Types of Assessment Available

Competency- Based Assessment
Competency-based assessment is the process of gathering evidence and making judgements about whether the standards specified have been met and whether the evidence is sufficient to indicate competence. In competency based assessment, skills and knowledge are assessed against specific criteria as set out in the competency standards within each unit of an AQF qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of prior learning is the process of recognising the competencies obtained by an individual through previous or current training, work experience and/or life experience.

Recognition of Current Competency (RCC)
Recognition of current competency means that in addition to RPL, the assessor must be confident that the candidate is currently competent against the endorsed industry or enterprise competency standards or outcomes specified in Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) accredited courses.

Assessments for RPL with RCC
Assessments for RPL and RCC rely on the same process for conducting assessments as other forms of assessment, but there is a greater reliance on indirect or supplementary forms of evidence, for example, portfolio of evidence of previous achievements, qualifications and references from people who are familiar with the person(s) being assessed. The assessor is guided by the Assessment and Workplace Training competency standards. In the case of RCC/RPL assessments, the assessor builds in the assessment verification procedures to ensure that the evidence collected and presented is authentic and current.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy Considerations (LL&N)
Candidates may have limited skills in language, literacy and numeracy for a variety of reasons.

There are a number of methods that Heron Assess may use to make adjustments to the assessment process to allow for the LL&N needs of candidates without loss of integrity of the assessment. These include:

• Providing an Interpreter
• Writing material in plain English
• Reading written material to the participant
• Providing a scribe for participants who cannot write
• Using signs, pictures and graphics
• Interviewing supervisors about their work
• Asking participants to demonstrate their skills on the job

Evidence
In a competency-based system, evidence is something which supports the candidate’s claim of competency or their having achieved a competency standard, a learning outcome or performance outcome. When collecting evidence regarding a candidate’s competency, you must ensure that the evidence you obtain is valid, sufficient, current and authentic.

Readiness For Assessment
The assessor needs to make a decision about whether or not a candidate has the trade background experience, knowledge and skill to enter into an assessment process. Therefore, Heron Assess requires preliminary documentation to be forwarded for assessment of a candidate’s readiness.

Please note that overseas candidates must:

• Send English translated certified statements of all documentation
• Send a certified copy of their Identification Card, Passport or Visa

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fees and Charges
Fees and charges associated with all assessment processes, whether RPL/RCC or otherwise, are standard across all qualifications within our Scope of Registration.

AQF Assessment Fees
A standard rate of $1 per unit hour applies (plus GST if applicable). This covers worksite assessment, preparation and issue of an AQF Certificate and/or Statement of Attainment. For specific fees, please click on the “Fact Sheet” above for the qualification you seek.

The cost of additional assessors plus travel and accommodation, are additional to the above fees.

Payment Conditions  
The minimum deposit required at the time of application is the Assessment Fee stated for each qualification (see the Fact Sheet for the qualification you seek). Additional costs incurred (as listed in the Fact Sheets) must be paid prior to the commencement of the assessment process.

Payment Process  
An invoice will be issued to the candidate, agency or employer (as appropriate) and a receipt provided.

Heron Assess Refund Policy
Heron Assess does not refund the initial deposit