Making sense of the key documentation

A vital component of an ITQ Internal Verifier's role is to read and become familiar with certain key strategic documents and to understand the structures and relevant paperwork to ensure the ITQ Centre functions well. Although this task might appear overwhelming it is strongly advised to look at each document in turn and identify your role and responsibility in relation to each focus.

IT User Standards - in a nutshell

For a copy of the IT User standards

The National Occupational Standards are intended to identify the knowledge, skills and understanding relevant to current employment needs and acknowledging the competency of performance. In the past the National Occupational Standards have been over-complex, heavily bureaucratic and not able to compete with alternative options for ICT training.

In 2004, after considerable consultation and review, the 'Using IT Standards' was produced by e-skills UK (www.e-skills.com/nos) as a more appropriate and user-friendly set of standards that would be easy to understand and would match real-life profiles. The IT User Standards clearly indicate the Areas of Competence showing 3 levels of transferable relevance for each Unit.

For ac opy of the standards, please refer to the IT user NVQ/SVQ page on the e-skills.com website.

Assessment Strategy 2004 - in a nutshell

Assessment Strategy for NVQs/SVQs for IT Users (PDF 122Kb)

e-skills UK has the responsibility to validate any qualifications mapped to the National Occupational Standards and has produced the Assessment Strategy for S/NVQs - IT Users.

In order to achieve ITQ, a candidate must apply specified skills, knowledge and understanding to their actual job role. There is no requirement that every area of competence should be demonstrated in the workplace, and this Strategy document defines those areas that must be assessed in the workplace and those which can or must be achieved in other ways.

The NOS for IT Users give an indication of the types and scope of activities the competent person should be able to carry out. The Assessment Strategy offers advice regarding workplace assessment, how to administer tests if used and when it's appropriate to use simulation. In addition it advises about the role of assessors and verifiers and it also confirms the rationale of using expert witnesses in the assessment process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The JAB Guide - in a nutshell

 Joint Awarding Body Guidance on Internal Verification of NVQs (PDF file - 806 Kb)

The Joint Awarding Body Steering Group, together with advice from QCA produced the JAB Guide for Internal Verifiers. Due to a concern that internal verifying practice was inconsistent between NVQ Centres, a decision was made to indicate good and poor practice within the guide. This incorporates advice on sampling and giving feedback to assessors and managing the monitoring and the support of the assessor team. In addition, it offers a choice of templates and proforma for guidance. It is a practical and very useful document that all Internal Verifiers need to read.

The NVQ Code of Practice - in a nutshell

 NVQ Code of Practice Dec 06 (PDF file 778 Kb)

Each Awarding Body is responsible for assuring the quality of NVQs offered in its name and consequently the NVQ Code of Practice is an essential document for all members of the ITQ Centre to read.

The NVQ Code of Practice supplements the requirements of The statutory regulation of external qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (2004) by specifying the additional quality assurance and control requirements that apply to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). The code of practice is for use by awarding bodies rather than centres. However, approved centres need to know the code of practice and understand the regulations. Awarding bodies must therefore ensure, through their own codes of practice, that a centre is informed of its obligations as laid out in this code.

The Code gives details of the role and responsibility of the External Verifier appointed by the Awarding Body and identifies the process for centre registration and approval. In addition, it indicates the requirements for candidate registration, monitoring and final certification. Most importantly it instructs the Centre as to indicative policy documentation particularly the need for a policy and procedure for appeals against assessment decisions.

You will also find that the Code states the requirement for trained assessors and verifiers who are involved in the entire assessment process. 

So what this all mean in practice?

Consider Jane's comment below and what your reply could be to her. Listen to the suggested reply 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Having considered some of important IV documentation now let's consider holistic ITQ assessment. 

Last modified: 04 Dec 2007