Articles

Moderators

Moderators of occupational qualifications are people who moderate the assessment of 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. Moderators 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.

Moderators of occupational qualifications perform various functions related to moderation, such as:

  • Planning, preparing and conducting moderation activities for internal assessments conducted by assessors of occupational qualifications or part-qualifications
  • Verifying and validating the evidence of competence gathered and interpreted by assessors
  • Confirming or overturning the judgements made by assessors about the learner’s competence
  • Giving constructive feedback to assessors and learners on the moderation results and areas for improvement
  • Recording and reporting the moderation outcomes to the relevant stakeholders, such as skills development providers, assessment centres, QCTO, etc.
  • Reviewing and improving their own moderation practices and participating in evaluation activities

Moderators of occupational qualifications need to have:

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

To become a moderator 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 moderate
  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 a moderator
  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 moderators of occupational qualifications is valid for a period of five years from the date on which the QCTO granted registration or until the moderator is de-registered by the QCTO. The registration may be withdrawn by the QCTO if the moderator 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 a moderator.

Moderators of occupational qualifications are therefore people who moderate the assessment of competence of learners against occupational qualifications or part-qualifications. Moderators of occupational qualifications also ensure that assessments are consistent, fair and reliable.