MODERATOR COURSE

Unit 1: Demonstrate understanding of moderation within the context of an outcomes-based assessment system

• Moderation is explained in terms of its contribution to quality-assured assessment and recognition systems within the context of principles and regulations concerning the NQF. 
• A variety of moderation methods are described and compared in terms of strengths, weaknesses and applications. The descriptions show how moderation is intended to uphold the need for manageable, credible and reliable assessments. 
• Key principles of assessment are described in terms of their importance and effect on the assessment and the application of the assessment results. Examples are provided to show how moderation may be effective in ensuring the principles of assessment are upheld. 
• Examples are provided to show how moderation activities could verify the fairness and appropriateness of assessment methods and activities used by assessors in different assessment situations.

Unit 2: Plan and prepare for moderation

• Planning and preparation activities are aligned with moderation system requirements. 
• The scope of the moderation is confirmed with relevant parties.
• Planning of the extent of moderation and methods of moderation ensures the manageability of the process. Planning makes provision for sufficient moderation evidence to enable a reliable judgement to be passed on the assessments under review. 
• The contexts of the assessments under review are clarified with the assessors or assessment agency, and special needs are taken into consideration in the moderation planning. 
• Moderation methods and processes are sufficient to deal with all common forms of evidence for the assessments to be moderated, including evidence gathered for recognition of prior learning.
• The documentation is prepared in line with the moderation system requirements and in such a way as to ensure moderation decisions are documented.
• Required physical and human resources are ensured to be ready and available for use. Logistical arrangements are confirmed with relevant role-players before the moderation. 

Unit 3: Conduct moderation

• The moderation is conducted following the moderation plan. Unforeseen events are handled without compromising the validity of the moderation. 
• The assessment instruments and process are checked and judged in terms of the extent to which the principles of good assessment are upheld. 
• Moderation confirms that the special needs of candidates have been provided for but without compromising the requirements specified in the relevant outcome statements.
• The proportion of assessments selected for checking meets the quality assurance body’s requirements for consistency and reliability. The use of time and resources is justified by the assessment history or record of the assessors and/or assessment agency under consideration. 
• Appeals against assessment decisions are handled following organisational appeal procedures. 
• The moderation decision is consistent with the quality assurance body’s requirements for fairness, validity and reliability of assessments to be achieved. 

Unit 4: Advise and support assessors

• The nature and quality of advice facilitates a common understanding of the relevant outcomes criteria and issues related to their assessment by assessors. 
• The nature and quality of advice promote assessment following good assessment principles and enhance the development and maintenance of quality management systems in line with ETQA requirements. 
• The support contributes towards the further development of assessors as needed. 
• All communications are conducted following relevant confidentiality requirements. 

Unit 5: Report, record and administer moderation

• Moderation findings are reported to designated role-players within agreed time-frames and according to the quality assurance body’s requirements for format and content. 
• Records are maintained following organisational quality assurance and ETQA requirements. 
• Confidentiality of information relating to candidates and assessors is preserved following organisational quality assurance and ETQA requirements. 

Unit 6: Review moderation systems and processes

• Strengths and weaknesses of moderation systems and processes are identified in terms of their manageability and effectiveness in facilitating judgements on the quality and validity of assessment decisions.
• Recommendations contribute towards the improvement of moderation systems and processes in line with ETQA requirements and overall manageability. 
• The review enhances the credibility and integrity of the recognition system.