TAAASS404A

Participate in assessment validation

Unit Descriptor

This unit specifies the competence required to participate in an assessment validation process.

Competency Field

Assessment

Application of the Unit

Validation is a process involving assessors working in collaboration to review, compare and evaluate their assessment process and their assessment outcomes in relation to the same unit/s of competency. This includes validating assessment methods/tools, the evidence that was collected using these assessment methods/tools and the interpretation of that evidence to make a judgement of competence.

Validation forms part of the quality systems of the training/ and/or assessment organisation (refer to definition in the Range Statement) and is undertaken to improve the quality of the assessment process.

Validation may be undertaken prior to and post the assessment of candidates and includes validation of formative and summative assessment activities (the latter includes assessment for recognition purposes).

Validation may be an internal process involving assessors from the same training and/or assessment organisation, or it may occur as an external exercise involving assessors from different organisations.

This unit focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to participate in assessment validation. It does not address the competence of leading the validation process – that function is addressed in TAAASS501A Lead and coordinate assessment systems and services.

The achievement of this unit includes interpretation of competency standards (where competency standards are used as the benchmarks for assessment). TAADES401A Use Training Packages to meet client needs addresses this skill in depth.

Achievement of this unit requires competence in conducting assessment. Therefore TAAASS402A Assess competence is a prerequisite/co-requisite unit.

Interpretation of the effectiveness of the assessment plan and selected/modified assessment tools also forms part of this unit of competency. Therefore, competence in the following units is also highly recommended.

-      TAAASS401A Plan and organise assessment

-      TAAASS403A Develop assessment tools

The competence specified in this unit is typically required by assessors, lead assessors, training and/or assessment consultants.

Element

Performance Criteria

Elements define the critical outcomes of a unit of competency.

The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Italicised terms are elaborated in the Range Statement.

1.   Prepare for validation

1.1

The purpose, focus and context of validation is confirmed and discussed with relevant people

1.2

The approach to validation is discussed and confirmed in accordance with the defined purpose/s, context, relevant assessment system policies and procedures and organisational/ legal/ethical requirements

1.3

Relevant benchmarks for assessment are analysed and the evidence needed to demonstrate that competency is collectively agreed

1.4

Any related documentation relevant to validation proceedings is identified and collectively agreed

1.5

Material/s to be used in validation sessions are obtained, read and interpreted and validation activities collectively agreed

2.   Contribute to validation process

2.1

Active participation in validation sessions and activities is demonstrated using appropriate communications skills

2.2

Participation in validation sessions and activities, includes the review, comparison and evaluation of:
-      the overall assessment process
-      assessment plans
-      interpretation of competency standards or other benchmarks for assessment
-      selection and application of assessment methods
-      selection and use of assessment tools

-      the collected evidence
-      assessment decisions including the exercise of judgement

2.3

The review, comparison and evaluation is undertaken in accordance with the principles of assessment and rules of evidence

2.4

All documents used in the validation process are checked for accuracy and version control

3.   Contribute to validation outcomes

3.1

Validation findings are collectively discussed, analysed and agreed to support improvements in the quality of assessment

3.2

Recommendations to improve assessment practice are discussed, agreed and recorded

3.3

Changes to own assessment practice, arising from validation and appropriate to assessment role and responsibilities, are implemented