What does assessment method mean?

Assessment method can be described as the way at which evidence is gathered while supporting a learner to complete their qualification. At AASOG Education and Training our qualification can be delivered using the hybrid methods that includes virtual online class room delivery where the assessment criteria and units standards of the qualification is accessed online.

Where possible we also deliver face to face classroom training, which is delivered in person at an allocated and arranged classroom venue, there is also the use of Expert witness Testimony known as EWT. In the case of the use of an EWT the expert is a work related expert within the organisation of the learner and someone who is seen as capable / qualified to make assessment decision inline to the unit standard of the qualification the learner is undertaking. There is also the use of Direct Observation and the list goes on in terms of the different types of assessment methods available.

What is the meaning of CPD?

Continuous Professional Development also known as CPD are courses or training done due to a the need for development specified by your employer or for the purpose of updating ones knowledge inline to their various roles and responsibilities at work or for personal reasons and benefits. Various sectors with different job role requirement sometimes does require a staff, learner, apprentice or student to complete certain CPD which does help to benchmark the knowledge, skills and competence of the attendee.

The need to attend a CPD can be either due to an employer request for their work force to develop themselves and gain the updated knowledge on a specific areas of their job role or due to a personal reason of the attendee wanting to stay up to date with all the latest information within their chosen sector. A CPD course or training is non-regulated and not accredited but comes with allocated hours or points which can be recorded and shown as evidence of keeping up to date with the sector.

A range of CPD courses either paid for or free can be accessed online while CPD hours recorded can be calculated as acquired through online research, attending a session on the topic, listening to the news on a specific topic or issue, watch a programme and the list goes on regarding the types of CPDs available.

What is the meaning of ‘RQF’ regulated qualification framework?

RQF known as the Regulated Qualification Framework is an Ofqual regulated system of cataloguing qualifications. Qualifications on the RQF can be found by their size or level which can be from level 1 to level 9 depending on the qualification. RQF can be delivered by an educational institution which is fully regulated by the awarding body and other educational bodies. The government regulated body in England is Ofqual and their role includes monitoring and making sure the awarding body works inline to their terms and conditions of been regulated. 

The benefits of RQF qualification to learners is that upon completing the qualification it is linked to credits values which can be cross referenced into other future qualification where applicable, the learner is also able to know the level they are in terms of the grading of the qualification which can be known as for example “level 3 Diploma in”. A learner studying towards a qualification of this title will be aware of the level of the programme they are about to achieve.

The Ofqual regulated qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which can help students understand how different qualifications in different fields compare to each other. The framework also helps students to understand what qualifications they need to progress towards a higher learning goal, such as a university degree or equivalent higher education award.

What is the meaning of endorsed?

Endorse as the name goes is an approval of either a course or programme which sometimes is skills and knowledge based programme. An endorsed course or programme can be approved but initially verified or checked over by for example an independent awarding body. Endorsed courses or programmes are not regulated and with that in mind it simply means it cannot be classed as a regulated qualification nor it having a link to credit values.