PDA Workplace Assessment Using Direct Methods SCQF level 7

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) extend or broaden professional or vocational skills and are linked to National Occupational Standards. The PDA in Workplace Assessment Using Direct Methods at SCQF level 7 develops knowledge and skills in preparing for, planning, and carrying out assessment of individuals in the workplace using observation and, if applicable, asking questions and / or examining the work product created during the observation. Upon successful completion of this PDA, candidates will be able to assess workplace qualifications (outside of the UK) and in-company standards that only require direct assessment methods.

This qualification is available through training providers and some employers.

Use the tabs below to open each section individually. Alternatively you can show all the sections.

The PDA in Workplace Assessment Using Direct Methods at SCQF level 7 has been developed in partnership with employers and industry.

It is regarded as an appropriate qualification for workplace assessors who assess workplace qualifications (outside of the UK) or in-company standards.

The target audience is assessors who assess in the workplace using the following methods:

  • observation of performance
  • examining products of work created during the observation
  • questioning the candidate

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. However, the assessor-candidate must have a job role that includes assessment of learners in the learner's place of work.

The unit in the PDA has been mapped against the Learning and Development National Occupational Standard: L&D9D Assess Workplace Competence Using Direct Methods.

Learners would have the potential, if in a suitable job role, to progress to other PDAs such as Workplace Assessment Using Direct and Indirect Methods at SCQF level 8, Internal Verification of Workplace Assessment at SCQF level 8 and the Diploma in Learning and Development at SCQF level 8 or 9.

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority require to come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA’s general requirements for technical / occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

The unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for the unit.

All knowledge requirements in this PDA must be met using assessment methods appropriate to the assessment of knowledge and understanding, such as paper-based or e-assessment. There must be performance evidence of carrying out assessment by observing performance in the workplace plus examining products of work or questioning the candidate.

The assessor-candidate's performance as an assessor must be observed. Simulation of assessment is not allowed.

There must be valid, authentic and sufficient evidence for all the performance criteria and knowledge requirements.

Group award code: GT7H 47 (8 SCQF credit points)

Structure

The PDA in Workplace Assessment Using Direct Methods at SCQF level 7 consists of one mandatory unit: Assess Workplace Competence Using Direct Methods (J3NY 47).