FAQ

Assessors and verifiers of NVQs need to hold appropriate certification in assessment or verification. Until now, the certificates have been for certain units (labelled D32, D33, D34, D35) taken from a larger suite of national occupational standards in Training and Development.

The NVQs in Training and Development are being replaced during 2002 by new NVQs in Learning and Development. The Employment National Training Organisation (EmpNTO), with responsibility for training and development in employment, was also commissioned to review the working of the D-units. Several years of consultation and development have produced replacements units for the D-units, which are summarised in the box below.

New Unit Reference	New Title	Old Reference
A1	Assess candidates using a range of methods	D32+33
A2	Assess candidates' performance through observation	D32
V1	Conduct internal quality assurance of the assessment process	D34
V2	Conduct external quality assurance of the assessment process	D35

Monitoring over the years reveals that most assessors have gained two D units: for assessing by observation (D32) and for assessing by a range of methods (D33). There was considerable overlap between these two functions and they have now been combined into one unit (A1). For specialised assessors in some industries there still remains the option for assessing candidates by observation only (A2).

New qualifications for assessor and verifiers

New candidates who need only single units for assessing or verifying will in future take them in the form of separate qualifications, which are listed in the table below. This process will ensure appropriate monitoring and quality assurance of the new qualifications.

Qualification title

Level 3 Award in Assessing candidates using a range of methods

Level 3 Award in Assessing candidates' performance through observation

Level 4 Award in Conducting internal quality assurance of the assessment process

Level 4 Award in Conducting external quality assurance of the assessment process

Assessing is only one aspect of training and it is expected that full time trainers and training managers in the workplace will, in future, work towards the new NVQs for learning and development.

FAQ

Do I need to redo my D-units?

No. Existing holders of D-units do not have to take the new qualifications. Good practice of continuing professional development should ensure that you are familiar with the requirements of the new qualifications. The Assessment Strategy now attached to an NVQ defines the sector experience that you must also possess in order to assess or verify that NVQ.

Where do I get more information?

There are over 20 awarding bodies who offer the new awards for assessors and verifiers. You need to choose an awarding body and they will provide you with information.

When do the new awards start?

Most awarding bodies are introducing the new awards around September 2002 and all will have completed the changeover by December 2002.

What if I have recently started an existing D-unit?

Your awarding body will advise about transitional arrangements.