Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement

Who is it for?

To achieve this qualification your current work role involves the assessment of both occupational  competence and vocationally related achievement

As a practitioner, you will use ALL of the assessment methods listed below, based upon sound assessment principles.

• observation, examining work products, oral questioning and discussion, use of others (e.g. witnesses), learner statements and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
• assessments in simulated environments, skills tests, oral and written questions, assignments, projects, case studies and RPL. This may take place in training workshops, classrooms or other learning environments

You will understand the principles of assessment and/or internal quality assurance and have the knowledge to develop and improve systems at your centre.

The recommended process for assessment involves:

• planning and candidate preparation
• assessment
• analysis
• decision taking
• recording
• feedback to the candidate throughout the process
• engaging with the quality assurance process throughout

What topics does the qualification cover?

• Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment – requires you to know and understand the principles and practices that underpin assessment. This is evidenced through a written account demonstrating your knowledge and understanding and completing a workbook that shows research into assessment practice and associated legal requirements.
• Assess Occupational Competence in the Work Environment – is to carry out assessments of performance in an individual’s work environment. Observation of your practice in the workplace by your assessor is an essential assessment component of this qualification along with assessment of work products and evidence of questioning your learners.
• Assess Vocational Skills, Knowledge and Understanding – is to assess your performance in assessing vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in environments other than the workplace.  This could be in workshops, classrooms or other training environments.  

Evidence of at least 3 of the following assessment methods will be required:

• Simulations
• Skills tests
• Oral and written questioning
• Assignments
• Projects
• Case studies
• Recognising prior learning

Programme structure

You will be assessed for this unit by observation of assessment practice, examination of related work products, questioning and discussion. As a minimum, you will need to show evidence of carrying out two assessments of two different learner’s skills, knowledge and understanding (4 assessments in total).  

You will provide evidence of your work practice, including completing assignments, case studies, written accounts and providing work products. Evidence is uploaded to an e-portfolio which is available 24/7 on computers, tablets and mobile devices.

You will have access through VQLearner Home to online resources specific to your qualification and links to suggested further study with the Open University.

Support will be provided throughout the qualification by the VQAC Learner Support Team.