PDA Workplace Assessment Using Direct Methods SCQF level 7

The PDA in Workplace Assessment Using Direct Methods at SCQF level 7 comprises a single SVQ unit derived from the National Occupation Standard (NOS) for Assessors, CLDLD09, revised by the CLD Standards Council Scotland, sector skills council (SSC) to meet the occupational requirements of workplace assessors across the UK. While the SVQ unit contains the performance criteria and knowledge and skills of the NOS, it has been contextualised to the workplace and has specific evidence requirements.

This PDA is for workplace assessors who assess workplace competence using only direct methods of assessment, that is, observation, questioning and the examination of work products.

This PDA is deemed an appropriate qualification for assessment team members delivering regulated qualifications on the RQF or SCQF, such as SVQ group awards or units, where achievement of an appropriate assessor qualification is required for compliance with assessment strategies of regulated vocational qualifications.

It is highly recommended that centres refer to specific assessment strategy requirements, where appropriate, when choosing an appropriate workplace assessor qualification.

This qualification is aimed at workplace assessors of regulated qualifications such as SVQs in all occupational sectors. It is specifically for those assessors who may contribute to the overall assessment process through the use of direct methods such as observation, related questioning and inspection of work products.

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre; however, as this is a work-based qualification, candidates must be working in an assessor role to ensure they are able to generate the required work-based evidence.

Furthermore, assessor-candidates must have access to two learners for assessment purposes in order to meet the evidence requirements.

Good communication skills, both oral and written, are required.

Assessor-candidates would have the opportunity of progressing to other PDAs, such as the PDA in Workplace Assessment Using Direct and Indirect Methods at SCQF level 8, the PDA in Internal Verification of Workplace Assessment at SCQF level 8, or the SVQ in Learning and Development at SCQF level 8 or 9.

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority must come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA’s general requirements for technical and/or occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide. The specific delivery requirements are set out in the Learning and Development assessment strategy.

The unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for the unit.