PDA Workplace Assessment Using Direct Methods (L&D9D) SCQF level 7

The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Workplace Assessment Using Direct Methods at SCQF level 7 develops knowledge and skills in preparing for, planning and carrying out assessment of individuals in the workplace using observation and, if applicable, asking questions and/or examining the work product created during the observation. Upon successful completion of this PDA, candidates will be able to assess SVQs (or individual SVQ Units), other workplace qualifications and in-company standards that only require direct assessment methods.

This qualification is available through training providers and colleges.

The PDA in Workplace Assessment Using Direct Methods is one of the qualifications required by workplace assessors.

The PDA in Workplace Assessment Using Direct Methods is intended for assessors who assess in the workplace using the following methods:

  • observation of performance
  • examining products of work created during the observation
  • questioning the candidate

Access

The assessor-candidate needs to have a job role that includes assessment of learners in the learner's place of work.

Career opportunities include assessor of SVQs and in-house competence standards.

Centres with devolved authority are eligible to seek approval through their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will have to come forward for approval and should contact the Business Development Team for guidance in completing the combined CA1/SA1 form.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements as outlined in the guide to approval.

All knowledge requirements in this PDA must be met using assessment methods appropriate to the assessment of knowledge and understanding, eg paper based, e-assessment, and there must be performance evidence of carrying out assessment by observing performance in the workplace plus examining products of work or questioning the candidate.

The candidate's performance as an assessor must be observed. Simulation of assessment is not allowed.

There must be valid, authentic and sufficient evidence for all the Performance Criteria and knowledge requirements.

Group Award code: GA28 47 (8 SCQF credit points)

SCQF level: 7

Structure

The PDA in Workplace Assessment Using Direct Methods consists of one mandatory Unit:

Assess Workplace Competence using Direct Methods — FD40 04