For those who follow my updates, they will be getting the feeling that I am passionate about providing you with information to assist you with your RTO. To me this is why I get up in the morning; I want to help you, I want to see quality RTOs providing training to people and allowing them to move along in the world. Some times i might rave on about subjects and validation is one of them. Valdiation is mandatory, yet so often forgotten or neglected.
The AQTF requires that the RTO undertakes assessment validation and/or moderation.
Assessment validation involves reviewing and evaluating assessment tools and processes to make sure they meet the need of industry as well as the unit/s being assessed against.
I cannot stress how important this is when setting up your RTO. Validation with industry is essential – someone from the industry you will have on scope and relevant to the units you are validating.
It is recommended that the process of validation occurs at the time of development of your assessment tools and then at least once a year.
As a new RTO you should identify judgements tools you could use to undertake the activity. These tools need to show how you can confidently make judgements about the quality assurance and quality control of assessment.
- The process of validation requires assessors to meet – physically or virtually –to confirm that assessments (including RPL):
meet the requirements of the endorsed components of training packages and the outcomes specified in the course/units of competency - comply with the assessment guidelines included in the applicable training packages or the assessment requirements specified in accredited courses
- are valid, reliable, fair and flexible
- provide for applicants to be informed of the context and purpose of the assessment and the assessment process
To successfully conduct Validation activities it is recommended you have a lead person who ensures that effective assessment validation practices are implemented and documented in your RTO, someone from industrya nd maybe an assessor. Three people as a minimum is recommended.
Validation activities can take many forms so remember to document any validation activities you undertake. There is nothing worse than doing the activity and not being able to find the evidence when requested by your Auditor (and trust me they will ask).