SQA Assessor Training

Introduction

SQA Assessor training and certification ensures that an organization’s assessors are experienced subject matter experts, and that they use standard assessment techniques required by a recognized awarding body such as SQA. ECOMAN is an official Scottish Qualifications Authority Approved Centre using its competency management process and competency standards. ECOMAN has the ability to train and issue SQA qualifications for assessors and internal verifiers for clients involved in competency assessments.

The assessment of employees at the workplace is a critical component of an organization’s competency management process. The many benefits of SQA Assessor qualification include the following:

• Ensures assessors are internationally recognized and accepted by industry bodies such as OPITO.
• Provides certification of competence for those involved in assessing learners undertaking National and International endorsed qualifications or similar competency-based training programs including Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), National Qualifications Authority (NQA), and International Vocational Qualification.
• Enables assessors to be recognized as qualified and competent workplace assessors.
• Ensures assessors will meet SQA standards.
• Adds credibility to a company’s competency management system and assessment process.
• Demonstrates to a company’s clients and auditors that its assessors are competent.
• Provides the opportunity to develop and improve assessment practices.

Objectives

Upon completion, Assessor Candidates will be familiar with the following:

• Competence and standards
• The role of an Assessor
• The assessment process
• Assessment methods and methodology
• The role of an Assessor Candidate
• Evidence requirements to be met by the Assessor Candidate
• Procedures for achieving the L&D9DI Assessor award
• Designed to equip assessor
• candidates with the skill and knowledge to conduct assessments against work
• based National Vocational Qualifications, industry or company’s own competence standards

Training Methodology

This training program uses case studies, group discussion, reflection activities supported by video materials and exercises to help you apply what you learn to your work situation. ECOMAN can provide mentor-led virtual assessor training and coach and support portfolio preparation to enable an organization’s assessor candidates to gain internationally recognized Assessor Qualification through the SQA. The assessor training engages the participants through a blended learning experience including e-Learning, theory, interactive discussions, and hands-on exercises.

The e-Learning modules will provide participants with an understanding of the assessment process including the key areas of focus, assessment tools, and assessment methods. An appointed and suitably qualified ECOMAN mentor will help participants progress through the e-Learning modules, answer the questions, help in portfolio preparation, and assess the assessor candidates to ensure the candidate is able to conduct impartial, consistent, and thorough assessments.

Who Should Attend?

There are no prerequisites to accessing this course however delegates (called assessor – candidates) should have access to two people who are working, using a set of standards such as those provided by a national awarding/standard-setting body or the candidates’ employer, in order to be able to achieve the L&D9Di workplace evidence requirements

Course Outline

The Three days induction workshop consists of tutorial led the discussion and practical exercises in which the following topics are covered:

• Preparing to assess
• Planning assessments
•  Assessing candidate performance and knowledge
•  Confirming progression and achievement

Following the completion of training, supported by their EcoMan allocated Assessor, assessor – candidates will return to their workplace with a requirement to conduct assessments of two candidates, each performing two tasks which result in a total of 4 assessments

The assessment evidence generated by the assessor – candidates in the workplace should cover all of the requirements set out within the L&D9Di Unit, to include:

• Notes relating to pre-assessment planning discussions
• Assessment Plans agreed with the candidates
• Records detailing assessment decisions
• Feedback records used to convey progression/achievement to the candidates
• Records of the standardization activities the assessor – candidate have been involved in

Once completed the evidence of assessment should be submitted to the EcoMan allocated assessor for review and assessment against the performance and knowledge criteria within the L&D9Di Unit with feedback and guidance given on further evidence (where required). 

The six SQA Assessor training and certification e-Learning modules include
the following:

• Getting Started
• Competence and Assessment Process, Structure, and Roles
• Assessor Candidates Responsibilities
• Assessment Methods – Direct and Indirect
• Assessments Using CMS Online
• Assessment and Portfolio Preparation: A Step-by-Step Guide

At the end of training and coaching, the candidates will have the skill set to effectively run and manage assessments and, upon successful completion of assessments, candidates will receive the appropriate certification of their achievements.