Assessment Information Vocational Education and Training Credit, Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) St John will assist you in seeking Vocational Education and Training (VET) Credit for formal recognition for your experience, skills and knowledge obtained through formal, informal, or non-formal learning. Formal learning is learning that takes place through a structured learning and assessment program and leads to a full or partial attainment of a recognised AQF qualification or other formally recognised qualification (e.g. statement of attainment, certificates, diploma etc.). Informal learning is learning through activities and experience by participating in: work, social engagement, family activity, hobby, leisure etc. Non-formal learning is learning that takes place through a structured program of learning but does not lead to a formally recognised qualification (eg. on the job training, workshops). In order for St John to formally recognise your competencies and award a VET Credit toward your current training, you will need to demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge outlined in the Unit of Competency (UOC). There are 3 VET Credit pathways available: Requesting Credit for Formal learning MATCHING UNITS Requesting Credit for Formal Learning NON MATCHING UNITS Requesting Credit for Informal and Non Formal Learning Please note - RTOs mutually and nationally recognise each other s qualifications and Statements of Attainment (SOA). Steps in the VET credit request with RPL The process of RPL and CT consists of the following steps: Application RPL Documentation Review RPL Interview RPL Assessment Gap Identified St John Ambulance Western Australia Page 1 of 5
Partial or Full Credit Granted Gap training and/or assessment RTO Issues Qualification VET Credit Application Processing RPL assessments will usually be completed within four weeks. You will be notified of the result in writing. RPL Decision Appeals Process Contact the Industrial Training Coordinator if you have any concerns about the outcome of an RPL application. They will try to resolve any issue(s) you may have. If a suitable resolution cannot be found, you may submit a written appeal. To the Executive Manager Education Services. Assessment Assessment is the process of collecting evidence and making judgments on whether competency has been achieved. The purpose of assessment is to confirm whether or not a participant can perform to the standard expected in the workplace, and in accordance with relevant endorsed competency standards, national qualifications and assessment guidelines. St John offers an assessment opportunity before (RPL), during and after training has occurred. Competence is recognised using an open, supportive process that ensures participants are aware of the precise requirements of their assessment. Assessment Methods: direct observation (work and/or simulated environment) structured assessment activities (projects, assignments, presentations, activity sheets) questioning (oral, written) evidence compiled by the participant (portfolios, work samples, logbooks) third party feedback (testimonials from the employers) Assessment principles state that assessment must be: valid reliable flexible fair St John Ambulance Western Australia Page 2 of 5
Assessment projects completed in class may include: Practical assessments: Skills and Scenarios. Theory assessments: (written or verbal questions and answers, multiple choice, short answer or scenario-based questions). Activities that need to be completed out of class include: Pre-course study and assessment questions Independent reading Employer Third Party Reports (this may include completion of logbooks and journals in your workplace) Assignment/Report writing: the assignments will require students to build on concepts addressed in class or your workplace. This may include utilising of journals, texts and the internet to research selected topics Assessment Outcomes When demonstrating your skills and knowledge you can either MEET or NOT MEET REQUIREMENTS. To meet the requirements you will need to: be assessed over a period of time be assessed over a range of scenarios be competent over the entire skill and knowledge set; and demonstrate each skill successfully to the St John standard. Overall, after meeting or not meeting requirements when using the assessment documentation as the evidence, your Assessor will make the overall judgement of your competence. You can be deemed COMPETENT (C) or NOT YET COMPETENT (NYC) for the unit of competency. If competency is not achieved, your Assessor will discuss strategies with you to address gaps in your performance and arrange a time for reassessment. Having on-going assessments will enable you to demonstrate your competency over a period of time and over a number of different situations which will impact on your consistency and proficiency. The simulations will be conducted in real time utilising current and relevant equipment to manage the situation. Your Assessor will provide all information in regards to the assessment criteria. The assessment outcomes will demonstrate that you have met the required standards of practice at the appropriate level and that you have completed them in accordance with the St John Ambulance Western Australia Page 3 of 5
Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) and the Health Training Package HLT (HLT07) requirements. In order to collect the necessary assessment evidence, it is very important that you have the required assessment documents with you when attending all training sessions with St John. This will provide opportunities for you to have your skills and knowledge signed off as you complete them. Some of the training sessions will prompt that you are required to complete the relevant sections within this book. The fully completed assessment documents provided will demonstrate your competence; however, if you cannot produce them you will be required to redo all assessments. The material contained in these documents may also be used to gain credit for other units of study should you wish to pursue your vocational career further. Assignments Submission You have three (3) submissions to demonstrate competency, otherwise you will need to re-enroll in the unit. Assessment Submissions 1 st Submission = primary submission 2 nd Submission = re-submission 1 3 rd Submission = re-submission 2 For each assessment assignment you will be provided with feedback from you Assessor. If you are required to re-submit after the 1 st submission it will be your responsibility to consider the feedback and contact your Assessor for any clarification or additional assistance. If you did not meet the requirements (RNM) in your 3 rd submission and deemed Not Yet Competent (NYC) you will need to re-enroll in that particular unit. For each unit you must complete all assessment tasks before submitting it to your assessor for marking. Incomplete or partial assessments will not be accepted and will be returned to you for resubmission. When submitting your work via e-mail to your Assessor, you will need to ensure you: submit your work only from a nominated e-mail address write in the e-mail subject line: assessment type and submission number i.e. Project 1 Primary submission; and attach your documentation. St John Ambulance Western Australia Page 4 of 5
Special Considerations Special consideration is only given in serious and exceptional circumstances that are beyond the participant s control and when these circumstances prevent the participant from performing at assessment. You are required to submit a request for special consideration in writing to your facilitator at industrial.training@stjohnambulance.com.au in sufficient time prior to your assessment date for a decision to be made. Applications without this supporting documentation will not be considered (e.g. medical certificate, statutory declaration, etc) St John Ambulance Western Australia Page 5 of 5