Terminology

Accreditation of prior learning (APL) (+/-)

The assessment and accreditation of existing learning, knowledge, skills and achievements. APL can be used to exempt candidates from some of the requirements of their NVQ standards, as long as it reflects current ability.

Assessment (+/-)

Judgement of the quality of your evidence and work performance against the requirements of the national standards.

Assessment centre (+/-)

The V&A is an accredited assessment centre offering Cultural Heritage NVQs and general administration and management NVQs. We have our own in-house assessors and professional associates who carry out assessments.

Assessor (+/-)

Someone who evaluates the candidate's performance against the national NVQ standards and guides them through the NVQ programme at regular meetings.

Awarding Body (+/-)

An organisation approved by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority to provide NVQ programmes and award certificates. The V&A's awarding body is Education Development International (EDI plc).

Candidate (+/-)

Someone working on an NVQ who is registered by the assessment centre equivalent of a student in a college.

Competence (+/-)

Proven ability to meet the national standards for your work.

External Verifier (+/-)

Someone who quality assures the assessment procedures and ensures that they meet the national standards. The external verifier is appointed by the awarding body and is responsible for checking the work of assessors and internal verifiers.

Internal Verifier (+/-)

Someone who quality assures the assessment procedures and ensures that they meet the national standards. The internal verifier is appointed by the candidate's assessment centre.

Observation (+/-)

It is necessary for the assessor to observe a candidate at work in order to generate an observation report for inclusion in their portfolio.

Portfolio (+/-)

A collection of evidence presented for assessment to establish a candidate's competence in their work. It may be possible to store information electonically.

Standard (+/-)

The basis for assessment of a candidate's evidence. This explains what has to be tested or assessed, not what needs to be studied.

Underpinning Knowledge (+/-)

What a candidate must know and be able to explain in order to do their job and to meet the requirements of the NVQ standards.

Unit (+/-)

The smallest part of an NVQ that can be assessed and for which a certificate can be awarded.

Witness Statement (+/-)

If a candidate has successfully completed a piece of work or contributed to a meeting or project they can ask a colleague or manager to write a witness statement to be included in the portfolio for assessment. Alternatively the assessor may interview the witness and record the discussion.