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Assessment – Process
Standards: Clause 1.8
The RTO implements an assessment system that ensures that assessment (including recognition of prior learning):
b) is conducted in accordance with the Principles of Assessment contained in Table 1.8-1 and the Rules of Evidence contained in Table 1.8-2.
Related documents/links
ASQA website: Conduct effective assessment
QCI considerations
The VET system requires that a candidate proves they are competent in a specific situation. Does your RTO document the process for gathering evidence? Does it cover what happens before, during, and after the actual assessment performance?
Prior to the assessment
How are personnel other than the assessors (e.g., supervisors or content experts) made aware their roles and responsibilities?
Is there a list of facilities, equipment, and materials needed for the assessment, and who checks that they are readily available?
How has the assessor been made aware of any acceptable reasonable adjustment for the specific assessment?
Is the assessor aware that it is their responsibility to:
- confirm that the candidate feels ready to undertake the assessment
- agree on a suitable time and safe place for the assessment
- ensure the candidate is fully aware of what they have to do
During the assessment
How has the assessor been made aware that it is their responsibility to:
- use the most current version of the assessment tool
- give any special instructions, if required, to the candidate
- conduct the assessment in a professional and objective manner
- consult any marking guide or exemplar/s that exist for the assessment
After assessment
How is the assessor made aware that it is their responsibility to:
- give candidate feedback on their performance
- complete documentation for reporting assessment outcomes
- follow appeal procedures if the candidate disagrees with the result
- follow procedures for submitting results to administration
Scenario 1
One assessor has a large cohort of learners and is under pressure to get the assessment completed so that another group of learners can commence training. Consequently, the assessor informs everyone that practical assessment for everyone will take place at 6pm on the next day.
A couple of learners contact the assessor to explain that they are on a night shift that begins at 6pm and will not be able to do the assessment at that time. The assessor explains that this is the only time available to do the practical assessment and the learners on night shift will have to wait until the next group is ready for assessment and see if they can attend at that time.
Question
Is the assessor’s approach in compliance with the standards?
No. It is both unfair and inflexible.
Scenario 2
An assessor travels long distances to assess candidates in their place of work. The completed assessment items are left in the boot of the car for a month or more until the assessor returns to home base, although they do text in the results when they get a minute.
Question
Is this process acceptable?
No. Completed assessments are evidence and they are not secure in the boot of a car, while the records of result are not being filed until many weeks after the date on the assessment.