Assessment of Competence
4.3
Competency Based Assessment (CBA)
CBA is the strategy of assessing the competency of a trainee or
worker. Assessment utilises a range of assessment
strategies to ensure that trainees are assessed in a manner that demonstrates
validity, fairness, reliability, flexibility and fairness of assessment
processes.
Assessment can be completed in a variety of ways:
•
On-the-job – in the
workplace
•
Off-the-job – at an
educational institution or dedicated training environment
•
As
a combination of these two options.
No longer is it necessary for trainees to be absent from the
workplace for long periods of time in order to obtain recognised and accredited
qualifications.
4.3.1 Principles of Competency
Based Assessment (CBA)
Competency based assessment is aimed at compiling a list of
evidence that shows that a person is competent in a particular unit of competency. Competencies are gained in many ways including:
•
Training
and development programs
•
Formal
education
•
Life
experience
•
Apprenticeships
• On-the-job
experience
•
Self-help programs.
In CBA, assessors and participants work together, through the ‘collection of evidence’ in determining
overall competence. This evidence can be collected using
different formats, supported by different people in the workplace or in the
training institution, and collected over a period of time.
The assessor, who is ideally someone with considerable
experience in the area being assessed, reviews the evidence and verifies the
person as being competent or not.
4.3.2 Flexibility in Assessment
The Toolkits developed for each ACCSTP Competence Unit are very
comprehensive and provide Trainers and Assessors with a range of methods and
tools to aid in the assessment process. For all
assessments, suitable alternate assessment tools may be used, according to the
requirements of the participant.
The assessment needs to be equitable for all participants,
taking into account their cultural and linguistic needs. Competency
must be proven regardless of:
•
Language
•
Delivery
Method • Assessment Method.
4.3.3 Assessment Objectives
The assessment tools used for ACCSTP are designed to determine
competency against the ‘elements of competency’ and their associated ‘performance
criteria’. The assessment tools are used to identify
sufficient a) knowledge, including underpinning knowledge,
b) skills and c) attitudes.
Assessment tools are activities that trainees are required to
undertake to prove competency. All assessments must be
completed satisfactorily for participants to obtain competence for the units
submitted for assessment and it is possible that in some cases several
assessment items may be combined and assessed together.
4.3.4 Types of Assessment
A number of assessment tools can be used to determine
competency, and these are suggested in the AACSTP Standards. Assessment
methods can include: work projects, written questions,
oral questions, third party reports, observation checklists etc. Instructions
on how assessors should conduct these assessment methods are explained in the
Assessment Manuals and Toolkits.
4.3.5 Alternative Assessment
Tools
The assessor can also use different assessment methods to
measure the competency of a participant. Evidence is
simply proof that the assessor gathers to show participants can actually do
what they are required to do and whilst there is a distinct requirement for
participants to demonstrate competency, there are many and diverse sources of
evidence available to the assessor.
Ongoing performance at work, as verified by a supervisor or
physical evidence, can count towards assessment. Additionally,
the assessor can talk to customers or work colleagues to gather evidence about
performance.
A range of assessment methods to assess competency include: practical demonstrations at work or in simulated work
conditions, problem solving, portfolios of evidence, critical incident reports,
journals, oral presentations, interviews, videos, visuals: slides,
audio tapes, case studies, log books, projects, role plays, group projects,
group discussions and examinations.
4.4 The
Process of Assessment
Conducting assessments against the ACCSTP competency standards
and CATC qualifications involves collecting evidence through various assessment
methods including observing work, interviewing, conducting oral and written
tests and practical testing, and making a judgement that the person can perform
work in accordance with the competency standard.
The following process may be used in conducting competency based
assessments.
