The new Assessor and Verifier Units

Introduction: the standards for assessing and verifying work-based qualification

The National Standards for assessment and verification were revised in 2002. The standards are designed to reflect the requirements of assessors and verifiers in all occupational sectors. They are the benchmark of good practice in assessment and verification, and cover the skills and knowledge needed to perform key activities to nationally-agreed standards.

These standards are the minimum needed by anyone who is delivering government-funded training and learning programmes. Assessors and verifiers of the Learning and Development Units Qualifications should now be using the revised national occupational standards.

The new Assessor and Verifier Units

The ‘D-Units’ have been replaced by the A (for assessor) and V (for verifier) Units:

• Stand-alone Units (which means that they are qualifications in their own right)

• Designed specifically to improve the quality and rigour of assessment

• Being incorporated into new Learning and Development SVQs and Professional Development Awards (PDAs)

The Units represent what employers, employees, practitioners and purchasers consider to be good practice in assessment and verification. The target market includes assessors and verifiers in any setting: private, public, self-employed and voluntary sectors.

Unit A1: Assess Candidates Using a Range of Methods

This Unit replaced D32 Assess Candidate Performance, D33 Assess the Candidate Using Differing Sources of Evidence and D36 Advise and Support Candidates to Identify Prior Achievement. It is appropriate for you if your role involves:

• Assessing candidates against agreed standards of competence using a range of assessment methods

• Giving candidates feedback on your assessment decisions

• Contributing to the internal quality assurance processes
   

Unit A2: Assess Candidates’ Performance through Observation

This Unit replaced D32 Assess Candidate Performance and is appropriate for you if you are involved in:

• Assessing candidates against the agreed standards

• Planning assessments with candidates

• Giving feedback to candidates on your assessment decisions
   

Unit V1: Conduct Internal Quality Assurance of the Assessment Process

This Unit replaced D34 Internally Verify the Assessment Process and is appropriate for you if your role involves:

• Evaluating the internal assessment process

• Monitoring and reviewing internal assessment audit systems

• Carrying out related internal verification or moderation activities

Making the transition from the ‘D-Units’

SQA has published assessment guidance for the A and V Units. This guidance will also help candidates and approved centres to match evidence gained for the ‘D-Units’ to the requirements of the Assessor and Verifier Units. This will be especially useful for candidates who are part way through their ‘D-Units’, and wish to change over to the A and V Units. The Assessment Strategy published with the standards also provides guidance in managing the changeover from old to new Units.

If you already have ‘D-Units’

Existing holders of the ‘D-Units’ will not be required to re-qualify with the A and V Units, but they will be required to show evidence of their continuing Professional Development (CPD), e.g. familiarity with the new standards and keeping up to date with new assessment techniques.