To address concerns, TPQI’s proposed priority action is to review existing manuals, guidelines and criteria for the development of competency standards and assessment tools.
3.1.2 Assessment centre accreditation, and renewal and audit of accreditation
This activity is the responsibility of the Bureau of Accreditation and Auditing (BAA).
NZQA’s observation
Assessment Centre certification, renewal and audit processes are based on TPQI’s Rules and Regulations on Criteria, Method and Conditions in Granting Certification of Assessment Centres.
The Regulation outlines seven (7) criteria:
• scope of occupations to be accredited
• examination plan
• capabilities in the examination procedure
• capabilities in the level of the examination
• capabilities of involved personnel
• readiness of the examination site
• readiness of relevant examination equipment and tools.
BAA processes are strongly aligned with the relevant ISO standards for the BAA’s function and that for the operation of the Assessment Centres as Certification Bodies .
TPQI’s Assessor team consists of two BAA Accreditation officers and relevant technical experts. All TPQI assessors and technical experts are trained in “assessment technique ” through the Office of National Accreditation Council.
The BAA Accreditation Officers have primary accountability for Assessment Centre accreditations, and renewal and audit of accreditation. They also have overall responsibility for the assessment process, including the training of examiners/assessors. Occupational standard assessment and reporting results to TPQI is the responsibility of the certified Assessment Centre. Assessment Centre examiners are required to use the centrally developed assessment tools.
At this stage, examiners are still not required to hold specific assessor units of competency and/or qualifications. TPQI has no assessor units of competency or qualifications under development or planned. NZQA has previously noted that certificating examiners would support the goals that TPQI has been founded to achieve.
As part of an annual (may be more frequent as required) surveillance audit, Accreditation Officers also visit certified Assessment Centres to observe the examination process. The BAA observation visit focuses on monitoring the organisation and conduct of the examination process. This includes:
• that the examination station is as outlined in the occupation standard assessment tool, and the examination procedure is conducted as prescribed;
• examination personnel management, ie examination personnel are conducting fair and valid assessments, and demonstrate the required level of competence;
• pre- and post- examination procedures are followed;
• records management.
Observation visits are carried out until there is confidence in the Assessment Centre’s competence in conducting the examination.