L&D9D Assess Workplace Competence Using Direct Methods (FD40 04)

This Unit is for those who assess in the workplace using the following assessment methods:

observation and possibly
related questioning and/or
inspecting work products (created at the time of the observation)

Someone holding this Unit will be able to assess SVQs (or individual Units), other workplace qualifications and in-company standards that only require one or more of these three assessment methods.

‘Direct assessors’ of this kind may also contribute to the assessment of SVQs, other workplace qualifications or in-company standards that require a wider range of assessment methods, where the final assessment decision is being made by another assessor.

For this Unit, assessments must be of a substantial but realistic and manageable piece of the candidate’s work. Each assessment should cover the full assessment cycle to include planning, judging evidence, providing feedback and recording the decision.

What the assessor-candidate must do:

1. Prepare and plan for assessments

(a) Ensure candidates understand the purpose, requirements and processes
of assessment.
(b) Identify evidence that is valid, authentic and sufficient.
(c) Plan to use valid, fair and reliable and safe assessment methods.
(d) Plan assessment to meet requirements and candidate needs.

2. Assess candidate performance and knowledge

(a) Collect evidence that is valid, authentic and sufficient.
(b) Use valid, fair, reliable and safe assessment methods.
(c) Make assessment decisions against specified criteria.
(d) Work with others to ensure the standardisation of assessment practice and
outcomes.

3. Confirm progression and achievement

(a) Provide feedback to the candidate that affirms achievement and identifies any additional requirements.
(b) Maintain required records of the assessment process, its outcomes and candidate progress.

What the assessor-candidate must know:

1. Prepare and plan for assessments

1.1 The range of information that should be made available to candidates before assessment begins.
1.2 The standards to be assessed and the assessment/evidence regulatory requirements.
1.3 The candidates’ job role and their work environment and how this influences the assessment approach adopted.
1.4 How to judge when the candidate is ready for assessment.
1.5 The uses, benefits and drawbacks of the different assessment methods, including those that use technology.
1.6 Types of risks when assessing and how to manage them.
1.7 How to involve candidates in planning assessments and ensuring they have access to the assessment process.
1.8 How assessment arrangements can be adapted to meet the diverse needs of individual candidates.
1.9 How disputes and appeals will be handled and how confidentiality will be maintained.

2. Assess candidate performance and knowledge

2.1 How to implement the chosen assessment methods.
2.2 The principles of competence based assessment (competent versus not yet competent).
2.3 How to judge evidence in relation to the quality assurance principles that are applied (Valid, Authentic, Reliable, Current, Sufficient (VARCS)).
2.4 Achieving objectivity and consistency when making assessment decisions and what to do when there is doubt.
2.5 Standardisation processes and how to contribute to those.
2.6 How to co-operate and work effectively with others involved in the assessment process

3. Confirm progression and achievement

3.1 The purpose and value of feedback in the assessment cycle.
3.2 How to deliver constructive feedback and the next steps in the assessment process.
3.3 How to ensure access and data protection requirements are adhered to when maintaining records of assessment and candidate progress.
3.4 Internal quality assurance processes and procedures and how to apply these in practice.
3.5 The value and purpose of continuing professional development for assessment practitioners.