Assessment is based on the principles of competency based training. Performance of learners is assessed on their ability to perform the task(s) to industry standards. In order to ensure the principles of validity are upheld are variety of learning styles and a range of assessment strategies are used.

Assessment for each unit of competence will be through a combination of classroom based and work placement tasks. Classroom based assessment includes but is not limited to:

• Classroom exercises
• Assignments
• Practical demonstrations
• Group Activities
• Projects
• Verbal and/or written questions

Students are advised well in advance of assessment activities and a student may put forward for consideration any special needs they may have. The assessment criterion is documented in all modules, and workbooks. Dates of assessment are provided on the first day of class along with a timetable. Students may be assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and examinations. Continuous assessment may be based on competencies and marks, or a combination of both.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is available to anyone who has experience working in the industry.

RPL:

• provides an alternative pathway to achieving a qualification without course attendance
• is a consultative process between with the candidate and the assessor to determine whether the candidate has acquired the requisite learning, skills and knowledge to demonstrate that they have achieved the required learning outcomes or performance criteria of the course or qualification, for which the candidate is seeking
• identifies where appropriate additional learning experiences or training gaps are needed to achieve the course or qualification
• is the conduct of an assessment to confirm competency.

APSI has developed a process that promotes holistic and task-based assessment. It focuses on relating assessment activities to actual job tasks. The intention of this model is to streamline and simplify the process of recognising competency.

Prior to RPL, information is provided to the candidate on the assessment process. Specific advice is given to each candidate on how they can demonstrate their competence and what documentary evidence is required to support their application. Each industry has unique documents that can provide evidence of experience and competence.

The candidate is required to provide adequate information prior to, throughout and after a training and assessment experience. The assessor, in this process, needs to be fully aware of the needs of the candidate and help them identify relevant workplace personnel who can confirm the candidate’s competency.

The focus of the APSI streamlined holistic assessment process is to focus on demonstrated skills and knowledge and not to rely purely on documentary evidence as the main source of evidence.

Some examples of documentary evidence that can support the process include:

• licences such as First Aid, RSA
• CV or work history with details of job role and responsibilities
• previous qualifications from overseas and Australia
• certificates and records of results or assessments completed with other RTO’s
• photographs of work undertaken
• samples of related project work
• diaries of tasks performed
• task sheets/job sheets/logbooks
• site training records
• pay slips / employment contracts / job descriptions
• memberships of relevant professional associations
• references/letters/third party reports from previous employers/supervisors
• industry awards
• performance appraisals

An RPL application kit can be obtained from APSI.

This program is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) at Certificate IV level. As a registered training organisation, qualifications issued by APS Institute are nationally recognised. If all units of competency are not achieved a Statement of Attainment will be issued for the units that have been successfully completed.

Upon completion of Certificate IV, students can continue to study Diploma of Business or Diploma of Leadership and Management