This is one of a series of articles available at www.nvqweb.com that aim to develop understanding of NVQs and their assessment.
The following are some of the key events to expect during the first few months of an NVQ programme. Be aware that each NVQ Assessment Centre can do things differently in the order or way that they do things so it is hard to be specific about timing, how an individual programme is organised and the language used.
Before starting or in the first couple of weeks of the programme.
Initial assessment and introduction to your programme. This will include things like telling you about your NVQ and how the programme will work. You may be given written introductory information You may be assessed formally or informally to assess your individual needs such as what units match your job and to identify any special assessment or support needs. For example if you work nights then you might need an assessor who can visit at an appropriate time.
Agreement for assessment: There is often a process where you, the assessor, the centre and your workplace will agree on how assessment will take place and what is expected from each party involved. This may take the form of a written agreement or contract.
First Couple of months:
Planning for assessment: Usually in discussion with your NVQ Assessor you will be given information on what unit or units you can start and what evidence will be needed. This may include arrangements for observation in the workplace of you carrying out your job or of workplace products you have produced such as a record in a care plan. It might also include evidence that you need to collect yourself such as completing course work or a witness testimony.
Assessment: Your NVQ Assessor will use this evidence to assess you against the criteria in the NVQ unit or units that you have agreed and you will be given feedback. This might show you what you have covered in the Units or might identify additional learning or evidence that you need. Note that the way NVQ works you do not pass or fail assessments. Your assessor will give you credit for whatever you have proved that you can do or know. Things you do not cover will be collected at a later date.
Completing Units: Normally to complete a unit you will need to complete several assessments. Once your assessor decides you have enough evidence to cover a whole NVQ unit they will let you know of this and you will have completed your first unit. A further check will then be made by another person called an Internal Verifier to confirm the assessor's judgements.
Portfolio building: Traditionally portfolios have been paper based but this is not always the case. Your portfolio allows the records of assessment to be organised in a way that shows how you have proved your competence.
Review: At regular intervals a programme review might take place to see how things are going and to address any problems with progress.
Learning new knowledge and skills: In all NVQs you have to show you have any knowledge needed for you to do the job. This might include the need to learn new knowledge or skills. Some programmes may have a training programme or workshops to help you with this. This is sometimes called an underpinning knowledge course. Alternatively you might cover this with the assistance of your assessor or even independently using distance learning materials or workbooks. Evidence produced of your knowledge will be required by your assessor as part of your assessment.