Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do if the candidate's answer is quite different from the one provided as a sample (but is not wrong)?
Accept it if it is correct for that site or operation as long as it reflects the P.C. outcomes and unit level. The assessor must make a note on the assessment material and should contact the relevant National Moderator if unsure.
>> Top of Page
If an assessor carries out an oral assessment, how do they capture sufficient candidate response without writing down everything the candidate says - ie what is the minimum requirement for recording oral responses?
A summary of the key/critical points is acceptable, particularly at levels 2 and 3. The assessment materials are designed to allow enough room for a standard answer. You may use an attached sheet or the back of the assessment document if required. Always refer to other naturally occurring evidence if it is available and clearly the work of the candidate eg workplace records/completed forms/reports and correspondence.
>> Top of Page
What does the assessor do if the candidate does not understand the question the way it is asked in the assessment document?
The assessor should use their own experience and rephrase the question using language the candidate will understand. The assessor should be careful to avoid slipping into training mode in this situation. Avoid using leading questions or prompting. Note: FITEC requires all assessors to have experience and qualifications above the level of the units they assess, ensuring that all assessors have enough knowledge and experience to do this.
>> Top of Page
How can an assessor be sure that the assessment document they are using is the latest issue?
Whatever is on the FITEC web services site is always the latest issue - https://member.fitec.org.nz/ .
>> Top of Page
Can a FITEC assessor use their own assessment document to assess a candidate?
No. Only pre-approved and moderated assessment documents may be used by FITEC registered assessors. This is agreed to when an assessor becomes registered.
>> Top of Page
What does an assessor do if there is a prerequisite that says something like "or equivalent knowledge and skills"?
They must make sure that sufficient evidence is available in support of the decision to proceed with the assessment. For example, this will usually be another unit standard or qualification held by the candidate. In most cases FITEC assessors will assess the candidate for the prerequisite unit as this is the easiest way of ensuring this requirement is always met.
>> Top of Page
What does the assessor do if the required resources for all of the assessment are not available?
Do not start the assessment. Assessment can only be undertaken where the equipment, resources and environment reflect current industry "real situations". This is why preparation for assessment is so important. Click here to see pre-assessment briefing checklist .
>> Top of Page
How can an assessor be sure a candidate is ready for assessment?
FITEC's pre-assessment briefing checklist is a good tool for determining candidate preparedness. Assessment should not proceed until the assessor is sure the candidate has been fully prepared.
>> Top of Page
Can an assessor use open book assessment?
FITEC excludes the use of training material in the assessment process as this only provides evidence that a candidate is able to source and record relevant information. In some cases the FITEC assessment document expressly allows the use of reference material, standard operating procedures, or codes of practice etc that the candidate would have access to as part of carrying out a task being assessed on a typical workday. Always check the FITEC assessment documentation for this information when preparing for an assessment.
>> Top of Page
What are the criteria for being able to have an additional unit added to my assessor scope?
The assessor must hold unit standards at least one level above that which they are assessing and have industry experience. In cases where unit standards are not held FITEC will consider "equivalent knowledge and skills" which will include, but are not limited to, holding non-unit standard based qualifications and having current or previous employment in a role that requires skills and knowledge in the same subject matter at a level higher than the unit standards they are assessing against.
>> Top of Page
How can an assessor get an indication of how much evidence is required for units being assessed at different levels?
All assessors must refer to the approved FITEC assessment schedule which provides guidance (including examples). The NZQA Level Descriptors are a key guide for assessors, these align levels to candidate evidence requirements. Click here to access the Level Descriptors on NZQA's website.
>> Top of Page
How long should an assessor keep completed assessment documents?
At least 18 months for moderation purposes. FITEC may request samples for specific candidates who have been assessed within this period.
>> Top of Page
What can a candidate do if they feel they have been unfairly treated during the assessment process?
They can try to have it resolved by first talking to the assessor directly, failing that, to their manager or, failing that, fill out an appeal form and send it to the FITEC Programme Quality Manager . This form can be obtained from the assessor or by clicking here .
>> Top of Page
