Qualification Specification

Highfield Level 3 Award in Understanding the

Principles and Practices of Assessment (RQF)
Qualification Number: 600/3873/1

Highfield Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence

in the Work Environment (RQF)
Qualification Number: 600/3861/5

Highfield Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally

Related Achievement (RQF)
Qualification Number: 600/3872/X

Highfield Level 3 Certificate in Assessing

Vocational Achievement (RQF)
Qualification Number: 600/3871/8

Version 1.4 April 2024

Copyright © 2017. HABC Ltd. All rights reserved

Highfield ICON, First Point, Balby Carr Bank, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN4 5HZ, United Kingdom
01302363277
Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 1
 Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 3

Qualification regulation and support ............................................................................................ 3

Key facts ..................................................................................................................................... 3

Qualification overview and objective ........................................................................................... 4

Entry requirements...................................................................................................................... 5

Geographical coverage ................................................................................................................ 5

Assessor requirements ................................................................................................................ 6

Internal quality assurance (IQA) requirements ............................................................................. 6

Mapping to National Occupational Standards (NOS) ..................................................................... 7

Reasonable adjustments and special considerations ..................................................................... 7

ID requirements .......................................................................................................................... 7

Progression opportunities............................................................................................................ 8

Useful websites ........................................................................................................................... 8

Appendix 1: Qualification structure .............................................................................................. 9

Appendix 2: Qualification content .............................................................................................. 10

Appendix 3: Sample assessment material ................................................................................... 19

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 2

 Introduction
This qualification specification is designed to outline all you need to know to offer this
qualification at your centre. If you have any further questions, please contact your account
manager.

Qualification regulation and support

The Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications have been developed and are awarded by Highfield
Qualifications and sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The RQF is a qualification
framework regulated by Ofqual and CCEA Regulation. The qualification is also regulated by
Qualifications Wales.

Key facts
Highfield Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of
Assessment (RQF)
QAN: 600/3873/1
Learning Aim Reference: 60038731
Credit Value: 3
Guided learning hours (GLH): 24
Total qualification time (TQT): 30
Assessment Method: Portfolio of evidence
Highfield Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment (RQF)
QAN: 600/3861/5
Learning Aim Reference: 60038615
Credit Value: 9
Guided learning hours (GLH): 54
Total qualification time (TQT): 90
Assessment Method: Portfolio of evidence
Highfield Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (RQF)
QAN: 600/3872/X
Learning Aim Reference: 6003872X
Credit Value: 9
Guided learning hours (GLH): 54
Total qualification time (TQT): 90
Assessment Method: Portfolio of evidence
Highfield Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (RQF)
QAN: 600/3871/8
Learning Aim Reference: 60038718
Credit Value: 15

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 3

 Guided learning hours (GLH): 84
Total qualification time (TQT): 150
Assessment Method: Portfolio of evidence

Qualification overview and objective

Highfield Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment (RQF)
This qualification is intended for those who wish to gain an understanding of the principles and
practices of assessment without any requirement to practice as assessors. The objective of the
qualification is to support a role in the workplace, or to prepare learners to progress to a
qualification in the same subject area but at a higher level or where more specific knowledge, skills
and understanding is required.

Highfield Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment (RQF)

This qualification is intended for assessors who assess occupational competence in an individual’s
work environment. It includes the following assessment methods (although not all of these
require performance evidence):

• observation of performance in the work environment

• use of others (witness testimony)
• examining products of work
• questioning the learner
• discussing with the learner
• looking at learner statements
• recognising prior learning.

The objective of the qualification is to support a role in the workplace.

Highfield Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (RQF)

This qualification is intended for those who assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding
in a workshop, classroom or other training environment rather than assessing competence in a
work environment. It includes the following assessment methods (although not all of these
require performance evidence):

• assessments of the learner in simulated environments

• skills tests
• oral and written questions
• assignments
• projects
• case studies
• recognising prior learning

The objective of the qualification is to support a role in the workplace.

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 4

 Highfield Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (RQF)
This qualification is intended for those who assess both occupational competence in the work
environment and vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in a workshop, classroom or
other training environment other than assessing competence in a work environment. There must
be evidence to cover all of the assessment methods listed in the units.
The objective of the qualification is to support a role in the workplace.

Entry requirements
In order to complete this qualification, learners are required to:
• Be a minimum of 19 years of age

There are no other prerequisites for these qualifications. Although it is advised that learners already
hold a level 2 qualification.

Geographical coverage
These qualifications are suitable for learners in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Guidance on delivery
The total qualification time and guided learning hours for these qualifications are listed in the key
facts section on page 3 of this qualification specification.
TQT is an estimate of the total number of hours it would take an average learner to achieve and
demonstrate the necessary level of attainment to be awarded with a qualification, both under
direct supervision (forming guided learning hours) and without supervision (all other time). TQT
and GLH values are advisory and assigned to a qualification as guidance.

Guidance on assessment
These qualifications are assessed by a portfolio of evidence, which will cover all assessment
criteria contained within the units stipulated in the rules of combination for each qualification.
These portfolios must be internally assessed and quality assured by the Centre.
Highfield has worked with subject matter experts to provide supporting assessment paperwork for
Centres to use. If you wish to use alternative paperwork, you may do so but please ensure that
this allows the learner to meet all of the assessment criteria appropriately and that evidence is
referenced clearly.
The Assessment Guidance for Awarding Organisations can be found on the HABC website. Centres
must take all reasonable steps to avoid any part of the assessment of a learner (including any
internal quality assurance and invigilation) being undertaken by any person who has a personal
interest in the result of the assessment.
Please note that in relation to these qualifications, an unqualified trainee assessor is not allowed
to assess another unqualified assessor.
There is no requirement for each unit to be assessed separately. Assessors are advised to adopt a
holistic approach and, where possible, to use one activity as evidence for learning outcomes and
assessment criteria for more than one unit if appropriate. For example, a professional discussion
for the unit Assess occupational competence in the work environment might also provide some

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 5

 evidence for the unit Understanding the principles and practices of assessment. However, it is
essential that evidence for the assessment criteria in each unit is identified individually.
Important Note: Please see specific individual unit requirements detailed in Appendix 2.
Guidance on quality assurance
Highfield requires centres to have in place a robust mechanism for internal quality assurance of
training delivery and internal assessment processes. Internal quality assurance must be completed
by an appropriately qualified person and that person must not have been involved in any aspect of
the delivery or assessment of the course they are quality assuring.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Centres may apply to use recognition of prior learning or prior achievement to reduce the amount
of time spent in preparing the learner for assessment.
For further information on how centres can apply to use RPL as described above, please refer to the
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy in the members’ area of the HABC website. This policy
should be read in conjunction with this specification and all other relevant HABC documentation.
Assessor requirements
Highfield Qualifications requires nominated assessors for this qualification to meet the following:
• hold the qualification (or recognised equivalent qualification) they are assessing and have
successfully assessed learners for other qualifications; if assessing quality assurance roles,
they must have experience as a qualified quality assurance practitioner of carrying out
internal or external quality assurance of qualifications for a minimum of two assessors

• have up-to-date working knowledge and experience of best practice in assessment and
quality assurance
• hold one of the following qualifications or their recognised equivalent:
o the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment or

o the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, or

o A1 Assess candidate performance using a range of methods, or

o D32 Assess candidate performance and D33 Assess candidate using differing sources of
evidence.
• show current evidence of continuing professional development in assessment and quality
assurance

Internal quality assurance (IQA) requirements

Highfield Qualifications requires internal quality assurers for this qualification to meet the following:
• have up-to-date working knowledge and experience of best practice in assessment and
quality assurance
• hold one of the following assessor qualifications or their recognised equivalent:

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 6

 o the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment, or
o the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, or
o A1 Assess candidate performance using a range of methods, or
o D32 Assess candidate performance and D33 Assess candidate using differing sources of
evidence.
• hold one of the following internal quality assurance qualifications or their recognised
equivalent:
o the Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and
Practice, or
o the Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment
• Processes and Practice, or
o V1 Conduct internal quality assurance of the assessment process, or
o D34 Internally verify the assessment process.
• show current evidence of continuing professional development in assessment and quality
assurance.

Mapping to National Occupational Standards (NOS)

These qualifications relate to the Learning and Development National Occupational Standards
(NOS), ‘Standard 9 Assess learner achievement’.

Reasonable adjustments and special considerations

Highfield Qualifications has measures in place for learners who require additional support. Please
refer to Highfield Qualifications’ Reasonable Adjustments Policy for further information/guidance.

ID requirements
It is the responsibility of the centre to have systems in place to ensure that the person taking an
assessment is indeed the person they are claiming to be. All centres are therefore required to ensure
that each learner’s identification is checked before they undertake the assessment. Highfield
Qualifications recommends the following as proof of a learner’s identity:

• a valid passport (any nationality)

• a signed UK photocard driving licence
• a valid warrant card issued by HM forces or the police
• another photographic ID card, e.g. employee ID card, student ID card, travel card etc.

If a learner is unable to produce any of the forms of photographic identification listed above, a
centre may accept another form of identification containing a signature, for example, a credit card.
Identification by a third-party representative, such as a line manager, human resources manager or
invigilator, will also be accepted.

For more information on learner ID requirements, please refer to Highfield Qualifications’ Core
Manual.

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 7

Progression opportunities
On successful completion of this qualification, learners may wish to continue their development by
undertaking one of the following qualifications:
• Highfield Level 4 Award In Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment
Processes and Practice (RQF)
• Highfield Level 4 Certificate In Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment
Processes and Practice (RQF)
• Highfield Level 4 Award In the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and
Practice (RQF)
• Highfield Level 4 Award In Understanding the External Quality Assurance of Assessment
Processes and Practice (RQF)

Useful websites
• www.et-foundation.co.uk/
• www.excellencegateway.org.uk/

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 8

Appendix 1: Qualification structure

Highfield Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment (RQF)
Learners are required to successfully complete one mandatory unit totaling 3 credits:

Unit
Unit title Level GLH Credit
reference
Understanding the principles and practices of
D/601/5313 3 24 3
assessment

Highfield Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment (RQF)

Learners are required to successfully complete two mandatory units totaling 9 credits:

Unit
Unit title Level GLH Credit
reference
Understanding the principles and practices of
D/601/5313 3 24 3
assessment
Assess occupational competence in the work
H/601/5314 3 30 6
environment

Highfield Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (RQF)

Learners are required to successfully complete two mandatory units totaling 9 credits:

Unit
Unit title Level GLH Credit
reference
Understanding the principles and practices of
D/601/5313 3 24 3
assessment
Assess vocational skills, knowledge and
F/601/5319 3 30 6
understanding

Highfield Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (RQF)

Learners are required to complete three mandatory units totaling 15 credits:

Unit
Unit title Level GLH Credit
reference
Understanding the principles and practices of
D/601/5313 3 24 3
assessment
Assess occupational competence in the work
H/601/5314 3 30 6
environment
Assess vocational skills, knowledge and
F/601/5319 3 30 6
understanding

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 9

Appendix 2: Qualification content

Unit 1: Understanding the principles and practices of assessment

Unit number: D/601/5313

Credit: 3
GLH: 24
Level: 3

Unit Introduction

The aim of this unit is to assess the candidate assessor’s knowledge and understanding of the
principles and practices that underpin assessment.

Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria

The learner will: The learner can:
1. Understand the principles and 1.1 Explain the function of assessment in learning
requirements of assessment and development
1.2 Define the key concepts and principles of
assessment
1.3 Explain the responsibilities of the assessor
1.4 Identify the regulations and requirements
relevant to the assessment in own area of
practice
2. Understand different types of assessment 2.1 Compare the strengths and limitations of a
method range of assessment methods with reference
to the needs of individual learners
3. Understand how to plan assessment 3.1 Summarise key factors to consider when
planning assessment
3.2 Evaluate the benefits of using a holistic
approach to assessment
3.3 Explain how to plan a holistic approach to
assessment
3.4 Summarise the types of risks that may be
involved in assessment in own area of
responsibility
3.5 Explain how to minimize risks through the
planning process

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 10

4. Understand how to involve learners and 4.1 Explain the importance of involving the
others in assessment learner and others in the assessment process
4.2 Summarise types of information that should
be made available to learners and others
involved in the assessment process
4.3 Explain how peer and self-assessment can be
used effectively to promote learner
involvement and personal responsibility in
the assessment of learning
4.4 Explain how assessment arrangements can be
adapted to meet the needs of individual
learners
5. Understand how to make assessment 5.1 Explain how to judge whether evidence is:
decisions
• sufficient

• authentic

• current
5.2 Explain how to ensure that assessment
decisions are:

• made against specified criteria

• valid

• reliable

• fair
6. Understand quality assurance of the 6.1 Evaluate the importance of quality assurance
assessment process in the assessment process
6.2 Summarise quality assurance and
standardisation procedures in own area of
practice
6.3 Summarise the procedures to follow when
there are disputes concerning assessment in
own area of practice
7. Understand how to manage information 7.1 Explain the importance of following
relating to assessment procedures for the management of
information relating to assessment
7.2 Explain how feedback and questioning
contribute to the assessment process

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 11

8. Understand the legal and good practice 8.1 Explain legal issues, policies and procedures
requirements in relation to assessment relevant to assessment, including those for
confidentiality, health, safety and welfare
8.2 Explain the contribution that technology can
make to the assessment process
8.3 Evaluate requirements for equality and
diversity and, where appropriate, bilingualism
in relation to assessment
8.4 Explain the value of reflective practice and
continuing professional development in the
assessment process

Additional unit guidance

All learning outcomes must be assessed using methods appropriate to the assessment of knowledge
and understanding.

There must be valid, authentic and sufficient evidence for all the assessment criteria. However, one
piece of evidence may be used to meet the requirements of more than one learning outcome or
assessment criterion.

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 12

Unit 2: Assess occupational competence in the work environment

Unit number: H/601/5314

Credit: 6
GLH: 30
Level: 3

Unit Introduction

The aim of this unit is to assess the trainee assessor’s performance in assessing occupational
competence in an individual’s work environment.

Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria

The learner will: The learner can:
1. Be able to plan the assessment of 1.1 Plan assessment of occupational competence
occupational competence based on the following methods:
• observation of performance in the work
environment

• examining products of work

• questioning the learner

• discussing with the learner

• use of others (witness testimony)

• looking at learner statements

• recognising prior learning

1.2 Communicate the purpose, requirements and
processes of assessing occupational
competence to the learner
1.3 Plan the assessment of occupational
competence to address learner needs and
current achievements
1.4 Identify opportunities for holistic assessment
2. Be able to make assessment decisions 2.1 Use valid, fair and reliable assessment
about occupational competence methods including:
• observation of performance in the work
environment

• examining products of work

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 13

 • questioning the learner

• discussing with the learner

• use of others (witness testimony)

• looking at learner statements

• recognising prior learning

2.2 Make assessment decisions of occupational
competence against specified criteria
2.3 Follow standardisation procedures
2.4 Provide feedback to learners that affirms
achievement and identifies any further
implications for learning, assessment and
progression
3. Be able to provide required information 3.1 Maintain records of the assessment of
following the assessment of occupational occupational competence, its outcomes and
competence learner progress
3.2 Make assessment information available to
authorised colleagues
3.3 Follow procedures to maintain the
confidentiality of assessment information
4. Be able to maintain legal and good practice 4.1 Follow relevant policies, procedures and
requirements when assessing occupational legislation for the assessment of occupational
competence competence, including those for health,
safety and welfare
4.2 Apply requirements for equality and diversity
and, where appropriate, bilingualism, when
assessing occupational competence
4.3 Evaluate own work in carrying out
assessments of occupational competence
4.4 Maintain the currency of own expertise and
competence as relevant to own role in
assessing occupational competence

Additional unit guidance

There must be evidence to cover all of the assessment methods listed in the unit.

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 14

As a minimum, there must be performance evidence for the following assessment methods:
• observation of performance in the work environment;
• examining products of work; and
• questioning the learner.

Simulations are not allowed.

Other forms of evidence will be acceptable for the remaining assessment methods:
• discussing with the learner;
• use of others (witness testimony);
• looking at learner statements; or
• recognising prior learning.

The trainee assessor’s performance evidence must be assessed by live observation, examining the
products of work, questioning or professional discussions.

There must be valid, authentic and sufficient evidence for all the assessment criteria. Holistic
assessment is encouraged and one piece of evidence may be used to meet the requirements of more
than one learning outcome or assessment criterion.

There must be evidence of the trainee assessor carrying out at least two assessments of two learner’s
occupational competence (four assessments in total). This occupational competence must not be in
assessment itself. In other words, evidence for this unit must not come from the trainee assessing
another trainee assessor who, in turn, is assessing someone else. In gathering evidence for these
qualifications, an unqualified trainee assessor is not allowed to assess competence in another
unqualified assessor.

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 15

Unit 3: Assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding

Unit number: F/601/5319

Credit: 6
GLH: 30
Level: 3

Unit Introduction

The aim of this unit is to assess the trainee assessor’s performance in assessing vocational skills
knowledge and understanding in a workshop, classroom or other training environment rather than
assessing competence in a work environment.

Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria

The learner will: The learner can:
1. Be able to prepare assessments of 1.1 Select methods to assess vocational skills,
vocational skills, knowledge and knowledge and understanding which
understanding address learner needs and meet assessment
requirements, including:
• assessments of the learner in simulated
environments
• skills tests
• oral and written questions
• assignments
• projects
• case studies
• recognising prior learning
1.2 Prepare resources and conditions for the
assessment of vocational skills, knowledge
and understanding
1.3 Communicate the purpose, requirements
and processes of assessment of vocational
skills, knowledge and understanding
2. Be able to carry out assessments of 2.1 Manage assessments of vocational skills,
vocational skills, knowledge and knowledge and understanding to meet
understanding assessment requirements
2.2 Provide support to learners within agreed
limitations

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 16

 2.3 Analyse evidence of learner achievement
2.4 Make assessment decisions relating to
vocational skills, knowledge and
understanding against specified criteria
2.5 Follow standardisation procedures
2.6 Provide feedback to the learner that affirms
achievement and identified any further
implications for learning, assessment and
progression
3. Be able to provide required information 3.1 Maintain records of the assessment of
following the assessment of vocational vocational skills, knowledge and
skills, knowledge and understanding understanding, its outcomes and learner
progress
3.2 Make assessment information available to
authorised colleagues as required
3.3 Follow procedures to maintain the
confidentiality of assessment information
4. Be able to maintain legal and good practice 4.1 Follow relevant policies, procedures and
requirements when assessing vocational legislation for the assessment of vocational
skills, knowledge and understanding skills, knowledge and understanding,
including those for health, safety and
welfare
4.2 Apply requirements for equality and
diversity and, where appropriate,
bilingualism
4.3 Evaluate own work in carrying out
assessments of vocational skills, knowledge
and understanding
4.4 Take part in continual professional
development to ensure current expertise
and competence in assessing vocational
skills, knowledge and understanding

Additional unit guidance

There must be evidence to cover all of the assessment methods listed in the unit.

As a minimum, there must be performance evidence for at least three of the following assessment
methods:

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 17

 • assessments of the learner in simulated environments;
• skills tests;
• oral and written questions;
• assignments;
• projects;
• case studies; and
• recognising prior learning.

Simulations are not allowed.

Other forms of evidence will be acceptable for the remaining assessment methods. The trainee
assessor’s performance evidence must be assessed by live observation, examining the products of
work, questioning or professional discussions.

There must be valid, authentic and sufficient evidence for all the assessment criteria. Holistic
assessment is encouraged and one piece of evidence may be used to meet the requirements of more
than one learning outcome or assessment criterion.

Evidence for this unit must not come from the trainee assessing another trainee assessor who, in
turn, is assessing someone else. In gathering evidence for these qualifications, an unqualified trainee
assessor is not allowed to assess another unqualified assessor.

There must be evidence of the trainee assessor carrying out at least two assessments of two learner’s
skills, knowledge and understanding (four assessments in total).

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 18

Appendix 3: Sample assessment material

Highfield Level 3 Assessor qualifications 19