ Assessor Award Unit A1 or Unit A2, so let us explain a few things...

Firstly, a common question relates to someone wanting to achieve both Unit A1 and Unit A2 from the Learning and Development Standards. When you go for the NVQ Assessor Award, you do not achieve both Units or go for both Units. Unit A1 is about "assessing candidates using a range of methods" whilst Unit A2 is about "assessing candidates' performance through observation".

If you achieve Unit A2 you can only assess candidates through observation and nothing else. If you achieve Unit A1 you can assess candidates through a range of methods including observation. The most common Unit is A1. As you might be able to see, Unit A2 is in effect 'wrapped up' inside Unit A1. Units A1 and A2 replaced the old D32 and D33 Units from the previous Training and Development Standards.

A lot of people ask about what qualifications they need in order to start the NVQ Assessor Award, i.e. "I have the PCGE (professional certificate of general education)..." or "I have an NVQ in...", so let us get this straight, you do not need any qualifications before embarking on the NVQ Assessor Award - there are though, certain criteria that must be met or in place in order to achieve the NVQ Assessor Award and these are explained further down this page.

Let us also makes this doubly clear, you do not need any prior qualification to start any NVQ or Unit of NVQ at any Level.

Achieving any NVQ or Unit Award has four key stages:

  • Stage 1: Induction to the NVQ/Unit Award, initial assessment and development of the initial assessment plan;
  • Stage 2: Training. As NVQs and Unit Awards are based around proving competence to a set of standards, training only needs to happen if a skills gap is identified. A plan for delivering the training needs can then be developed which could include a formal training session, some coaching or other common method. If someone has all the skills in place and just needs to provide the evidence for proving competence, then they could achieve the NVQ or Unit Award without ever having to go through training. Invariably though, as Assessing is a learned skill, it is common therefore, for people going through some form of formal training or coaching in order to achieve the NVQ Assessor Award. The Gill Payne Partnership Ltd can organise this either face-to-face or via distance learning, as required;
  • Stage 3: Ongoing Assessment. There will be regular contact and agreed assessment sessions with your assessor (the person at The Gill Payne Partnership Ltd who is assessing you against Unit A1 or A2 and is an accredited assessor of assessors). At these sessions, either face-to-face or remote assessment, your evidence will be checked and a new assessment plan will be agreed and put in place;
  • Stage 4: Final Assessment. Final assessment is exactly that, the final assessment of the evidence portfolio to ensure that the standard is met and then can be put forward for verification.

As to the 'course' start date, NVQs and Units of NVQs are not time bound and you can start whenever you like. Some organisations may have preferred induction dates, say three or four times a year. However, at The Gill Payne Partnership Ltd, we can start you when you are ready - as it should be. With our Online NVQ Assessor Award, an individual can really start whenever they want - day or night!

The length of time it takes to complete is entirely down to you - the candidate. If you have to hand, or can provide, the evidence of competence that is required to complete the NVQ Assessor Award, you can achieve in a few months. However, there is a 10 week rule at City and Guilds (the awarding body). The 10 week rule is that you cannot apply for a certificate of competence until you have been registered for the award for 10 weeks. Having said that, the quickest any candidate has achieved their NVQ Assessor Award with us is 6 weeks - although we could not apply for their certificate until the 10 week anniversary of their registration for the NVQ Assessor Award.

In order to achieve the NVQ Assessor Award there needs to be certain criteria in place:

  • You have to have access to at least two candidates;
  • You have to have a centre through which to process those candidates;
  • You need to have the written agreement of an Internal Verifier of the centre through which you are processing your candidates;
  • You need to have a copy of the standards that your candidates are working towards;
  • You need to have the knowledge, understanding, experience and competence yourself to the correct level, of the area that you are going to assess candidates in;

Why do you need to have two candidates? Well that is because the NVQ Assessor Award standards say that 'you must be observed providing feedback to at least two candidates across three Units'. If you don't have any candidates, you might like to approach local centres or colleges and offer yourself free of charge in exchange for two candidates to assess. These centres and their Internal Verifiers might permit the processing of your candidates as well.

 If you need a centre to process candidates on either the Learning and Development, Management, Personnel or Health and Safety NVQs, you can make an approach to us - The Gill Payne Partnership Ltd, as we are a Accredited Centre with City & Guilds and the ILM (Institute of Leadership & Management). There is no guarantee that we will accept to process your candidates through our centre.

The NVQ Assessor Award is the same award whether you assess Level 5 or Level 3 candidates, or are assessing NVQs in Plumbing and Heating or NVQs in Customer Care. However, if you achieve your NVQ Assessor Award assessing Management at Level 3, because this is the maximum level and the background of your skills, knowledge and understanding, then you will be restricted to assessing only management candidates and only up to Level 3 - you will not be able to assess anything else Level 4 or Level 5 candidates.

Conversly, if you achieve you NVQ Assessor Award when you level and backgound is at Level 5, ten you will be able to asses at this and low levels.

If you need to know more, use our contact form to get in touch and we will try to answer all your questions and queries.

Unit A1 Overview

Unit A2 Overview

Unit A1 - Assess Candidates Using a Range of Methods

UNIT OVERVIEW

This unit is appropriate for you if your role involves:

  • assessing candidates against agreed standards of competence using a range of assessment methods
  • giving candidates feedback on your assessment decisions
  • contributing to the internal quality assurance processes.

The activities you are likely to be involved in:

  • developing realistic plans for learning and assessment with candidates
  • understanding assessment requirements
  • planning the assessment process with candidates and the other people involved
  • helping candidates to meet the agreed assessment requirements
  • reviewing the candidate's level of competence and identifying what they need to do to be fully competent
  • supporting candidates with different needs during your assessment
  • using a variety of assessment methods
  • making a record of your assessment decisions
  • giving candidates feedback on their performance and reviewing their progress throughout the assessment process
  • using different types of evidence to give an overall assessment of competence
  • working with the other people involved in the assessment process, such as workplace supervisors and other teachers or trainers.

What the unit covers:

1 - developing plans for assessing competence with candidates
2 - judging evidence against agreed standards to make assessment decisions
3 - giving candidates feedback and support on your assessment decisions
4 - contributing to the internal quality assurance process.

Preferred methods of assessment for this unit:

The minimum evidence you need to provide for this unit is listed in the evidence requirements section. Evidence will be assessed using one or more of the following assessment methods:

  • observation
  • examination of evidence
  • questioning
  • professional discussion.

For example, you could agree with your assessor to use a professional discussion to demonstrate how you have used three different types of evidence to demonstrate achievement of particular standards rather than asking you to create a written report.

Element A1.1 Develop plans for assessing competence with candidates

Performance criteria

You must be able to do the following:

a) develop and agree an assessment plan with candidates
b) check that all candidates understand the assessment process involved, the support available to them and the complaints and appeals procedure
c) agree fair, safe, valid and reliable assessment methods
d) identify appropriate and cost-effective opportunities for assessing performance
e) plan for using different types of evidence
f) identify how the past experience and achievements of candidates will contribute to the assessment process
g) identify and agree any special arrangements needed to make sure the assessment process is fair
h) identify how other people will contribute to assessments and what support they may need
i) identify how to protect confidentiality and agree arrangements to deal with sensitive issues
j) agree how you will handle any difficulties or disputes during the assessment
k) agree when assessment will take place with candidates and the other people involved
l) agree arrangements with candidates for reviewing their progress against the assessment plan
m) review and update assessment plans to take account of what the candidates have achieve

Element A1.2 Judge evidence against criteria to make assessment decisions

Performance criteria

You must be able to do the following:

a) use the agreed assessment methods to assess competence in appropriate situations
b) use the past experience and achievements of candidates as part of the assessment of their current competence
c) ensure that the evidence comes from the candidates' own work
d) make safe, fair, valid and reliable decisions about the competence of candidates, only on the agreed standard
e) collect evidence from the other people involved in the assessment process
f) apply any agreed special arrangements to make sure the assessment is fair
g) base your decisions on all the relevant evidence of candidates' performance and knowledge. Take this evidence from as many places as possible
h) explain and resolve any inconsistencies in the evidence
i) make a record of the outcomes of assessments by using the agreed recording system
j) speak to the appropriate person if you and the candidate cannot agree on your assessment of their performance

Element A1.3 Provide feedback and support to candidates on assessment decisions

Performance criteria

You must be able to do the following:

a) give candidates feedback at an appropriate time and place
b) give candidates feedback in a constructive and encouraging way, which meets their needs and is appropriate to their level of confidence
c) clearly explain your assessment decisions on whether candidates' evidence of competence is good enough
d) give candidates advice when they cannot prove their competence and on how they can develop the necessary skills or provide more evidence
e) encourage candidates to get advice on your assessment decisions
f) identify and agree the next steps in the assessment process and how candidates will achieve these
g) follow the agreed complaints and appeals procedures if candidates disagree with your assessment decisions

Element A1.4 Contribute to the internal quality assurance process

Performance criteria

You must be able to do the following:

a) ensure your assessment records are accurate and up to date, and provide an audit trail of evidence
b) contribute to standardisation arrangements so that your assessment decisions are in line with others
c) give accurate and timely information on assessments
d) contribute to the agreed quality assurance process

Evidence requirements

To achieve this unit you must provide evidence to convince your assessor that you consistently meet all the performance criteria and all the knowledge requirements.

Your evidence must be the result of real work activities undertaken by yourself. Evidence from simulated activities is not acceptable for this unit.

This unit covers assessing of candidates by using different assessment methods. These include:

  • watching candidates perform in the workplace
  • asking candidates questions
  • taking account of past experience and achievements
  • setting tests
  • setting projects and tasks
  • arranging simulations
  • assessing the candidate's report of their work
  • using evidence from other people, including peers and witnesses.

Assessment can include using material from Awarding Bodies and from within your own organisation. It can also include assessing the competence of those who assess candidates as a major part of their role.

The minimum evidence you need for this unit is listed below:

THREE assessment plans you have produced for a minimum of 2 different candidates.

PLUS

ONE record which states the assessment methods you have selected to assess specific aspects of competence.

Each plan must cover one full unit of competence, which can be certificated. Over the 3 plans you must cover a minimum of 4 assessment methods including the observation of candidate(s) and one opportunity to involve others in making a contribution to the assessment process.

All candidates must show they have agreed assessment requirements.

This record must indicate why the assessment methods are valid, reliable and fair indicators of competence and cover a minimum of four assessment methods showing how others have been involved in the assessment process.

PLUS

TWO written outcomes from progress reviews you have conducted with a minimum of 2 candidates.

PLUS

THREE assessment decision records for a minimum of 2 different candidates.

PLUS

ONE record which shows how you have used 3 different types of evidence to demonstrate achievement of particular standards, used observation of the candidate as an assessment method.

PLUS

A minimum of ONE observation of you providing feedback to a candidate.

PLUS

TWO records of you providing feedback to candidates on other occasions.

PLUS

ONE record of a professional discussion between you and your assessor based on feedback to candidates.

PLUS

ONE assessment record each for 2 different candidates which have been used as part of the internal quality assurance process.

The two written outcomes should include evidence of having updated assessment plans.

The assessment decision records must relate to the 3 assessment plans you are submitting for element A1.1.

The record must explain how you implemented the assessment methods and evaluated the effectiveness of them in the light of assessing candidates. You must show how you have demonstrated competence in respect of element A1.2 criteria c), d) and g).

Observation may take place in person or using appropriate technology such as a video tape.

You must indicate how element A1.3 criteria a), d) and f) were addressed.

PLUS

FOUR written reviews of at least 2 pieces of evidence for each of 2 different candidates.

PLUS

ONE written statement from the person responsible for internal quality assurance (eg an internal verifier for N/SVQs).

Knowledge Evidence Requirements

ONE record of a professional discussion between you and your assessor.

PLUS

ONE written or spoken explanation of the procedures used within your centre.

You must have contributed to internal standardisation procedures involving these reviews.

The statement must demonstrate how you have contributed to agreed quality assurance procedures.

During the professional discussion you should review any method of assessment not covered by performance evidence and:

  • indicate the validity and reliability of each method
  • review any potential issues of fairness and access in relation to individual assessment methods
  • cover all of the following methods if not covered by performance evidence:
    • questioning
    • accreditation of prior experience and achievement
    • formal testing
    • projects and assignments
    • simulations
    • candidate and peer reports
    • evidence from others.

The explanation must include the following procedures:

  • how to provide access to assessment for candidates with individual special needs and special assessment requirements
  • how disputes and appeals about assessment decisions are handled
  • the internal standardisation and quality assurance arrangements
  • how assessments are recorded
  • sources of information regarding assessment requirements and best practice.

Knowledge requirements

You need the following knowledge to perform this unit of competence. You will show this through the outcome of your work activities and through evaluations of systems and processes.

You need to be able to show that you have general knowledge and understanding of the following:

The nature and role of assessments of competence

1 how to identify and use different types of evidence when carrying out assessments

2 how to identify and compare different types of evidence when making your assessment decisions

3 how to collect evidence in ways that are cost-effective and timely

4 how to collect and use evidence from candidates' prior experience and achievements within the current assessment process

5 how to develop and agree assessment plans with candidates and the other people involved

6 how to accurately assess performance against specific parts of a standard

7 how to take appropriate action and help candidates develop their competence

8 how to change assessment procedures to meet the individual needs of candidates

9 how to identify the difficulties in making safe, fair, valid and reliable assessments of evidence and who to involve in such cases

10 how to follow standardisation and internal quality assurance procedures.

Principles and concepts

11 how to measure existing levels of competence

12 how to make valid and reliable assessments of candidates' knowledge

13 how to make valid and reliable assessments of candidates' performance

14 how to make sure you have covered all the agreed criteria during an assessment

15 how to check that the evidence is the candidates' own work

16 how to make sure that supporting evidence supplied by other people is reliable

17 how to encourage candidates to consider and use their past experience and achievements

18 how to give constructive feedback on existing levels of competence and what candidates need to do to be fully competent

19 how to involve candidates in planning assessments

20 how to keep to the Data Protection Act

21 how to encourage candidates who have different levels of confidence and experience to take an active part in their assessment

22 how to use language and behaviour which does not discriminate against any candidate

23 how to meet the different needs of candidates

24 how to give feedback to candidates with different levels of confidence and experience

25 how to encourage candidates to ask questions and get advice

26 how to monitor and review progress with candidates

27 how to identify changes in levels of candidates' competence and assess how this affects your own competence

28 how to use opportunities to update your skills and experience

29 how to identify and use information on current assessment best practice

30 how to use personal development opportunities to improve your assessment skills.

External factors influencing the assessment of national standards

31 how to meet candidates' needs for access to safe, fair, valid and reliable assessment, in line with relevant legislation

32 how to recognise and challenge unfair discrimination in assessments

33 who to get advice from about meeting candidates' special assessment requirements

34 how to identify and plan for issues of confidentiality and data protection during the assessment process

35 how to record, store and pass on assessment decisions to other people within an agreed system

36 how to identify and assess things that can influence your own competence

37 how to identify appropriate sources of support for your own development.

© QCA

Unit A2 - Assess Candidates' Performance through Observation

UNIT OVERVIEW

  • This unit is appropriate for you if you are involved in:
  • assessing candidates against the agreed standards
  • planning assessments with candidates
  • giving feedback to candidates on your assessment decisions.

The activities you are likely to be involved in:

  • watching staff members in line with agreed assessment plans
  • assessing candidates' performance
  • assessing candidates' knowledge and how they apply their knowledge
  • making a record of your assessment decisions
  • working with other people who are affected by the assessment process, such as line managers or supervisors
  • giving feedback to candidates.

What the unit covers:

1 agreeing and reviewing plans for assessing candidates' performance
2 assessing candidates' performance against the agreed standards
3 assessing candidates' knowledge against the agreed standards
4 making an assessment decision and giving feedback.

Preferred methods of assessment for this unit:

The minimum evidence you need to provide for this unit is listed in the evidence requirements section. Evidence will be assessed using one or more of the following assessment methods:

  • observation
  • examination of evidence
  • questioning
  • professional discussion.

Observation may take place in person or using appropriate technology such as video tape.

Element A2.1 Agree and review plans for assessing candidates' performance

Performance criteria

You must be able to do the following:

a) identify the best situations when you can assess performance
b) use evidence that takes place in the workplace and ask relevant questions
c) choose opportunities for assessment which disrupt normal work as little as possible
d) choose opportunities for assessment which provide access to a valid, safe, reliable and fair assessment
e) explain the options open to the candidates clearly and constructively if somebody disagrees with the proposed assessment plan
f) discuss and agree the proposed assessment plan with the candidates and other people who may be affected
g) review and update plans at agreed times to take account of candidates' progress

Element A2.2 Assess candidates' performance against the agreed standards

Performance criteria

You must be able to do the following:

a) explain to candidates how the assessment of their work will take account of their needs
b) watch candidates in a safe environment
c) only use the agreed criteria when assessing the evidence
d) assess evidence fairly against the agreed criteria
e) identify and assess any other evidence that is relevant to the standards f) check that the evidence has come from each candidate's own work
g) watch candidates without interfering with their work
h) speak to the appropriate person if you or a candidate has any difficulties
i) give candidates feedback after you have watched them in the workplace

Element A2.3 Assess candidates' knowledge against the agreed standards

Performance criteria

You must be able to do the following:

a) identify which areas of candidates' knowledge have been covered by watching them in the workplace
b) collect evidence of knowledge that has not been covered by watching the candidates in the workplace
c) use valid methods to assess candidates' knowledge
d) ask clear questions which do not 'lead' candidates
e) speak to the appropriate person if you or a candidate has any difficulties
f) give candidates feedback after you have asked them questions

Element A2.4 Make an assessment decision and provide feedback

Performance criteria

You must be able to do the following:

a) base your assessment decision on all the relevant evidence
b) give candidates clear and constructive feedback, which meets their needs after you have given them your assessment
c) encourage candidates to ask for advice on your assessment decision
d) make an accurate record of your assessment decisions
e) pass on records that are accurate and easy to read to the next stage of the process
f) follow the agreed complaints and appeals procedures if candidates do not agree with your assessment decisions

Evidence requirements

To achieve this unit you must provide evidence to convince your assessor that you consistently meet all the performance criteria and all the knowledge requirements.

Your evidence must be the result of real work activities undertaken by yourself. Evidence from simulated activities is not acceptable for this unit.

This unit covers assessing candidates by watching them in the workplace and assessing the areas of their knowledge that you cannot test by watching them work. You can do this by using materials and check lists from awarding bodies.

Observation may take place in person or using appropriate technology such as a video tape. Evidence may also include examining work products. You can use evidence from tests to support evidence of candidates' performance. You must also show you are aware of and understand the appeals and complaints procedures and the processes for handling them.

The minimum evidence you need for this unit is listed below:

THREE assessment plans you have produced for a minimum of two different candidates.

PLUS

TWO written outcomes from progress reviews you have conducted with a minimum of 2 candidates.

PLUS

THREE assessment decision records for a minimum of 2 different candidates.

PLUS

Each plan must cover a minimum of 2 full components (units) of a qualification (eg 2 N/SVQ units). Each plan must indicate:

  • which aspects of competence will be assessed by observation
  • indicate how and when observation of performance will be conducted
  • how issues of safety, minimum disruption to work activities and unobtrusive assessment have been planned for.

The two written outcomes should include evidence of having updated assessment plans.

The assessment decision records must relate to the 3 assessment plans you are submitting for A2.1.

ONE record of a professional discussion.

PLUS

THREE assessment decision records for at least 2 of the 3 different assessment plans generated for A2.1.

PLUS

ONE record of a professional discussion between you and your assessor.

PLUS

ONE observation.

PLUS

TWO records covering feedback to two different candidates.

PLUS

TWO assessment records for 2 different candidates.

PLUS

ONE written statement from the person responsible for internal quality assurance (eg an internal verifier for N/SVQs).

The record of a professional discussion between you and your assessor must demonstrate how you have:

  • used observation of performance to demonstrate achievement of particular standards evaluated the effectiveness of observation in the light of assessing candidates.
  • During the professional discussion you must present how you have:
    • used questioning to demonstrate the knowledge requirements in particular standards
    • evaluated the effectiveness of observation in the light of assessing candidates.

A minimum of one observation by your assessor of you providing feedback to 1 candidate.

The written records may be replaced with endorsement by another recognised assessor from a registered centre of your feedback to two different candidates.

The two assessment records must have been passed on to the person responsible for internal quality assurance of the assessment process (internal verifier) in your centre.

The statement must demonstrate that you have contributed to agreed quality assurance procedures in your centre.

Knowledge Requirements

ONE record of a written or spoken explanation.

PLUS

ONE record of a written or spoken explanation of the procedures used in your assessment centre.

The record of a written or spoken explanation must show how you:

  • identify relevant evidence from candidate activities
  • identify which aspects of competence can be assessed by observing performance
  • plan and conduct the observation process and the factors which you take into account during the process
  • identify which aspects of knowledge can be inferred from performance plans and conduct the questioning of candidates including the factors to take into account during the process.

The explanation must include the following procedures:

  • how to provide access to assessment for candidates with individual special needs and special assessment requirements
  • how disputes and appeals about assessment decisions are handled the internal standardisation and quality assurance arrangements
  • how assessments are recorded
  • sources of information regarding assessment requirements and best practice.

You need the following knowledge to perform this Unit of Competence. You will show this through the outcome of your work activities and through evaluations of your systems and processes.

You need to be able to show that you have general knowledge and understanding of the following:

The nature and role of assessments of national standards

1 what the national standards are and how to judge evidence against them fairly and reliably

2 how to identify relevant evidence from what is or may be available

3 why it is important to make an accurate judgement against only the agreed standards

4 how to identify the role of knowledge evidence in assessments and ways of collecting evidence

5 how to identify relevant knowledge evidence from candidates' performance

6 why it is important to collect evidence related to unpredictable events and how to do this

7 how to give candidates with special assessment requirements access to assessment.

Principles and concepts

8 how to involve different candidates in putting assessment plans into practice

9 how to encourage candidates with different levels of confidence and experience to take an active part in their assessment

10 how to give constructive feedback to candidates in line with your assessment decision

11 how to adapt feedback to candidates' different levels of confidence and experience

12 how to offer different types of advice in a constructive way that will allow candidates to choose different options

13 how to encourage candidates to ask questions and get advice

14 how to identify evidence that takes place naturally in the workplace and why it is important for assessments

15 how to choose appropriate and efficient ways of collecting performance evidence

16 what the available sources of knowledge evidence are and how to use them

17 where to get advice on when and how to use simulations and alternative sources of evidence

18 how to check that evidence is relevant and genuine

19 how to set tests, questions and simulations

20 how to ask questions which will give you relevant evidence while not affecting candidates' confidence

21 how to judge knowledge evidence fairly and reliably

22 how to deal with disputes and appeals in line with agreed procedures

23 how to identify the difficulties you may have in collecting and assessing knowledge evidence

24 how to collect evidence by watching candidates in the workplace without interfering with their work

25 how to identify difficulties you may have in making fair and reliable judgements on evidence

26 who to speak to within the local and national system if you have difficulties.

External factors influencing the assessment of national standards

27 how to meet candidates' needs for access to safe, fair and reliable assessments in line with relevant legislation

28 how to recognise and challenge unfair discrimination in assessment

29 how to identify different types of special assessment requirements and how to provide for them

30 who to get advice from when providing for particular assessment requirements

31 how to make a record of and process your assessment decisions

32 how to meet the requirements of the quality assurance process

33 how to use opportunities to update your skills and experience

34 how to identify and use information on current assessment best practice

35 how to use personal development opportunities to improve your assessment skills.

© QCA

Last modified: Thursday, 5 August 2010, 09:22 AM