Articles

Assessors

Assessors of occupational qualifications are people who assess the competence of learners against the standards and requirements of occupational qualifications or part-qualifications registered on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF). Occupational qualifications are qualifications that prepare learners for specific occupations or trades. Assessors of occupational qualifications are an integral and critical component of the quality assurance system of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), which is responsible for developing, managing and overseeing occupational qualifications.

Assessors of occupational qualifications perform various functions related to assessment, such as:

  • Planning, preparing and conducting internal assessments for learners enrolled in occupational qualifications or part-qualifications
  • Gathering and interpreting evidence of competence from various sources, such as observations, demonstrations, portfolios, tests, etc.
  • Making judgements about the learner’s competence based on the assessment criteria and specifications of the occupational qualification or part-qualification
  • Giving constructive feedback to the learner on the assessment results and areas for improvement
  • Recording and reporting the assessment outcomes to the relevant stakeholders, such as skills development providers, assessment centres, QCTO, etc.
  • Reviewing and improving their own assessment practices and participating in moderation activities

Assessors of occupational qualifications need to have:

  • A relevant qualification or certification in assessment or a related field
  • Knowledge of assessment principles, methods and tools
  • Knowledge of the occupational qualification or part-qualification that they are assessing
  • Experience in conducting assessments in a specific occupational context
  • Skills in communication, problem-solving, research, planning, administration, etc.

To become an assessor of occupational qualifications, applicants must follow these steps:

  1. Determine their primary focus, which is the occupational qualification or part-qualification that they want to assess
  2. Download and complete the relevant application forms and annexures from the QCTO website or obtain them from the QCTO office
  3. Submit the online application form and attach the required supporting documents to the QCTO
  4. Undergo a compliance check by the QCTO and receive a notification of compliance or non-compliance
  5. Respond to the notification if necessary and address any areas of non-compliance
  6. Undergo a verification visit by the QCTO or its delegated quality assurance partner (DQAP) to verify the evidence submitted and assess the readiness of the applicant
  7. Receive a recommendation report from the QCTO or its DQAP on whether to register or deny registration as an assessor
  8. Receive a registration letter from the QCTO if registration is granted or an appeal letter if registration is denied
  9. Sign a registration agreement with the QCTO if registration is granted

Registration of assessors of occupational qualifications is valid for a period of five years from the date on which the QCTO granted registration or until the assessor is de-registered by the QCTO. The registration may be withdrawn by the QCTO if the assessor fails to perform their responsibilities as stipulated in the QCTO Registration Policy, or contravenes the provisions stipulated in the registration letter or agreement, or acts in a way that is unlawful or unbecoming of an assessor.

Assessors of occupational qualifications are therefore people who assess the competence of learners against occupational qualifications or part-qualifications. Assessors of occupational qualifications also prepare learners for external integrated summative assessment (EISA) and certification by the QCTO.