Range of work-

based
Assessment
Methods
The 7 most • Direct Observation
• Examination of Work products
common used • Learners statement
work- based • Discussion with learners
• Oral or written questions
assessment • Recognised prior learning

methods • Use of others (witness testimony

 • Main and most authentic method of
assessment
• The assessor is physically present while the
learner is carrying out work task
Direct • Makes notes during observation to be able
to write his/her report
observation • This can be recorded using video or audio
where possible
• Used to assess performance
• Report to be written in past tense
 Another popular method of assessments

The learner brings what they have produced at

work

Examining
Work products Example, accident reports,letter to
supervisor/manager about a specific issue etc.

Make sure no confidential information on any of

the work product

Used to assess performance

 • Used to be called reflective account/journal

Learner • The learner writes an account of a work task or day’s

activities
Statement • The learner must make sure he/she has the unit
assessment criteria before they start writing,
(personal otherwise they might write it in such a way where it
is impossible to match with the criteria
statement) • Used to assess performance, can be backed up by
observation, discussion or Q&A.
 Assessor and learner will have discussion about a certain task
or work product produced inline with criteria requirements

It is not question and answer (opened ended questions)

Discussion with NO yes or no answer

the leaner Prompt learners to give the answers that will match the
criteria the assessor is assessing

This can be audio recorded or written in a report

Used to assess knowledge

 • Where assessor asks learner questions and
learner answer back
Oral & • These are closed questions

Written • Can be recorded or typed up

• Can be oral or written
Question • Can be used to back up other evidence
• Used to assess knowledge
 • Used to be called Accredited prior
learning (APL)
• Certificated from previous training that
the learner learner has done relevant to
the units they are doing
• Make sure it is authentic and valid
• Leaner need to write a summary of what
they learnt and how they have applied it

Recognising practically
• Be careful of expiry dates, some

Prior certificate can expire

• Used to assess both knowledge and
Learning performance
 A third party gives a statement stating what the learner
does and whether they are competent

Always let the person giving a witness statement know

Use of other what you are looking for, in terms of criteria

(Witness Authentic statement, by requesting contact

testimony) details/written on headed paper

Used to assess both knowledge and performance

A professional witness statement require additional

information from the witness such as their CV, evidence
of their professional status
 • The overall choice should
however meet the needs of the
learner but be within the
awarding organisation standards
of being fair, safe, valid and
reliable, in addition of being cost
To conclude effective assessment methods.
Questions
and
Comments