Qualification Specification
NOCN Level 1 Award in
Retail Knowledge (QCF)
Qualification Approval No. 600/4799/9
NOCN Level 1
Certificate in Retail
Knowledge (QCF)
Qualification Approval No. 600/4800/1
Version 2.2 June 2015
1
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
Introduction
NOCN has been providing a qualification and accreditation service to providers across the UK
for over 25 years and is justifiably proud of its reputation as, “…a provider of fully accessible,
trusted and flexible qualification and accreditation services”.
Over the years, NOCN has worked effectively with centres for the benefit of learners across the
country, with a mutual interest in providing a continuously improving service. NOCN, whilst
retaining all the advantages of being a national body, has always provided a personal, bespoke
service to its customers and prides itself on its local presence and expertise within communities.
This document details the qualification specification and provides guidance to the training
provider on assessment criteria and evidence requirements.
2
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
Contents
1. About the qualifications........................................................................ 4
2. Who the qualifications are for .............................................................. 6
3. Achieving the qualifications ............................................................... 10
4. The qualification units ........................................................................ 12
5. How the qualifications are assessed ................................................. 14
6. Offering the qualifications .................................................................. 23
7. Quality assurance and national standardisation ................................ 24
3
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
1.
About the qualifications
The NOCN Retail Knowledge qualifications deliver the underpinning technical knowledge
required by those wishing to work in the retail sector. These qualifications have been developed
with the approval of Skillsmart Retail (SSC) and follow the Rules of Combination and guidelines
produced in partnership with Skillsmart Retail and other relevant stakeholders.
The qualifications aim to:







Provide an understanding of working in the retail sector
Provide a progression route in the area of retail from Level 1 through to Level 3
Increase productivity and effectiveness for businesses
Encourage effective team working
Increase business specific knowledge
Lead to improved customer service
Improve staff morale through the provision of relevant training.
Guided Learning Hours
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) are a guide to the amount of teacher-supervised or directed
study time a learner will need to complete the learning needed for a qualification. NOCN
recognises that every learner is different and the actual time taken may vary beyond the
maximum and minimum shown.
Training providers not reliant on public funding measured by GLH may find them a useful guide
to the recommended length of a programme of study. The learning hours can be divided in any
way, for example, a 20 GLH hour programme could be delivered in 2 hours a week for 10 weeks
or 8 hours a day for 3 days, depending on the course and learners.
The range of total recommended guided learning hours for the NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail
Knowledge (QCF) is between 47 and 55.
The range of total recommended guided learning hours for the NOCN Level 1 Certificate in
Retail Knowledge (QCF) is between 87 and 99.
Relationship with National Occupational Standards
The NOCN Level 1 Award and Certificate in Retail Knowledge are related to the National
Occupational Standards (NOS) developed by Skillsmart Retail. The qualifications provide a
significant amount of knowledge, understanding and skills development that underpins
occupational competence in retail.
4
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
Language Requirements
If you wish to offer this qualification in Welsh or Irish (Gaeilge) then please contact NOCN who
will review demand and provide as appropriate.
Northern Ireland Entitlement Framework
For more information on the Entitlement Framework, centres in Northern Ireland should contact
OCN NI www.ocnni.org.uk.
5
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
2.
Who the qualifications are for
The suite of NOCN Retail Knowledge qualifications is designed to be accessed by people who
are seeking an introductory route into the retail sector, or those already employed in the retail
sector, who wish to build on their existing retail knowledge. The qualifications may be delivered
in schools, FE colleges and other organisations offering education and training.
The minimum age for access to the qualifications at Level 1 is 14 years.
The qualifications are particularly suitable for those who:
 Are working in the retail sector
 Wish to gain recognition for a general or specific role in retail
 Are working towards a career in the retail sector.
In the delivery of NOCN units to learners where age restrictions have been removed, centres
are required to exercise due diligence in respect of the following:

the learner’s needs and access to information and advice about the units offered and
how the course of learning will meet their needs;

the learner’s present capacity to undertake the tasks set by tutors, and tutors
understanding of how particular tasks accord with the assessment criteria for the unit;

tutors should be fully conversant with the qualification specification for the unit offered
to learners, and avail themselves of the NOCN external verifier provision of further advice
and guidance in the delivery of units, where clarification is required; centres should
consult the NOCN document Access to Fair Assessment Policy and Procedure which is
available on the NOCN website;

centres will be required to have appropriate and up to date risk assessments and
ensure that appropriate support and supervision is provided; appropriate specialist
knowledge should be consulted where the possibility of any precipitate harm for learners
or learners with particular characteristics is identified; NOCN may instigate consultation
with the appropriate specialist where centres have not considered it necessary to do so
or where it considers further specialist review is required;

the centre contact for the unit/qualification being delivered must ensure that all
procedures relating to the delivery of the unit/qualification operate effectively in the
centre.
Restrictions on Learner Entry
There are no formal restrictions on entry. It is expected that potential learners will receive
appropriate guidance and advice regarding the suitability of the qualification.
6
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
Entry Requirements
The minimum age for access to the NOCN Retail Knowledge qualifications at Level 1 is 14
years. There are no other specific requirements for prior learning for entry to these
qualifications.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of prior learning is an assessment method leading to the award of credit. The
process involves considering if a learner can meet the specified assessment requirements for a
unit through knowledge, understanding or skills that they possess already as a consequence of
which they do not need to undertake a course of learning.
Centres are encouraged to recognise the previous achievements and experiences, both formal,
for example through accredited units or qualifications or informal, for example through
continuous learning. This involves the recognition of achievement from a range of activities that
will have been assessed through any valid method of assessment. When using the process of
the recognition of prior learning, it is essential that the assessment requirements of a specific
unit or, more exceptionally, a qualification have been met. The evidence of learning provided
must be sufficient, reliable, authentic and valid. Evidence is not time-limited.
7
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
QCF Level Descriptors
Level
Level 1
Summary
Knowledge and understanding
Application and action
Achievement at Level 1
reflects the ability to use
relevant knowledge, skills
and procedures to
complete routine tasks. It
includes responsibility for
completing tasks and
procedures subject to
direction or guidance.
Use knowledge of facts,
procedures and ideas to complete
well-defined, routine tasks.
Complete well-defined routine
tasks.
Use relevant skills and
procedures.
Be aware of information relevant
to the area of study or work.
Select and use relevant
information.
Identify whether actions have
been effective.
Extracted from QCF level descriptor’s document on QCDA’s website October 2008
8
Autonomy and
accountability
Take responsibility for
completing tasks and
procedures subject to
direction or guidance as
needed
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
Progression Opportunities
The suite of NOCN Retail Knowledge qualifications enables progression to employment, further
learning opportunities within employment, or further study.
The qualifications cover the knowledge required to work in the retail sector. Learners
completing a qualification may progress both laterally across the qualifications and vertically to a
higher level within this suite of Retail Knowledge Qualifications. The underpinning knowledge
provided by the qualifications would enable learners to progress to a range of other
qualifications depending on the level of learning, including apprenticeships and foundation
degrees. There are specific diplomas onto which learners may progress, such as the Diploma
in Retail Business and the Diploma in Fashion Retail.
Learners may take the more sector specific route and progress into employment in areas such
as chilled food, garden retail and then access either the Retail Skills suite of qualifications or
move into an apprenticeship or foundation degree. Others will progress into a more general
retail sales role.
Learners with Particular Requirements
Assessment within the suite of NOCN Retail Knowledge qualifications is designed to be
accessible and inclusive. The unit based approach allows flexibility through enabling learners to
achieve the qualification in stages. The assessment methodology is appropriate and rigorous
for individuals or groups of learners.
If you have learners with particular requirements you should refer to the ‘Access to Fair
Assessment Policy and Procedure’ which can be found in the NOCN Centre Handbook area of
the NOCN website within the Learning Providers’ section.
This section gives clear guidance on the reasonable adjustments and arrangements that can be
made to take account of disability or learning difficulty without compromising the achievement of
the assessment criteria.
The NOCN Centre Recognition process requires policy statements on Equal Opportunities and
Diversity and Disability Discrimination. These policy statements are then checked and
confirmed through the Quality Review and Risk Assessment processes.
9
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
3.
Achieving the qualifications
Rules of Combination
In order to achieve the NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF), the learner must
achieve:

7 credits
These credits can be achieved by the award of any of the following Level 1 units.
Unit Title
Level
Credit
Value
Ofqual Unit
Reference
Understanding the business of retail
1
1
A/502/5756
Understanding customer service in the retail sector
1
2
T/502/5819
Understanding how a retail business maintains health,
safety and security on its premises
Understanding the retail selling process
1
2
M/502/5804
1
2
T/502/5805
Understanding how individuals and teams contribute to
the effectiveness of a retail business
Understanding the control, handling and replenishment
of stock in a retail business
1
2
R/502/5780
1
2
J/502/5808
In order to achieve the NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF), the learner
must achieve:



13 credits in total
11 credits must come from Mandatory Group A
2 credits must come from Mandatory Group B
Mandatory Group A
Unit Title
Level
Understanding the business of retail
1
Credit
Value
1
Understanding customer service in the retail sector
1
2
T/502/5819
Understanding how a retail business maintains health,
safety and security on its premises
Understanding the retail selling process
1
2
M/502/5804
1
2
T/502/5805
Understanding the control, handling and replenishment
of stock in a retail business
Understanding how individuals and teams contribute to
the effectiveness of a retail business
1
2
J/502/5808
1
2
R/502/5780
10
Ofqual Unit
Reference
A/502/5756
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
Mandatory Group B
Unit Title
Level
Understanding retail consumer law
2
Credit
Value
2
Ofqual Unit
Reference
D/502/5801
Understanding the handling of customer payments in
a retail business
Being responsible for other people’s money
2
2
H/502/5797
1
1
F/501/5827
Planning an enterprise activity
1
1
F/501/5942
Running an enterprise activity
1
1
F/501/5939
Achievement Methodology
The NOCN qualifications in Retail Knowledge will be awarded to learners who successfully
achieve an approved combination of units as specified in the rules of combination.
Assessment methodologies should take into account ‘business as usual’ practices found in retail
businesses, adapted for learners not already in work, to include the use of simulation where
appropriate.
The Centres, in accordance with the NOCN Assessment Definitions Document and any relevant
Skillsmart Retail assessment requirements, will design assessment for each unit. Learners will
produce portfolios containing evidence of assessments that will be set, approved and marked by
the Centre. They will then be internally verified by a nominated individual (who is not the
assessor). Finally, they will be externally verified by an NOCN External Verifier or other
authorised representative of NOCN.
Rules of Combination Statement
Please note that in the following qualifications the Rules of Combination would allow a
qualification certificate for a smaller size qualification to be generated at the point when the
mandatory units have been achieved when a learner is working towards a larger sized
qualification. If the learner is only aiming to achieve the larger sized qualification centres should
only submit the Recommendation for Award of Credit form to the Awarding Organisation at the
point at which they wish the learner to be certificated.
Achieve mandatory units of:
Possible to achieve:
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail
Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge
(QCF)
11
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
4.
The qualification units
Please click on the hyperlinks below to access the units from the NOCN website.
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Unit
Code
BA3/1/QQ/006
Ofqual Unit
Code
T/502/5819
BC3/1/QQ/004
M/502/5804
BC3/1/QQ/003
R/502/5780
BC3/1/QQ/001
A/502/5756
ZN2/1/QQ/001
J/502/5808
BC3/1/QQ/002
T/502/5805
Unit Title
Understanding Customer Service in the Retail
Sector
Understanding How a Retail Business Maintains
Health, Safety and Security on its Premises
Understanding How Individuals and Teams
Contribute to the Effectiveness of a Retail Business
Understanding the business of retail
Understanding the Control, Handling and
Replenishment of Stock in a Retail Business
Understanding the retail selling process
Mandatory or
Optional
Optional
Credit
Value
2
Level
NOCN ID
Sector
L1
CAO743
15.4
Optional
2
L1
CAO745
7.1
Optional
2
L1
CAO744
7.1
Optional
1
L1
CAM251
7.1
Optional
2
L1
CAO746
7.2
Optional
2
L1
CAM252
7.1
Mandatory or
Optional
Mandatory
Mandatory
Credit
Value
1
2
Level
NOCN ID
Sector
L1
L1
CAM251
CAO743
7.1
15.4
Mandatory
2
L1
CAO745
7.1
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Unit
Code
BC3/1/QQ/001
BA3/1/QQ/006
Ofqual Unit
Code
A/502/5756
T/502/5819
BC3/1/QQ/004
M/502/5804
Unit Title
Understanding the business of retail
Understanding Customer Service in the Retail
Sector
Understanding How a Retail Business Maintains
Health, Safety and Security on its Premises
12
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
BC3/1/QQ/003
R/502/5780
ZN2/1/QQ/001
J/502/5808
BC3/1/QQ/002
AF2/1/QQ/007
T/502/5805
F/501/5827
AF2/1/QQ/008
AF2/1/QQ/009
BC3/2/QQ/011
F/501/5942
F/501/5939
H/502/5797
BC8/2/QQ/001
D/502/5801
Understanding How Individuals and Teams
Contribute to the Effectiveness of a Retail Business
Understanding the Control, Handling and
Replenishment of Stock in a Retail Business
Understanding the retail selling process
Being Responsible for Other People’s Money
Mandatory
2
L1
CAO744
7.1
Mandatory
2
L1
CAO746
7.2
Mandatory
Optional
2
1
L1
L1
CAM252
CAO740
7.1
15.3
Planning an Enterprise Activity
Running an Enterprise Activity
Understand the Handling of Customer Payments in
a Retail Business
Understanding Retail Consumer Law
Optional
Optional
Optional
1
1
2
L1
L1
L2
CAO741
CAO742
CAO766
15.3
15.3
7.1
Optional
2
L2
CAO760
7.1
The assessment activities for the units are indicated in the Assessment Information Grid on the individual units.
An explanation of the kind of activity, assessment and evidence expected at the appropriate level is given below and on the following pages.
13
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
Assessing Learning – Descriptors
Assessment Activity
1.
Case Studies
Consideration of a particular, relevant situation or example, selected by the tutor or by learners,
which enables learners to apply knowledge to specific situations. May be used as a collective /
group activity and discussed in a group of learners or by an individual learner. Or may be used
with individual learners as a written activity through case study materials and learner responses.
The learning may be assessed by:
 Tutor observation
 Class discussion
 One to one
 Group tutorial discussion
Evidence could include:
 Tutor record of observation
 Learner notes
 Summary of class discussion
 Tutorial notes
 Audio/video/photographic record
Activity
Level Case studies should be limited in range,
1
familiar and require a narrow range of
knowledge. Discussion should be
structured and involve a limited degree of
judgement (group or one-to-one).
Written work should be structured and
involve a limited degree of judgement.
2.
Assessment
Assessment
through tutor
observation,
discussion or
tutor
assessment of
written work.
Evidence
Evidence could be;
tutor record of
observation, summary
of discussion, learner
notes, audio / video /
photographic record or
written work.
Oral Question and Answer
Specific, open or closed questions for immediate response. Can range from quite formal
questions, for example, an oral test, to a quick, fun way of finding out where learners are up to,
for example, a quiz. Allows response and questioning from learners and immediate feedback
from tutor.
The learning may be assessed through:
 Responses by both tutor and individual learners.
Evidence could include:
14
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)



Tutor record/notes
Learner notes or log
Audio / video record
Activity
Level Process should be informal and should
1
include both open and closed questions
covering a narrow range of knowledge.
Learners should be encouraged by the use
of supplementary questions.
3.
Assessment
Assessment by
tutor.
Evidence
Evidence could be;
tutor record / notes
or audio / video
record.
Written Question and Answer / Test / Exam
Specific, open and closed questions for immediate response. Can range from formal exams
and tests, to a quick, fun way of finding out where learners are up to, for example, a quiz.
Allows response and questioning from learners and feedback from tutor.
The learning may be assessed through:
 Responses by individual learners.
 May make use of on-line assessment.
Evidence could include:
 Written questions
 Learner responses
 Tutor feedback
Activity
Level Process should be informal and non1
threatening. Questions should
encourage learners to make use of
knowledge rather than just testing recall.
4.
Assessment
Assessment by tutor
or external marker
(for exams / tests).
Evidence
Evidence could
be; written
responses.
Report
A record of an activity and / or a summary of research which presents information in a
structured way. Does not include opinion, but may include analysis or evaluation. May be
presented in written or oral form.
The learning may be assessed by:
 Tutor for written report.
 Tutor and / or peers for oral presentation of report.
15
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
Evidence could include:
 Written report with tutor feedback
 Notes for oral presentation with tutor and / or peer feedback.
Activity
Level Report could be presented orally or in
1
written format. Oral presentation should be
informal. Information used in the report
should be readily available and activities
should be in familiar contexts. Learners
should be clear on the expected structure
and criteria for the report and given support
on planning and presentation.
5.
Assessment
Assessment
by tutor.
Evidence
Evidence could be; a
written report with
tutor feedback or
learner notes of oral
presentation with
tutor feedback.
Project
A specific task involving private study and research for individuals or groups. Normally involves
selection of a topic, planning, finding information and presenting results orally or in writing.
The learning may be assessed by:
 Tutor, learner or peers, during and at the end of process through discussion and
observation.
Evidence could include:
 Notes, plans, record of project process.
 Tutor record.
 Peer records.
 Learner log.
 Audio / video / photographic record.
16
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
Activity
Level Task should be selected with
1
support from tutor to allow the
demonstration of knowledge and
skills in a range of predictable,
structured and familiar contexts.
6.
Assessment
Assessment through
tutor observation
and questioning
during at the end of
the process.
Evidence
Evidence could be; tutor
record, learner notes,
plans, reports, learner log
or audio / video /
photographic record.
Production of artefact
Production of a relevant artefact selected by the tutor or by learners, which enables learners to
demonstrate skills and to apply knowledge.
The learning may be assessed by:
 Tutor / peer observation.
 One to one tutorial.
 Discussion.
 Self-assessment.
Evidence could include:
 Tutor record of observation.
 Learner notes.
 Tutor lesson plan.
 Tutorial notes.
 Audio / video / photographic record.
 Learner log.
 Completed artefact.
Activity
Level Artefact should be selected with
1
support from tutor to allow the
demonstration of skills and apply
knowledge in a range of
predictable, structured and familiar
contexts.
Assessment
Assessment through
tutor, peer observation,
one to one tutorial,
discussion, selfassessment and
questioning during and
at end of process.
17
Evidence
Evidence could be,
tutor record, learner
notes, plans,
reports, learner log,
audio / video /
photographic record
and completed
artefact.
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
7.
Role Play / Simulation
Use of a situation selected by the tutor or by learners, to enable learners to practice and apply
skills and to explore attitudes.
The learning may be assessed by:
 Tutor / peer observation.
 One to one tutorial.
 Discussion.
 Self-assessment.
Evidence could include:
 Tutor record of observation.
 Learner notes.
 Tutor lesson plan.
 Tutorial notes.
 Audio / video / photographic record.
 Learner log.
Activity
Level Role-plays should be limited in
1
range, be familiar and require
a narrow range of skills. Roleplays should be structured and
involve limited degree of
learner choice.
8.
Assessment
Assessment through,
tutor / peer observation,
one to one tutorial,
discussion and selfassessment.
Evidence
Evidence could be; tutor
record of observation,
learner notes, tutor
lesson plan, tutorial
notes, audio / video /
photographic record or
learner log.
Written Description
Consideration of a particular subject, situation or example selected by the tutor or by learners,
which enables learners to apply knowledge to specific situations and to present them in written
format.
The learning may be assessed by:
 Tutor.
 One to one tutorial.
 Discussion.
18
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
Evidence could include:
 Tutor record of observation.
 Learner notes.
 Tutorial notes.
 Completed report.
 Charts.
 Plans.
Activity
Level Subjects should be limited in range,
1
be familiar and require a narrow
range of knowledge. Written work
should be structured and involve
limited degree of judgement.
9.
Assessment
Assessment
through tutor
assessment and
discussion.
Evidence
Evidence could be; tutor
record of observation,
summary of discussion
and feedback or
completed work.
Practical Demonstration
A practical demonstration of a skill/situation selected by the tutor or by learners, to enable
learners to practise and apply skills and knowledge.
The learning may be assessed by:
 Tutor.
 Peer observation.
 One to one tutorial.
 Discussion.
 Self-assessment.
Evidence could include:
 Tutor record of observation.
 Learner notes.
 Tutor lesson plan.
 Tutorial notes.
 Audio / video / photographic record.
 Learner log.
Activity
Level Practical demonstrations
1
should be limited in range,
be familiar and require a
narrow range of skills and
knowledge.
Assessment
Assessment through tutor
/ peer observation, one to
one tutorial, discussion
and self-assessment.
10. Group Discussion
19
Evidence
Evidence could include
tutor record of observation,
learner notes, tutor lesson
plan, tutorial notes, audio /
video / photographic record
and learner log.
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
Discussion of a topic or situation selected by the tutor or by learners, to enable learners to share
knowledge and thoughts and to assess their learning.
The learning may be assessed by:
 Tutor.
 Peer observation.
 One to one tutorial.
 Discussion.
 Self-assessment.
Evidence could include:
 Tutor record of observation.
 Learner notes.
 Tutor lesson plan.
 Tutorial notes.
 Audio/video/photographic record.
 Learner log.
Activity
Level Discussions should be limited in
1
range, cover topics that are
familiar to the learner. These
should require a narrow range
of skills. The discussion should
be structured and involve a
limited degree of learner choice.
Assessment
Assessment through
tutor, peer
observation, one to
one tutorial
discussion and selfassessment.
20
Evidence
Evidence could include;
tutor record of
observation, learner
notes, tutor lesson plan,
tutorial notes, audio /
video record and learner
log.
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
5.
How the qualifications are assessed
The qualifications require achievement of the specified units with no further requirements for
additional/summative assessment. Achievement is therefore determined by successful
completion of unit assessment. The assessment process is as follows:




Assessments are internally set at the Centre by assessors, against the requirements
detailed in the assessment criteria of the unit
The learners are assessed internally at the Centre, using the assessments set
The resulting portfolios of assessed evidence are internally verified by an internal verifier
at the Centre
The portfolios of assessed evidence are externally verified by an external verifier
appointed by NOCN.
5.1 Unit Assessment
Achievement of units is through internally set, internally marked, internally verified and
externally verified tasks, as detailed above. Centres devise assessment activities to meet the
specified assessment criteria detailed in each unit, guided by the Assessment Information Grid
which accompanies each unit and the NOCN Assessment Definitions Document. The activity or
activities set must enable the learners to meet the standards detailed in the assessment criteria.
Centre devised assessments should be scrutinised by the internal verifier before use to ensure
that they are fit for purpose. Centre devised assessments will be scrutinised by the external
verifier to ensure reliability and validity of assessment.
5.2 Assessment Information Grid
Each unit has a supplementary page with an Assessment Information Grid. The Assessment
Information Grid gives recognised methods of assessment for NOCN units. If a method is
marked ‘P’ (Prescribed), that method must be used in the assessment of the unit. Methods
marked ‘O’ (Optional) are recommended methods and you will select the activity or activities
most appropriate for your learners and context. Some units will have a combination of
Prescribed and Optional methods. Assessors must always refer to this Grid before devising
assessment tasks. NOCN also provides Assessment Definitions for a wide range of
assessment activities. This grid includes a general description of the activity and, for each level
(Entry to Level 3), details on how that method can be applied and what evidence is appropriate.
5.3 Marking Tasks
Each task must be marked against the identified assessment criteria in the unit and judged to be
either achieved or not achieved. Where a series of tasks is set, learners must demonstrate the
achievement of the required standard identified in the assessment criteria in all tasks in order to
achieve the unit credit. All of the assessment criteria in a unit must be met before the unit is
21
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
deemed achieved. The unit achievement is not banded or graded; units are either achieved or
not achieved.
5.4 Recording Achievement
You must record each learner’s performance in each unit on an appropriate form or forms. The
form/s should record the learner’s performance against the unit assessment criteria evidenced
by the task.
5.5 Standardisation
Centres will be required to provide samples of assessment tasks for NOCN and standardisation
activity.
22
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
6.
Offering the qualification
Recognised Centres
If you are already recognised to offer NOCN qualifications and would like more information
contact: business-enquiries@nocn.org.uk.
If you are ready to add the qualification to your curriculum offer, please log in to the NOCN
website, under Centres/Processes and Documents, and complete the ‘Additional Qualification
Approval Request Form,’ which can then be returned to business-enquiries@nocn.org.uk for the
attention of your Account and Sector Manager.
New Centres
If you are interested in offering NOCN qualifications but not currently working with NOCN, you
will need to be recognised as an NOCN approved centre. This process includes:
 Confirmation that your organisation has an adequate infrastructure in place to support the
effective delivery of NOCN qualifications
 An agreement signed by the principal authority in the organisation confirming adherence
to the specified terms and conditions. This safeguards the quality assurance standards,
in relation the delivery and assessment process.
If you would like more information about becoming an NOCN centre and offering this
qualification please see ‘New centres’ under the ‘Centres’ section on our website
www.nocn.org.uk or contact compliance@nocn.org.uk.
23
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF)
7.
Quality Assurance and National Standardisation
7.1 General Information
All Centres wishing to deliver the qualification, or units of the qualification, will need to
demonstrate the ability to manage and deliver the units and/or the qualification, including
adherence to quality assurance and assessment regulations.
NOCN will provide guidance and give support in enabling you to use the qualification.
The NOCN standard quality assurance arrangements and requirements include:



Internal verification
External verification
Standardisation.
Details and guidance are provided by NOCN.
7.2 Standardisation
Standardisation is a process that promotes consistency in the understanding and application of
standards, as it:




establishes statements on the standard of evidence required to meet the assessment
criteria for the units in NOCN qualifications
makes recommendations on assessment practice
produces advice and guidance for the assessment of units
identifies good practice in assessment.
It is a requirement of the Centre Recognition Process that each Centre offering the units from
the qualification must contribute assessment materials and learners’ evidence for NOCN
standardisation if requested.
NOCN will notify Centres of the required sample for standardisation purposes. Assessment
materials, learners’ evidence and tutor feedback will be collected by External Verifiers on behalf
of NOCN.
Outcomes from standardisation will be available to Centres through NOCN.
24
NOCN Level 1 Award in Retail
Knowledge (QCF)
NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Retail
Knowledge (QCF)
Operational start date: 01/04/2012
NOCN
The Quadrant
Parkway Business Centre
99 Parkway Avenue
Sheffield
S9 4WG
Tel. 0114 2270500
Fax. 0114 2270501
Email: nocn@nocn.org.uk
Web: www.nocn.org.uk
© NOCN 2013