Competency Based Assessment

YOU NEED TO
● identify the four Principles of Assessment and explain their importance
 Identify the Rules of Evidence and their importance to the assessment process
● describe what it means to be ‘competent’
● define and discuss the difference between:
– a training and assessment pathway assessment
– a Recognition of Existing Knowledge (RESK) assessment
● identify key features of competency-based assessment
● discuss an assessor’s roles, their legal and ethical responsibilities in a
competency-based assessment system.
 Conduct 2 validations of competency assessments
Principles of Assessment- trainers designing assessments

Valid Does it cover the whole unit of competency?

Does it assess what it claims to assess?
Reliable Are the assessment outcomes and process consistent and
repeatable?
Instructions and requirements for assessment are clear
Benchmark answers are provided
Fair Learner needs are considered and accounted for
Recognise where reasonable adjustments are needed
Provides clear and accurate information
o about the assessment process
o the learners rights and responsibilities

Flexible uses a range of assessment methods appropriate to context, to the

competency and to the learner

Can suit the various needs of the learners

Rules of Evidence- what the student provides and demonstrates

Valid it relates to the competency standard/s assessed

Sufficient
it covers all requirements of the competency standard/s assessed and
shows consistent performance over time

Current it shows that the candidate is competent ‘today’

Authentic the evidence can be verified as the candidate’s own work
Figure: Assessment methods

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS
Does the learner have the knowledge Does the learner have the physical ability
need to perform the task being assessed to complete or perform the task being
consistently, as required in the assessed?
workplace?
Assessment methods:
Assessment methods:
● Observation:
● Questions
– in a simulated workplace
– verbal questions (e.g. interview)
(e.g. the training room or online)
– written questions (e.g. test)
– in the workplace
● Role plays
● Projects
● Discussion groups
● Work samples
● Work samples
● Role plays
● Exercises
● Exercises
● Portfolio.
● Portfolio.
Competent

ATTITUDES
Has the learner demonstrated the confidence and commitment needed to perform the task
consistently, as required in the workplace?
Assessment methods:
● Questions:
– verbal questions (e.g. interview)
– written questions (e.g. test)
● Third party report from peers or supervisor who can comment on consistency of performance
at work
● Observation of consistent performance over time (during and/or after training)
● Work samples—product review
● Log book or journal.