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Services

Verification (external moderations) of learner assessments

Verification (external moderations) of learner assessments conducted by Skills Development Providers, leading to issuing of learner achievements, i.e., statement of results for skills programmes/sets or individual unit standards, and certificates of qualifications. The merSETA provides a verification service that includes external moderation of learner assessments. This service ensures that the assessments for various learning programs, such as learnerships, apprenticeships, and skills programs, meet the required standards and are conducted fairly and consistently.

Here are some key aspects of the service:

  1. External Moderation: This involves reviewing and verifying the assessments conducted by training providers to ensure they meet the required standards. Moderators check the evidence of learners’ work and issue moderation reports.
  2. Quality Assurance: The service ensures that the training and assessment processes are of high quality and comply with accreditation standards.
  3. Certification: After the moderation process, reports are submitted for processing, and learners are issued certificates or statements of results if they meet the required standards.
  4. Support and Guidance: merSETA provides support and guidance to skills development providers and assessment centers to help them implement learning programs effectively.

This service is crucial for maintaining the integrity and quality of vocational education and training in the manufacturing, engineering, and related services sectors.

Features

The merSETA verification service for external moderation of learner assessments has several key features, attributes, and criteria:

  1. External Moderation: Independent moderators review learner assessments to ensure they meet the required standards.
  2. Quality Assurance: Ensures that training and assessment processes are consistent and of high quality.
  3. Certification: Successful learners receive certificates or statements of results after the moderation process.
  4. Support and Guidance: Provides assistance to training providers to help them meet accreditation standards.
  5. Independence: Moderators are independent from the training providers to ensure unbiased assessment.
  6. Consistency: The process ensures that all assessments are conducted uniformly across different providers.
  7. Transparency: Clear guidelines and criteria are provided to training providers.
  8. Accountability: Moderators are accountable for their evaluations and must provide detailed reports.
  9. Accreditation: Training providers must be accredited by merSETA or another recognized ETQA (Education and Training Quality Assurance body).
  10. Compliance: Providers must comply with merSETA’s standards and guidelines for assessments.
  11. Documentation: Providers must maintain detailed records of learner assessments and evidence of learning.
  12. Feedback: Moderators provide feedback on the assessment process and highlight areas for improvement.

 
These elements ensure that the verification process is thorough, fair, and contributes to the overall quality of vocational education and training in the relevant sectors.

Service Benefits

The merSETA verification service for external moderation of learner assessments has several key features, attributes, and criteria:

  1. External Moderation: Independent moderators review learner assessments to ensure they meet the required standards.
  2. Quality Assurance: Ensures that training and assessment processes are consistent and of high quality.
  3. Certification: Successful learners receive certificates or statements of results after the moderation process.
  4. Support and Guidance: Provides assistance to training providers to help them meet accreditation standards.
  5. Independence: Moderators are independent from the training providers to ensure unbiased assessment.
  6. Consistency: The process ensures that all assessments are conducted uniformly across different providers.
  7. Transparency: Clear guidelines and criteria are provided to training providers.
  8. Accountability: Moderators are accountable for their evaluations and must provide detailed reports.
  9. Accreditation: Training providers must be accredited by merSETA or another recognized ETQA (Education and Training Quality Assurance body).
  10. Compliance: Providers must comply with merSETA’s standards and guidelines for assessments.
  11. Documentation: Providers must maintain detailed records of learner assessments and evidence of learning.
  12. Feedback: Moderators provide feedback on the assessment process and highlight areas for improvement.

 
These elements ensure that the verification process is thorough, fair, and contributes to the overall quality of vocational education and training in the relevant sectors.

FAQs

How can training providers prepare for external moderation?

Training providers should ensure that all assessments are conducted according to merSETA guidelines, maintain comprehensive records of assessments, and be ready to provide evidence of learner achievements.

Can training providers appeal the results of the external moderation?

Training providers have the right to appeal the results if they believe the moderation process was not conducted fairly or accurately.

Is participation in the verification process mandatory for training providers?

Yes, participation is mandatory for all training providers accredited by merSETA to ensure the integrity and credibility of the qualifications they offer.

What happens if discrepancies are found during the moderation?

If discrepancies are identified, the moderator will provide feedback and guidance to the training provider to rectify the issues. This may involve re-assessment or additional training for assessors.

How often does external moderation take place?

External moderation is typically scheduled annually or bi-annually, depending on the specific requirements of the qualification and the agreement with the training provider.

Who conducts the external moderation for merSETA?

External moderation is conducted by appointed moderators who are experts in their respective fields and are trained to evaluate the assessment process and outcomes against the set criteria.

What is the purpose of verification (external moderation) of learner assessments?

The purpose of verification is to ensure that the assessments of learners are conducted in line with the national standards. It serves to maintain the quality and integrity of the qualifications.