Assessor Training

 

WHY ARE THERE NEW QUALIFICATIONS FOR NVQ ASSESSORS?

NVQs are being moved into the Qualification and Credits Framework, or QCF. This is an attempt to give all qualifications in England, Wales and N.Ireland a 'common currency' which is based on points and achievement levels. This applies to vocational (work-based) qualifications and academic qualifications alike.

 

WHAT DOES THE 'FRAMEWORK' IN QCF LOOK LIKE? Please see the link here to the OfQual explanation of the QCF. Page 6 of the Regulatory Arrangements for the QCF explains, the 8 Levels, and how credits make up Awards, Certificates and Diplomas.

 

HOW DOES THE QCF AFFECT NVQS? There appears to be no substantial change to NVQs as they are migrated into the QCF. The changes that you will see are largely 'adjustments' to terminology. the notable changes to the familiar NVQs are: The 10-week registration rule will no longer apply. Units will still be called Units, but each Unit is assigned a Level, a Credit Value, and Guided or Notional Learning Hours. Elements (subsections of Units) will become 'Learning Outcomes' Performance Criteria will become 'Assessment Criteria' Range or Scope Statements appear to have gone, but will probably be included in the Assessment Methods and Evidence Requirements sections. Knowledge & Understanding will often be covered in separate Units - but not always If qualifications keep 'NVQ' in the title, all organisations will still be subject to the NVQ Code of Practice 2006 - which is due for re-issue.

 

WHAT IS THE NEW QCF ASSESSOR QUALIFICATION CALLED, AND WHAT OPTIONS ARE THERE? There is no short-hand name for the new NVQ Assessor qualifications, such as there was with the A1. However, there will be an NVQ QCF Assessor Award, and an NVQ QCF Assessor Certificate. The QCF Assessor Certificate is the higher level qualification as it allows you to assess in all settings; that is, in a non-vocational setting (eg, a college or training centre) and in a vocational setting. Details follow.. To become a qualified QCF Assessor, you choose which of the three QCF Assessor Qualifications you want: the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment: This qualification is intended for those who assess occupational competence in an individual’s work environment. the Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement:This qualification is intended for those who assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in environments other than the work environment (for example a workshop, classroom or other training environment). the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement: This qualification is intended for those who assess both occupational competence in the work environment and vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in environments other than the workplace (for example a workshop, classroom or other training environment).

 

NOTE: See Units explanation below, and if you can take any more detail, have a look at the OCR Centre Guide for the (new) Assessor Qualifications.

The three Units you choose from to get one of the above qualifications are:

• Unit 1: Understanding the principles and practices of assessment
• Unit 2: Assess occupational competence in the work environment
• Unit 3: Assess vocational skills, knowledge & understanding

If you are only likely to assess in the workplace, you will probably go for Units 1 and 2 which will give you the Award. If you might assess occupational competence in environments other than the workplace, you will most likely want to go for Units 1,2 and 3 to get the Certificate. ATD recommends taking the Certificate, which will give you maximum flexibility in NVQ Assessor employment.

 

SO, WILL MY A1 OR D32/33 REMAIN VALID? Yes, these qualifications will remain valid, as stated on the LLUK website. As with all NVQs you should to maintain up-to-date knowledge of your National Occupational Standards (NOS), and to keep a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) file, containing a record of how you have kept up to date.