Set out below are two examples of assessment tools. The first one is designed for the assessment of competency in a practical skill. The second is designed for an RPL (recognition of prior learning) assessment.

Both of these assessment tools would have separate assessment plans (set out like the sample plan in the last chapter). The assessment plans have not been included in the following examples, because they do not form part of the actual documentation used to record information and evidence of competence.

As discussed previously, the assessment plan is more of a background document that defines the objectives and provides the details needed to organise the assessment events. However, it can be incorporated as a header document into the overall assessment tool if needed.

Example 1: Assessment tool for a trade skill

Note that in the Summary of evidence link below, there is space to record the results for the various 'assessment instruments' that have been used in throughout the assessment process.

The classroom exercises and assignments would all be separate attachments, so they are not included in this sample document - however, in a completed assessment tool they would be attached and submitted to the RTO's administration officer as part of the consolidated file.

MSFFL2004: Moisture test timber and concrete floors

Example 2: RPL assessment

Now let's look at a tool designed specifically for assessing RPL (recognition of prior learning) evidence. As we discussed earlier, the purpose of an RPL assessment is to evaluate the pre-existing evidence that a person presents to demonstrate their competency.

In this example, the assessment tool includes a set of questions that the candidate must answer in relation to a portfolio of documentary evidence. The questions are designed to establish the authenticity of the documents presented and test the candidate's underpinning knowledge.

The final design that you choose for an RPL tool will depend on the skills being assessed and the types of documents the candidate is likely to have available to them. Remember, RPL evidence can take a wide variety of forms, depending on the candidate's background. So your assessment tool needs to be flexible enough to cope with all valid types of evidence that might be presented.

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