ASQA | Spotlight On assessment, Chapter 5
Validating products from the TAE package
Chapter 5 aims to help providers understand and meet the extra requirements when validating products from the Training and Education (TAE) package.
An independent validation
It is a requirement of the Standards that any TAE assessment validation is conducted independently.
A successful product validation process requires people skilled in training and assessment who understand both how to develop, and how to validate assessment tools and systems.
Consequently, there are extra requirements for training providers delivering qualifications and the assessor skills set from the TAE training package.
Additional requirements
To conduct validation of any TAE Training Package products individuals must collectively meet the requirements of section 3B of the Credentials Policy, and at least one person must hold a qualification or skill set at or above the level being validated.
Additionally the validation must be conducted
- once the first cohort of VET students with the organisation have completed their training and assessment
- by someone who is fully independent, from the organisation, and not involved in its training, assessment, or other activities
The role of independent validators
With the exception of undertaking your training product validation, an independent validator needs to have no association with your provider.
According to the Standards for RTOs 2015, an independent validator cannot:
- be employed or subcontracted by the RTO to provide training and assessment; or
- have any involvement or interest in the operations of the RTO.
The independent validator needs to also have the following minimum qualifications and experience:
- industry competencies, skills and knowledge relevant to the training product; and
- a practical understanding of current industry practices relevant to the training product.
It is best practice to keep records of how you selected your independent validator/s and how they meet the definition of independent.
Any validation of TAE products needs to be conducted independently.
Having trouble finding an independent validator? Consider reaching out to another provider who has the TAE training products on scope. This could also allow you to develop mutually constructive relationships.
You may choose to reach out to compliance consultants, but if you do so you need to ensure that they hold the required credentials as outlined in Clause 1.11 b and Schedule 2 of the Standards.
More Spotlight On
View the webinar recording on assessment validation
ASQA held a webinar on 15 July 2021 about assessment validation. We covered the focus on self-assurance to achieve excellence in training outcomes, how to use assessment validation and its role in ASQA’s performance assessment process.