Topic Content
Defining Assessment
Defining Assessment:
 What is Competency Based Assessment (CBA)?
 What is the Purpose of Assessment?
 What are the Key Features of CBA?
What is Competency Based Assessment (CBA)?
In competency based assessment you, the assessor, work with the learner to collect
evidence and make judgements on a learner’s competence.
Definition of Assessment
Both workplace and off the job training and
assessment aim to ensure that the individual
participating in the training has the competence to
The process of collecting
undertake their work role to the standard expected
evidence and making
judgements on whether
in a range of employment situations.
competency has been achieved,
to confirm that an individual can
perform to the standard
What is the Purpose of Assessment?
expected in the workplace, as
Assessment:
expressed by the relevant
 endorsed
is an evidence
gathering strategy that helps us understand where a learner is in the
industry/enterprise
learning
process
competency
standards of a
Training
Package
or by the
 provides the opportunity
to adapt instruction to meet the learners’ needs as an
learning outcomes of an
ongoing journey
accredited course. (AQTF)
 assists learners to be able to recognise success in their own and others’ work and to
focus on how they are learning, what they are learning and how they can improve
Assessment may be carried out for various reasons, including:
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to identify where the learner is in relation to the learning
to recognise current competence
to determine language, literacy and numeracy needs
to determine training gaps
to determine the achievement of competence
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to gain formal recognition of achievement
to meet organisational requirements for work
to gain a licence
to operate equipment
for recruitment
for promotion or classification
In planning assessment, you need to clearly identify the purpose of the assessment and
confirm this with your key stakeholders.
106734645
 The State of Queensland (Department of Education and Training), 2009
Page 1 of 2
Topic Content
Defining Assessment
What are the Key Features of (CBA)?
Quality CBA:
 is not an isolated activity, because it:
o forms part of a learning experience, pathway to employment, a structured
learning program, or further training
o occurs within the context of work performance and learning
o should be negotiated with the learner, not considered a one off test of
knowledge imposed on the learner
 provides pathways for the learner. Skill gaps identified by assessors, during the
learning process are opportunities for further development
 makes competency meaningful to learners by relating the units of competency to
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workplace activities, procedures and requirements
provides clear information about what is to be learned and what competent
performance looks like
clearly targets the evidence that the learner needs to present
ensures that the learner is given clear and constructive advice and feedback
incorporates clear and efficient methods of evidence collection
provides clear procedures for making the assessment decision
includes efficient record keeping systems
Defining Assessment:
 What is Competency Based Assessment (CBA)?
 What is the Purpose of Assessment?
 What are the Key Features of CBA?
106734645
 The State of Queensland (Department of Education and Training), 2009
Page 2 of 2