Prior learning

An important principle of the National Qualifications Framework is that skills, knowledge and understanding gained outside formal education or training will be recognised.

Sources of evidence

Assessment for credit on the Qualifications Framework involves the collection of evidence of what learners know, understand and can do. That evidence is then judged against criteria expressed in unit standards.

Framework assessment is about achieving standards rather than performance in a set task or over a whole course, so evidence can be collected from a variety of sources. This will depend on the requirements of the unit standard, the situation of the assessor and the circumstances of the learner. Some evidence will come from formal tests and tasks; some will come from ongoing work or learning activities; some will come from outside a formal learning or work environment.

Some learners are assessed on the basis of attested prior performance, using evidence they bring with them from previous jobs for example. Others are assessed on the spot without completing a course of learning.

Many are assessed by a combination of the two: evidence the learner brings with them is taken into account but further assessment tasks are needed to cover all the skills and knowledge required. Some learners have to undertake further learning and assessment in order to complete a qualification.

Qualifications Framework assessors judge all evidence against unit standards, regardless of where the evidence came from.

What about cross credits from other qualifications?

Learners who are seeking a unit standards based Framework qualification may believe that all or part of their existing qualifications should count towards Framework qualifications. Providers can award some Framework credits on the basis of existing qualifications if they are certain that unit standard requirements have been met.

Who assesses prior learning?

The same organisations and assessors which are accredited to assess within learning programmes or in the workplace can assess prior learning.

Summary

• Framework credits are awarded when achievements meet national standards, regardless of the source of evidence of those achievements.
• People who already have skills and knowledge can be assessed immediately by
  • presenting evidence of prior performance
  • completing assessment tasks.
• Course completion is not required.
• Many workers can be assessed by completing regular on-job tasks.
• Accredited providers and registered workplace assessors assess prior learning against the same standards and within the same moderation systems that are used within education and training programmes.
• Assessment of prior learning provides qualifications credits where no previous credits exist.

Further reading

Learning and Assessment: a guide to assessment for the National Qualifications Framework (NZQA 1996), a booklet written for assessors working within learning institutions. The general approach to assessment is applicable also to workplace assessment. Download now in PDF .