INFORMATION SHEET 4.1-1

Assessment – It is the process of collecting evidence and making judgments on whether competency has been achieved.

The three (3) messages that emerge from this definition of assessment are that:

• Assessment involves the collection of evidence
• Assessments involves the making of professional judgments
• Assessment is the benchmarks for the competency standard Planning

an assessment activity is a complex exercise. As illustrated in the diagram below, there is a wide range of factors that needs to be considered.

Factors to be considered in planning assessment activity

Competency Standard

A document of nationally agreed industry statement which describes the workplace outcomes that industry recognizes as appropriate for competent performance. It defines the minimum required stock of knowledge, skills and attitude a person must possess to earn a particular qualification. It provides the benchmarks for national evaluation.

Specifically,  the  Evidence  Guide  of  the  unit  of  competency  that  defines  or identifies the evidences required to  determine  the  competence  of  the  individual. It provides information on critical aspect of the competency, underpinning knowledge, underpinning skills, resource implications, assessment method and context of assessment.

If you are planning to become an assessor you must have a good knowledge of the competency standard of your qualification for you to gather quality evidences as listed in the assessment package.

Assessment Guidelines

The information/instructions given to the candidate and/or the assessor regarding conditions under which the assessment should be conducted and recorded.

The assessor must follow the relevant Assessment Guidelines in order to ensure that:

• assessment processes are fair to all candidates
• assessment processes are implemented in a consistent manner
• assessment processes produce high quality and consistent outcomes.

Dimension of competency

Dimensions of competency must be taken into account when an assessor is gathering evidence of a candidate’s competency for a unit, and assessment should be designed to address these accordingly.

Competency involves successful work performance. As such it is usually seen to comprise four dimensions, namely: task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role  environment skills.

• task skills – this involves undertaking a  specific  workplace  task[s].

Example: Data are entered into the computer using appropriate application in accordance with company procedure.

• task management skills – this involves managing a number of different tasks to complete a whole work activity.

Example: Following presentation feedback on product design is obtained from the appropriate personnel. Any modifications are identified and incorporated into the final design.

• contingency management skills – this involves responding to problems and irregularities when undertaking a work  activity. This may involve dealing with:
  • breakdowns
  • changes in routine
  • unexpected or a typical results or outcomes
  • difficult or dissatisfied clients

Example: Notification of shift availability, or non attendance for shift, is given without undue delay and according to store  policies and procedures.

• job/role environment skills – this involves dealing with the responsibilities and expectations of the work environment when undertaking a work activity. This may involve:
  • working with others
  • interacting with clients and suppliers
  • complying with standards operating procedures
  • observing enterprise policy and procedures.

Example: Reports is prepared/completed according to company requirements.

Workplace policies and procedures

Workplace policies often reinforce and clarify standard operating procedure in a workplace. Assessment should include activities that are very common in the workplace, such as safety practices, filling up of pertinent forms and reports, etc.

Evidence gathering tools

The evidence gathering tools are the specific questions or activities developed from the selected assessment method(s) to be used for the assessment.

Assessment centers

This is where the actual assessment should take place; it must have a safe working condition, equipped with the resources needed to conduct assessment.

Critical information on the resources needed to conduct  an  assessment activity is located in the Resource Implications section of the Evidence Guide of the relevant unit of competency. This section provides details on the resources needed for the assessment activity.

It is the assessor’s responsibility to ensure that the resources required for assessment are assembled and tested prior the assessment to be conducted. It is also the assessor’s responsiility to ensure that a safe assessment environment is provided to the candidate. This  includes  ensuring that:

• Relevant personal protective equipment is available
• Tools and equipment are in good working condition
• The assessment site complies with relevant occupational and safety requirements.

If these conditions are not met, the assessment should not be conducted.

If candidates are expected to bring materials or equipment to the assessment they must be notified beforehand.

Assessment candidate

An individual seeking recognition of his/her competencies to acquire a certification.