COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Gather & Evaluate Assessment Evidence in Vocational Education course. This program is designed for trainers and assessors working in the VET sector who are responsible for collecting, interpreting and judging evidence to determine competency. The aim is to build a clear understanding of how to gather evidence ethically and systematically, and how to evaluate it against competency requirements in line with the Standards for RTOs.

The course begins by defining what constitutes assessment evidence in vocational education and explores how to target that evidence to meet unit requirements. Participants will examine the different types of evidence—direct, indirect, and supplementary—and how they contribute to a complete and valid picture of a learner’s competence. The rules of evidence—validity, sufficiency, currency and authenticity—are introduced and applied across a range of practical contexts to guide consistent assessor decision-making.

Language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills play a crucial role in evidence collection. This section examines how LLN levels influence candidate performance and how assessors can adjust assessment tools and strategies to support equitable outcomes.

The course then explores what evidence gathering materials are, their purpose in the assessment process, and how they are categorised into four broad types: observation tools, simulations, questions, and projects/portfolios. Participants will learn how these tools support the assessor in verifying performance, knowledge and application across multiple environments and conditions.

You will also explore how workplace evidence can be collected not only by the assessor, but also by the candidate or a third party. The course provides guidance on structuring observation activities, including what assessors should do when planning and conducting observations, and how to document observations effectively.

Demonstrations are examined as a valid form of performance evidence. This section outlines when demonstrations are appropriate, the materials needed to support them, and the considerations assessors must take into account when planning and implementing demonstration-based assessments.

Simulation is explored as an alternative or complementary method of evidence gathering, especially when real workplace assessment is not possible. You will learn how to develop simulations that are realistic, relevant, and compliant, along with the resources required to support the simulated environment.

Designing activity sheets and written materials is an essential part of assessment planning. This section explains how to develop clear and contextualised activity sheets that support the collection of valid evidence.

You will also review the types of questioning strategies assessors can use, including the benefits of oral questioning, techniques for effective questioning, what to avoid during questioning, and the strengths and limitations of using written questions. Participants will gain practical tips for recording responses accurately and in a compliant format.

Projects and portfolios offer valuable opportunities for learners to showcase their skills. This section of the course explains how to design work-related projects, assemble portfolios of evidence, and check the authenticity and relevance of submitted materials.

Evaluating evidence requires both rigour and fairness. This section outlines the process for reviewing evidence against unit requirements, ensuring that each dimension of competency—task skills, task management, contingency management and job/role environment skills—is clearly demonstrated. Participants will also explore how to confirm evidence of key competencies (foundation skills) and ensure that the assessment is aligned with the correct AQF qualification level.

To support a fair evaluation, assessors will learn how to use a range of tools and strategies, including evidence checklists, mapping documents and moderation practices. You will also identify what constitutes critical evidence and how to ensure no essential skills or knowledge have been overlooked.

Finally, this course provides a step-by-step framework for making the final judgement, ensuring that every decision is based on valid, sufficient, current and authentic evidence and aligned with unit requirements and RTO policies.

By the end of this course, you will have developed the professional knowledge and tools to collect and evaluate evidence of competence ethically, fairly, and in line with national standards—supporting quality outcomes for both learners and your RTO.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand:

·       The types of assessment evidence

·       How to target evidence

·       The definition of evidence

·       The rules of evidence

·       The language, literacy and numeracy requirements

·       What are evidence gathering materials

·       The four broad categories of evidence gathering materials

·       The purpose of evidence gathering materials  

·       How the evidence gathering materials support the assessment process

·       How workplace evidence can be collected by the assessor, the candidate or a third party

·       What should the assessor do, when planning and conducting an observation?

·       How to structure evidence gathering activities

·       How demonstrations can be used in a wide range of situations

·       The materials required to support a demonstration activity

·       What should the assessor do, when planning and implementing a demonstration

·       Simulation as a form of evidence gathering

·       The materials that support a simulation

·       How to develop a simulation

·       Activity sheets and how to design them

·       The types of questioning that an assessor should use

·       The benefits of oral questioning

·       Hints for assessors for effective questioning

·       What the assessors should avoid during questioning

·       The benefits and challenges of using written questions

·       How to record responses

·       How to design a work related project?

·       What is a portfolio

·       How to assemble a portfolio

·       How to check the authenticity of portfolio evidence

·       How to evaluate assessment evidence

·       How to ensure a fair evaluation and judgement

·       The strategies and tools to help assessors make fair assessments

·       How to review the evidence

·       What is the critical evidence

·       How to make sure that all the dimensions of competency are demonstrated by the evidence

·       What evidence is there of the key competencies

·       How to make sure that the evidence is at the correct AQF qualification level

·       What are the rules of evidence

·       How to make the final judgement

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.