ASQA | Spotlight On assessment validation, 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
Clause 1.25 and Schedule 2 of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations outline these additional requirements.
Putting Clause 1.25 into practice
The following requirements for those planning to add TAE products or those already with TAE products on your scope are in addition to your obligations under clauses 1.9, 1.10 and 1.11.
Planning to add TAE products
If your provider is considering adding TAE products to your scope of registration:
- you need to demonstrate completion of an independent validation of the assessment processes for your current scope of registration, and of the tools and systems you plan to use for the TAE qualifications or assessor skill set.
Already have TAE products
If you already have TAE qualifications, or the assessor skill set on your scope of registration, then you:
- need to use independent validators when validating the assessment systems for those training products
- may use a non-independent validation team for all other products on your scope of registration.
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:
- current knowledge and skills in vocational teaching and learning
- the training and assessment qualification or assessor skill set at least to the level being validated.
It is important to keep records of how you selected your independent validator and how they meet the definition of independent.
Understanding the TAE product validation process
Any assessment validation of training and education (TAE) products needs to be conducted independently.
How do you assemble an independent team, and what are the requirements? Watch this short video to find out more.
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.
Questions?
Still have a question?
- Have a read of ASQA’s advice on applying for TAE training products
- Check out the Users’ guide to the Standards for RTOs 2015,
- or send through a question for consideration for our webinar via our website.
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.