Testimonials

"This is a fantastic resource for anyone who assesses in the workplace, and/or will be involved with the new apprenticeship programmes. There are so many changes in the post compulsory sector, and this guide helps address the concerns that an assessor might have. It also gives lots of advice regarding planning, choosing appropriate methods, and assessing learners. There are lots of activities to self assess your understanding, and the index quickly helps you to locate relevant topics. Although I also publish text books for assessors, I'm happy to recommend this one by Hilary. It's clearly aimed at vocational assessors and is written in an accessible language to help anyone new, as well as existing assessors."
Ann Gravells, author and trainer, Ann Gravells Ltd.
"An excellent resource which presents information in a current and structured format that is easy to follow. The methods of presentation appeal to a range of learning styles. I particularly like the activities, and the sub-headings provide neat, bite-size portions of learning…an invaluable point of reference."
Gillian Edwards, assessor trainer

The best assessor’s guide: second edition (apprenticeships)

£30.00 £20.00

Overview

The second edition of this best-selling handbook is for everyone with responsibility for vocational assessment, whether new to the role, an experienced assessor or responsible for training assessors.

Completely revised and updated to reflect recent changes in assessment practice, this guide explains the role of the assessor in apprenticeships (England), how to approach the different stages of assessment, and how to prepare learners for vocational qualifications. The guide contains help with:

  • Principles of assessment: the different types of assessment; the different roles of the assessor; becoming and assessor
  • Assessing standards and qualifications: who’s who; qualifications frameworks;
  • Planning and carrying out assessment: principles; reaching a robust decision; recording
  • Legal implications
  • Improving assessment practice
  • The assessment methods: observation; professional discussion (including panel interviews and vivas); work products (showcases); using others (witness testimony); projects and assignments; simulations, realistic work environments and testing.
The guide contains help with:
  • Principles of assessment: the different types of assessment; the different roles of the assessor; becoming an assessor
  • Assessing standards and qualifications: who’s who; qualifications frameworks;
  • Planning and carrying out assessment: principles; reaching a robust decision; recording
  • Legal implications
  • Improving assessment practice
  • The assessment methods: observation; professional discussion (including panel interviews and vivas); work products (showcases); using others (witness testimony); projects and assignments; simulations, realistic work environments and testing.

Here’s what one user says about this second edition of The best assessor’s guide:

I use all of Hilary’s publications on assessment and quality assurance and find they are a great source of reference. I think The best assessor’s guide (apprenticeships edition) is her bravest one yet. At a time when the industry struggles to manage and comprehend the changes we all face, this book goes straight to the core of good assessment practice. Clear links to the new terminology of apprenticeship standards, end point assessment, and the additional skills all assessors will need to develop. If you want to be ready for the new approach to apprenticeships and provide the highest levels of training, coaching and assessment support to your learners, then this is a must read. It will provide you with the detailed knowledge of all things apprenticeship-related, and provides a good basis of understanding for the Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) and those bodies responsible for its regulation.

Joey Greenwood, Team Smart.