Identifying the most appropriate means of assessing the different competences requires the development of a number of assessment ‘instruments’ to provide varied opportunities for competences to be demonstrated. The instruments should be appropriate both for the type of skill or understanding being assessed, and to the level at which the assessment is taking place. The instruments used by WIO-COMPAS are:
- Application form for initial screening (all Levels)
- Portfolio of evidence comprising documents produced in the workplace (all Levels)
- Core Activity Document/Case study (all Levels)
- Practical demonstration through scenarios (Level 1)
- Written quiz, based on projected images of key species (Level 1); Written test (Level 2)
- Face to face interview (Levels 1 and 2); Panel interview (Level 3)
To develop a system and associated ‘tools’ by which the assessed competences can be marked or ‘scored’. In WIO-COMPAS the most important competences carry a weighting of a possible score of 4 points, with the others weighted at 2 points. A score sheet is used for each instrument, and the scores are transferred to an Excel based ‘Candidate Scoring Package’.
- Developed by team with strong ‘tacit’ understanding of the field at all levels
- Inclusion of education and assessment specialist
- Establishment of clear criteria for achievement of certification
- Recognition of process as essentially a capacity development and enhancement process – for everyone, including those achieving certification
It is critical to recognize the differences in the roles and activities performed at the different levels, and the varying requirements for written and/or oral communication skills at these levels. The instruments must therefore be appropriate to the daily work functions at the various levels. Adequate opportunities must be provided for certification candidates to provide evidence of their competences. One instrument is not enough as this can favour some candidates over others. The key concept is that of ‘evidence’, which the instruments are designed to elicit from candidates. A scoring system is essential, as it provides a rigorous measure of the assessments and of the strength of evidence presented through the various instruments by the candidates. The range statements associated with each competence are vital to ensure consistency in assessment and in scoring of evidence between assessors.