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Assessment – System
Standards: Clause 1.8
The RTO implements an assessment system that ensures that assessment (including recognition of prior learning):
a) complies with the assessment requirements of the relevant training package or VET accredited course;
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.
Glossary definition: Assessment
Assessment means the process of collecting evidence and making judgements on whether competency has been achieved, to confirm that an individual can perform to the standard required in the workplace, as specified in a training package or VET accredited course.
Glossary definition: Assessment system
The assessment system is a coordinated set of documented policies and procedures (including assessment materials and tools) that ensure assessments are consistent and are based on the Principles of Assessment contained in Table 1.8-1 and Rules of Evidence contained in Table 1.8-2.
Related documents/links
ASQA website: Developing your assessment resources
ASQA video: Understanding assessment
QCI considerations
Does your RTO have an identifiable assessment system? If so, is it documented and can it be traced from input to output? A coordinated set of documented policies and procedures would cover:- Development of assessment tools
- Assessment strategies
- Assessment process
- Recognition of Prior Learning
- Assessment appeals (Standard 6)
- Assessment validation and schedule (Standard 8)
Scenario 1
XYZ RTO does not offer candidates an opportunity to be reassessed if they are found Not Yet Competent in an assessment task. The person must take the whole training program again and then take the whole assessment again. Their rationale is that the candidate was not skilled enough and must start again at the beginning.
Question
Is this approach consistent with the Principles of Assessment?
No. It is not fair to make the person re-visit the whole training program and take the whole assessment again. There is only a need to re-visit and reassess the parts where the candidate was unsuccessful.
Also, the candidate has the right to challenge the assessment result before any re-training and re-assessment takes place.
Scenario 2
XYZ RTO always purchases their assessment tools from a commercial supplier because they feel confident that these will meet the requirements of the training package. They are also reassured because there is a mapping document included with the materials, so they begin using them immediately.
Question
Is it appropriate for the RTO to use the materials immediately?
No. It is the RTO’s responsibility to ensure that assessment tools meet the requirements of the training package, not the commercial supplier’s responsibility.
There must be evidence that the RTO has checked the mapping and taken into account the context of their learners. One-size-fits-all is not acceptable.