Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement Level 3

Who should take this course?

This course is required by anyone who is carrying out an assessing role alongside teaching or independently.

Course requirements:

The second and third unit requires the student to carry out two assessments with two candidates. You can use the same two assessments with the same two candidates as long as one is in the workplace and one is in the classroom. Assessments in the workplace may include annual reviews whilst assessments in the classroom may include diagnostic testing.

Course Delivery:

The course is a level 3, self paced online programme. The student is allocated the support of a dedicated tutor, who they will send their assessments to online through our Moodle site. The student works through the course at their own pace. We suggest starting with the first unit (this is the knowledge and theory unit), reading through the notes, taking part in discussion topics, and then submitting the assignments. .

You can then progress to unit 2 and 3. Unit 2 is aimed at those assessing candidates in the workplace carrying out their everyday duties. Unit 3 is aimed at those carrying out assessments in the classroom or other training environments. You may complete only unit 1, but this is for people who need to know about assessment but do not need to carry out assessments, such as managers or frontline staff giving advice.

Course Content:

Unit 1 Understanding the principles and practices of assessment

This is a knowledge unit and requires you to be able to understand the principles of assessment, the different methods, how to plan assessments, involve others, make decisions, and understand quality assurance, legal and good practice requirements and how to manage information. The method of assessment of the unit is through written explanations. Although it is mandatory, this unit alone does not qualify you to assess. Those who choose to complete this unit only will be those who need to know about assessment but who are not going to carry out any assessments.

Unit 2 Assess occupational competence in the work environment

This unit is ideal for those doing NVQ-type qualifications where assessments are carried out at work with candidates performing their everyday duties. You have to demonstrate that you can plan an assessment of occupational competence, make decisions, provide records, and follow legal and good practice requirements. The method of assessment is by observation of you carrying out an assessment in the workplace, questioning the learner, discussions with the learner, and examining their work products as well as their learner statements. It includes the following assessment methods (although not all of these require performance evidence):

• observation of performance in the work environment;
• examining products of work;
• questioning the learner;
• discussing with the learner;
• use of others (witness testimony);
• looking at learner statements;
• recognising prior learning.

Unit 3 Assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding

This unit is aimed at those who carry out assessments in the classroom or other training environments. You have to prepare assessments such as tests, assignments, questions or projects, carry out these assessments, keep records and follow legal and good practice requirements. The method of assessment is by observation of you carrying out assessments of vocational skills outside the work environment. If you combine this unit with Unit 1, you will gain an Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement.

It includes the following assessment methods (although not all of these require performance evidence):

• assessments of the learner in simulated environments;
• skills tests;
• oral and written questions;
• assignments;
• projects;
• case studies;
• recognising prior learning.