4 Principles of Assessment: How to Implement for RTOs

The RTO Standards Guide is an important document in the VET industry. If you’re reading this blog you’ve probably come across it once or twice. Maybe you’ve read it front to back, or are tackling it in small chunks. You may be familiar enough with it to quote snippets at dinner parties, or you are in the beginning phase of trying to wrap your head around all the new information.

Either way, this blog is aimed at summarising what we consider to be one of the most important sections of the RTO Standards Guide – Conduct Effective Assessment [source].

Here, we are starting with Clause 1.8-1, Principles of Assessment.

There are 4 Principles of Assessment:

1. Fairness
2. Flexibility 
3. Validity 
4. Reliability.

We will be discussing each of these assessment principles and what it means for RTOs. Download the four principles of assessment infographic for easy reference.

Next read: Another important section pertaining to effective assessment is Clause 1.8-2: Rules of Evidence. 

Content

1. What Are the Four Principles of Assessment
2. How Can RTOs Implement These Assessment Principles
3. Isn’t there an easier way?

What are the Four Principles of Assessment

1. Fairness

The Fairness principle is based on the individual learner’s needs being considered during the RTO Assessment process.

How do RTOs make sure that their process of assessment is fair?

The training provider is to make reasonable adjustments to account for the individual learner’s needs. It is important to note that the term ‘reasonable adjustments’ is used and remember that it does not cover adjustments that would:

• compromise the integrity of the training package or assessment results, or 
• create an undue hardship for the RTO

The RTO must also ensure that the learner has a clear understanding of the assessment process and assessment requirements. They should also be made aware that they are allowed to challenge the result of the assessment. 

The RTO Assessment tools should provide evidence that this has been explained to the learner and that they understand and agree to this process. If required, the learner is permitted to be reassessed.

This principle aims to create an environment of equality and provide learners with access to training, and that those learners that require additional assistance are not disadvantaged in the process. Essentially, it creates a level playing field.

2. Flexibility

The Flexibility principle, much like the Fairness principle, involves considering the various needs of individual learners during the RTO Assessment process.

RTO Assessment is flexible and considers the individual learner by:

• Reflecting their needs
• Assessing their skills no matter how or when they were acquired
• Considering a broad range of assessment methods and using those that best fit the context, unit, assessment requirements and the individual learner

Your RTO Assessment methods should allow for these considerations to be made. This can include the ability to submit photos, audio recordings, and video assessment evidence as well as enable learner interaction with different mediums such as drawing boards, visual aids, and sound recordings as part of the assessment process.

3. Validity

Validity requires that the RTO Assessment decision is based on evidence of competent performance. Essentially, it means that the assessment process does what it claims, assesses the competency of the individual learner. In order for this process to be valid, the following is required:

Assessments cover the broad range of skills and knowledge required for competent performance.

• Assessment of skills and knowledge is integrated with practical application
• Assessment concludes that the learner can demonstrate skills and knowledge when required
• Competence is based on learner performance being aligned to unit(s) of competency and assessment requirements
• Your RTO Assessment tool must adequately cover all requirements of each unit, and be able to confirm repeatability of performance. To be valid, the assessment must not omit anything from the unit, nor expect anything above and beyond unit requirements.

Note: It’s also important to consider the Rules of Evidence as an RTO service provider.

4. Reliability

The Reliability principle refers to consistently interpreted RTO Assessment outcomes. This means that given the same conditions for the same unit of competency, every assessor conducting the assessment task should reach the same conclusion regarding the competency of the learner.

Your RTO Assessment tool should provide guidance for assessors in this regard, with instructions to guide their judgement on performance and answers to assessment questions. Providing assessors with written questions and answers, as well as making space for the assessor to make comments on assessment criteria allows RTOs to demonstrate the reliability of each learner’s assessment.

Your RTO Assessment tool should enable you to be confident about the Fairness, Flexibility, Validity and Reliability of your assessments. The Cloud Assess software is designed for RTOs to create, conduct and control assessment with these principles in mind.

How Can RTOs Implement These Principles in Their Assessment Process

Understanding the principles of assessment is the first step, but how can a training provider successfully implement these associated assessment requirements?

The key is to create a well-developed assessment tool. In order to do this careful consideration should be put into planning, designing, and doing quality checks. 

Steps in Developing Compliant Assessment Tools:

ASQA’s guidelines for developing assessment tools provides everything you need to know. Here’s a quick look into the steps that you should consider to provide assessment that meets ASQA’s principles:

1. Planning 

The planning phase should involve:

1. Identifying the assessment requirements of the training package or accredited course based on your specific learner needs.
2. Considering feedback from industry to ensure that the assessment tool is aligned with the most up-to-date workplace practices and standards. 
3. Considering what assessment methods are most appropriate for your learners and will help your assessors gather the necessary evidence. 
4. It’s important to think about your learners and how they will engage with your assessment tool throughout the planning phase. Will they be able to easily understand what is required of them? And will they be able to easily demonstrate their knowledge and skills?

2. Designing & developing

During the design and development phase, the training provider should consider the bigger picture and how everything will come together once complete. This includes thinking about: 

• the goals and requirements of the assessment,
• the actual activities that the students will be completing,
• the evidence that will be gathered and the criteria against which assessor will form a reliable decision,
• how all of this information will be recorded and reported to provide a streamlined assessment process

3. Reviewing

Once you have planned, designed, and developed your assessment tool, it’s important that you review it before actually getting students to use it. This will ensure that you have met all the assessment requirements previously discussed. This review process should be done internally, within your own organisation, but also externally by consulting with industry experts and assessors that are familiar with VET assessment processes. 

Five Tips to Ensure Compliance with the Principles of Assessment

Here are five bonus tips that you can consider to ensure that you are providing reliable, fair, flexible, and valid assessment: 

1. Clearly define assessment criteria

Your assessment tool should clearly define the criteria for assessing the learner’s competency. This includes the broad range of skills and knowledge required for competent performance.

2. Provide guidance for assessors

Assessors should have clear instructions and guidance on how to assess each criterion. This ensures consistent and reliable outcomes.

3. Consider different assessment methods

Using a variety of assessment methods can help to assess the learner’s competency. This will help to provide the best possible experience and a fair opportunity for all students.

4. Use realistic scenarios

What good does it do if your assessment scenarios aren’t aligned with what your students will face in their future scenarios? Assessments should mimic real-life scenarios to help reflect industry and workplace standards.

5. Provide feedback

Feedback is a pivotal part of the learning and assessment process. By providing feedback to the learner on their performance, you will help them understand where they need to improve and ensure a fair assessment process. 

Isn’t there an easier way?

While there is a lot to consider in order to stay compliant with ASQA’s principles of assessment, there is an easier way. Cloud Assess’ training and assessment software takes care of all of the compliance requirements for you. 

We have partnered with many RTOs, all of which have had great success since switching to our easy-to-use blended learning software. Want to give it a try? Our free trial option is a great way to get started. We hope to hear from you soon!