Conduct the Assessment Process PDA

Course code 92X1

What is special about this course?

This award is for assessors of non-workplace standards e.g. HNs or qualifications assessed during training courses or as part of off-the-job training.

The PDA has been developed for those who assess a wide variety of non-workplace settings, for example, teachers or lecturers involved in the delivery of Skills for Work (SfW) courses or National Progression Awards (NPAs). It is also used by training providers and Further Education (FE) centres offering: Higher National (HN) qualifications and PDAs; First Aid Certificates in a simulated environment; assessment of PC Passports in an open access centre; or assessing units in a classroom environment.

Special features

  • You will gain this unit by providing evidence of your competence as a practicing assessor
  • It is important that the assessment you carry out has a real purpose for the learner (e.g. to gain recognition and/or a qualification) and is not contrived simply for the purpose of gathering your own evidence, as an assessor-candidate, to meet the requirements of the unit

Entry requirements

  • Candidates must be occupationally competent in the area they are assessing, have a minimum of two years relevant work place experience and have access to assess two learners
  • Candidates must be working at a level above their learners

Year 1 - PDA

This Unit is for assessor-candidates who are assessing learners in a classroom or other off-job training environments, such as training centres and workshops.

Tasks will involve:

  • Agreeing assessment arrangements with candidates
  • Conducting assessment with candidates
  • Reviewing evidence and communicate assessment decisions to candidates
  • Contributing and conforming to internal quality assurance requirements

How will I study my course?

  • Part-time (structured)
  • You will study through supported online learning using the university's virtual learning environment (VLE)
  • The PDA is work-based with some self-study

How long will my course last?

  • Part-time (structured): 18 months maximum

Where can I study my course?

  • Moray
  • North, West and Hebrides

Start date

Fees

For information on costs for this course please contact the campus where you wish to study.

Funding

Students may be able to apply to the UHI Scholarship Fund.  For all the information and how to apply please use the following link Funding - Scholarships, Bursaries, Awards and Discretionary Funds - UHI Scholarship Fund.

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

Can I progress into further study?

  • If you wish to progress into a broader teaching/ training role, you may wish to continue onto the HNC in Learning and Development, which is suitable for those who will be assessing as an integral part of the training/teaching process.
  • To become a workplace learning and development practitioner, you may wish to progress onto the SVQ in Learning and Development SCQF Level 8 (formerly SVQ Level 3), which is suitable for trainers, facilitators, mentors, tutors, coaches, instructors or anyone with a training responsibility in addition to their main job
  • You may choose to go onto the SVQ in Learning and Development SCQF Level 9 (formerly SVQ Level 4). This is aimed at senior trainers, or training co-ordinators/managers who plan, deliver and evaluate programmes and/or have some management responsibility for others

Is there more information available online?

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Apply for Conduct the Assessment Process PDA

I want to start in Jan/Feb 2025 or Aug/Sep 2025 or Jan/Feb 2026

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.