www.highfieldabc.com Qualification Specification HABC Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (QCF) Qualification Number: 600/3970/X HABC Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (QCF) Highfield Place Unit 15 Shaw Wood Business Park Shaw Wood Way Wheatley Hills Doncaster South Yorkshire DN2 5TB United Kingdom Tel +44 08452260350 Tel +44 01302363277 Fax +44 08452260360 Qualification Number: 600/3971/1 HABC Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (QCF) Qualification Number: 600/3969/3 Info@highfieldabc.com www.highfieldabc.com Version 2 June 2013
Contents Introduction... 3 Qualification Details... 3 Key facts... 3 Qualification Overview... 4 Entry Requirements... 4 Age ranges... 4 Geographical Coverage... 4 Special Needs... 4 Qualification Structure... 5 Assessment Guidance... 6 Assessor Requirements... 6 Internal Quality Assurance... 6 Mapping to National Occupational Standards... 7 ID Requirements...... 7 Progression 7 Useful Websites... 7 Appendix 1: Rules of Combination... 8 Appendix 2: All Units.9 2
HABC Level 4 Qualifications for Internal Quality Assurance Introduction This Qualification Specification is designed to outline all you need to know in order to offer this qualification in your Centre. If you have any further questions, please contact your Account Manager. Qualification Details The HABC Level 4 qualifications for Internal Quality Assurers have been accredited by the regulators of England and Wales (Ofqual and the Welsh Government) and are part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). They are approved by LSIS, the Sector Skills Council for learning and skills. Key facts HABC Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (QCF) QAN: Learning Aim Reference: 600/3970/X 6003970X Guided learning hours (GLH): 45 Credit Value: 6 Assessment Method: Portfolio of evidence HABC Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (QCF) QAN: 600/3971/1 Learning Aim Reference: 60039711 Guided learning hours (GLH): 90 Credit Value: 12 Assessment Method: Portfolio of evidence HABC Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (QCF) QAN: 600/3969/3 Learning Aim Reference: 60039693 Guided learning hours (GLH): 115 Credit Value: 17 Assessment Method: Portfolio of evidence 3
Qualification Overview HABC Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (QCF) This qualification is intended for those who wish to gain an understanding of the principles and practices of internal quality assurance without any requirement to practice. HABC Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (QCF) This qualification is intended for those who maintain the quality of assessment from within an organisation or assessment centre. HABC Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (QCF) This qualification is intended for those who lead a team of internal quality assurance staff. Entry Requirements It s recommended that learners hold one of the following qualifications prior to enrolling Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement A1 Assess candidate performance using a range of methods D32/D33 assess candidates performance/assess candidates using a different range of methods Age ranges These qualifications are approved for delivery to the age range 19+ Geographical Coverage These qualifications are suitable for learners in England, Wales or Northern Ireland Special Needs HABC have measures in place for learners with special needs. Please see the Reasonable Adjustments Policy Annex 17 of the HABC Core Manual. 4
Qualification Structure These qualifications are made up of 3 units: Unit 01 Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment Unit 02 Internally assure the quality of assessment Unit 03 Plan, allocate and monitor work in own area of responsibility The table below outlines which combinations appear in each qualification: HABC Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (QCF) Unit 1 Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment HABC Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (QCF) Unit 1 Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment Unit 2 Internally assure the quality of assessment HABC Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (QCF) Unit 1 Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment Unit 2 Internally assure the quality of assessment Unit 3 Plan, allocate and monitor work in own area of responsibility 5
Assessment Guidance These qualifications are assessed by a portfolio of evidence, which will need to be internally quality assured by the Centre. Centres must refer to the learning outcomes and assessment criteria at all times to ensure that the portfolio fully meets these requirements, suggested methodology is detailed in appendix 2. HABC have provided Centres with a Learner Assessment Record (LAR) which is a pack designed for the learner to use containing all tracking documents required to complete their portfolio. Instructions on how to use this pack are contained within it and it is highly recommended that this paperwork be used. It is available to download from the HABC website. Suggested forms have been provided and are available to download from the HABC website. The Assessment Guidance for Awarding Organisations document can be found on the HABC website. Assessor Requirements According to the Assessment Guidance for Awarding Organisations document, assessors of this qualification are required to: already hold the qualification (or previous equivalent qualification) they are assessing and have successfully assessed learners for other qualifications; if assessing quality assurance roles, they must have experience as a qualified quality assurance practitioner of carrying out internal or external quality assurance of qualifications for a minimum of two assessors have up-to-date working knowledge and experience of best practice in assessment and quality assurance hold one of the following qualifications or their recognised equivalent: o the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment or o the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, or o A1 Assess candidate performance using a range of methods, or o D32 Assess candidate performance and D33 Assess candidate using differing sources of evidence. show current evidence of continuing professional development in assessment and quality assurance. For more information, please refer to the Assessment Guidance for Awarding Organisations document which is available on the HABC website. Internal Quality Assurance This qualification is assessed and Internally Quality Assured. The nominated Quality Assurance person must: have up-to-date working knowledge and experience of best practice in assessment and quality assurance hold one of the following assessor qualifications or their recognised equivalent: o the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment, or o the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, or o A1 Assess candidate performance using a range of methods, or o D32 Assess candidate performance and D33 Assess candidate using differing sources of evidence. hold one of the following internal quality assurance qualifications or their recognised equivalent: 6
o the Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, or o the Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, or o V1 Conduct internal quality assurance of the assessment process, or o D34 Internally verify the assessment process. show current evidence of continuing professional development in assessment and quality assurance. For more information, please refer to the Assessment Guidance for Awarding Organisations document which is available on the HABC website. Mapping to National Occupational Standards Relate to NOS LSILADD11 Internally monitor and maintain the quality of assessment. ID Requirements All learners must be instructed to bring photographic identification to the assessment to be checked by the invigilator. This instruction should be given ahead of the course/assessment when the learner registers and/or with any pre-course materials. It is the responsibility of the Centre to have systems in place to ensure that the person taking an examination/assessment is indeed the person they are purporting to be. All Centres are therefore required to ensure that each learner s photographic identification is checked before they are allowed to undertake the examination/assessment and write the type of photo identification provided by each learner on the Candidate List under Identification Provided. HABC will accept the following as proof of a learner s identity: o o o o Valid Passport (any nationality) Signed UK Photo card Driving Licence Valid Warrant Card issued by HM Forces, Police Other photographic ID card, e.g. Employee ID Card (must be current employer), Student ID Card, Travel card. For more information on learner ID requirements, please refer to Annex 26: Invigilation Instructions. Progression Progression routes could include:- HABC L4 Award and Certificate in External Quality Assurance qualifications Useful Websites www.lsis.org.uk 7
Appendix 1: Rules of Combination Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice Learners are required to successfully complete one mandatory unit: Unit Title: Unit Number: Total Credits: Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment T/601/5320 6 Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice Learners are required to successfully complete two mandatory units: Unit Title: Unit Number: Total Credits: Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment T/601/5320 6 Internally assure the quality of assessment A/601/5321 6 Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice Learners are required to successfully complete three mandatory units: Unit Title: Unit Number: Total Credits: Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment T/601/5320 6 Internally assure the quality of assessment A/601/5321 6 Plan, allocate and monitor work in own area of responsibility H/600/9674 5 8
Appendix 2: All Units Unit 1: Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment Unit number: T/601/5320 Credit: 6 GLH: 45 Level: 4 Unit Introduction The aim of the unit is to assess knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices that underpin the internal quality assurance of assessment. Practitioner means anyone with a learning and development responsibility as the whole or a part of their role (commonly referred to as the trainee assessor). All learning outcomes in this unit must be assessed using methods appropriate to the assessment of knowledge and understanding. Assessment Guidance Examples of appropriate methods include: Written submission Professional discussion Research project Questions and answer papers All evidence must be valid, authentic and sufficient for all the assessment criteria. Learning Outcomes The learner will: 1. Understand the context and principles of internal quality assurance 2. Understand how to plan the internal quality assurance of assessment Assessment Criteria The learner can: 1.1 Explain the functions of internal quality assurance in learning and development 1.2 Explain the key concepts and principles of the internal quality assurance of assessment 1.3 Explain the roles of practitioners involved in the internal and external quality assurance process 1.4 Explain the regulations and requirements for internal quality assurance in own area of practice 2.1 Evaluate the importance of planning and preparing internal quality assurance 9
3. Understand techniques and criteria for monitoring the quality of assessment internally 4. Understand how to internally maintain and improve the quality of assessment 5. Understand how to manage information relevant to the internal quality assurance of assessment 6. Understand the legal and good practice requirements for the internal quality assurance of assessment activities 2.2 Explain what an internal quality assurance plan should contain 2.3 Summarise the preparations that need to be made for internal quality assurance, including: information collection communications administrative arrangements resources 3.1 Evaluate different techniques for sampling evidence of assessment, including use of technology 3.2 Explain the appropriate criteria to use for judging the quality of the assessment process 4.1 Summarise the types of feedback, support and advice that assessors may need to maintain and improve the quality of assessment 4.2 Explain standardisation requirements in relation to assessment 4.3 Explain relevant procedures regarding disputes about the quality of assessment 5.1 Evaluate requirements for information management, data protection and confidentiality in relation to the internal quality assurance of assessment 6.1 Evaluate legal issues, policies and procedures relevant to the internal quality assurance of assessment, including those for health, safety and welfare 6.2 Evaluate different ways in which technology can contribute to the internal quality assurance of assessment 6.3 Explain the value of reflective practice and continuing professional development in relation to internal quality assurance 6.4 Evaluate requirements for equality and diversity and, where appropriate, bilingualism, in relation to the internal quality assurance of assessment 10
Unit 2: Internally assure the quality of assessment Unit number: A/601/5321 Credit: 6 GLH: 45 Level: 4 Unit Introduction The aim of this unit is to assess the candidates performance in assuring the quality of assessment from within an organisation or assessment centre. All learning outcomes in this unit must be assessed using methods appropriate to the candidate IQA s performance. Assessment Guidance Appropriate methods must include; 1. Observation of performance 2. Examining products of work 3. Questioning Direct evidence of this kind may be supplemented, where necessary, by discussion, reflective accounts or witness testimonies. Simulations are NOT allowed Evidence must come from the IQA candidates performance in the work environment. There must be evidence of the IQA candidate monitoring a minimum of 2 assessors each working with a minimum of 2 candidates of their own, through components of a qualification. All evidence must be valid, authentic and sufficient for all the assessment criteria. Learning Outcomes The learner will: 1. Be able to plan the internal quality assurance of assessment 2. Be able to internally evaluate the quality of assessment Assessment Criteria The learner can: 1.1 Plan monitoring activities according to the requirements of own role 1.2 Make arrangements for internal monitoring activities to assure quality 2.1 Carry out internal monitoring activities to quality requirements 2.2 Evaluate assessor expertise and 11
3. Be able to internally maintain and improve the quality of assessment 4. Be able to manage information relevant to the internal quality assurance of assessment 5. Be able to maintain legal and good practice requirements when internally monitoring and maintaining the quality of assessment competence in relation to the requirements of their role 2.3 Evaluate the planning and preparation of assessment processes 2.4 Determine whether assessment methods are safe, fair, valid and reliable 2.5 Determine whether assessment decisions are made using the specified criteria 2.6 Compare assessor decisions to ensure they are consistent 3.1 Provide assessors with feedback, advice and support, including professional development opportunities, which help them to maintain and improve the quality of assessment 3.2 Apply procedures to standardise assessment practices and outcomes 4.1 Apply procedures for recording, storing and reporting information relating to internal quality assurance 4.2 Follow procedures to maintain confidentiality of internal quality assurance information 5.1 Apply relevant policies, procedures and legislation in relation to internal quality assurance, including those for health, safety and welfare 5.2 Apply requirements for equality and diversity and, where appropriate, bilingualism, in relation to internal quality assurance 5.3 Critically reflect on own practice in internally assuring the quality of assessment 5.4 Maintain the currency of own expertise and competence in internally assuring the quality of assessment 12
Unit 3: Plan, allocate and monitor work in own area of responsibility Unit number: H/600/9674 Credit: 5 GLH: 25 Level: 4 Unit Introduction The aim of this unit is to assess performance in leading the work of a team responsible for internal quality assurance within an organisation or assessment centre. This unit helps learners to plan, allocate and monitor work in own area of responsibility, and make any necessary changes to work plans. All learning outcomes in this unit must be assessed using methods appropriate to the candidate IQA s performance. Assessment Guidance These methods must include; 1. Observation of performance 2. Examining products of work 3. Questioning Direct evidence of this kind may be supplemented, where necessary, by discussion, reflective accounts or witness testimonies. Evidence must come from performance in the work environment. All evidence must be valid, authentic and sufficient for all the assessment criteria. Learning Outcomes The learner will: 1. Be able to produce a work plan for own area of responsibility 2. Be able to allocate and agree responsibilities with team members Assessment Criteria The learner can: 1.1 Explain the context in which work is to be undertaken 1.2 Identify the skills base and the resources available 1.3 Examine priorities and success criteria needed for the team 1.4 Produce a work plan for own area of responsibility 2.1 Identify team members responsibilities for identified work activities 13
3. Be able to monitor the progress and quality of work in own area of responsibility and provide feedback 4. Be able to review and amend plans of work for own area of responsibility and communicate changes 2.2 Agree responsibilities of SMART (Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound) objectives with team members 3.1 Identify ways to monitor progress and quality of work 3.2 Monitor and evaluate progress against agreed standards and provide feedback to team members 4.1 Review and amend work plan where changes are needed 4.2 Communicate changes to team members 14