·             Accumulation of achieved units of competence leading to a national qualification

·             Directly undertaking assessment towards a Full National Qualification

NQC is awarded to those who met the requirements of the whole OS while CC is awarded to those who met the requirements at a specific unit/s of competence of an occupation

The system allows progressive assessment by qualification level, starting from the lowest available qualification level.  But a candidate who wants to get certified in a higher qualification level must be assessed with an appropriate assessment tool prepared considering all critical aspects including that of the lower levels.

The assessment result is rated as either competent or not yet competent based on evidence or information gathering using assessment tools which basically include test of both knowledge and practical skills.  For levels or unit/s of lower qualifications (Levels 1&2) a separate knowledge test might not be necessary, as the focuses at these levels are routine accomplishments of practical activities under direct supervision and the required knowledge aspects at these levels can be easily integrated in the practical skills’ test.

The cut off point for passing the Test of knowledge is 50% of the total points.  The contents of the knowledge test must only include the knowledge requirement of the competences covered by the qualification level.

To the practical skill a candidate should accomplish all tasks/projects successfully resulting in a product, service or decision to the industry standard.  Therefore the practical skills must be observed cautiously and marked objectively, using measurable factors and criteria governed by tolerance levels and other criteria using descriptions indicated in the Assessors Guide of the Assessment Package that guide the assessors judgment.

The practical projects developed for assessment shall be used through modification (in form or measurements) and updating time and again unless the OS of that specific occupation is revised due to technology improvement or otherwise.  However the knowledge test tools should have various versions that vary from assessment session to assessment session to assure the validity of the result.

Interview questions should only be made when the assessor has doubts on the underpinning knowledge and skills of the candidate, during practical assessment.

A candidate can appeal an assessment decision if he/she found the assessment procedure followed is unfair and/or discriminatory.

The assessor need not necessarily allow the candidate to go on the assessment process if procedures are missed or failure made which will definitely affect the final performance from the beginning or in the middle of the assessment

Assessment fee shall be fixed based on calculation which considers major supplies, assessors’ honoraria, power and utilities, equipments and machinery, reproduction of assessment tools and other relevant administrative costs.