Purpose
This policy defines the systems, controls, and procedures implemented by the RTO to ensure that all assessment practices are systematically designed, implemented, monitored, and improved in accordance with the Outcome Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations 2025.
The RTO is committed to ensuring that all assessments:
- Produces valid, reliable, and defensible competency outcomes
- Meets the requirements of the relevant training product
- Is fair, transparent, and consistent for all students
- Is supported by documented systems and evidence suitable for regulatory scrutiny
Scope
This policy applies to all:
- Training and assessment delivered under the RTO’s scope of registration
- Trainers, assessors, and third-party providers
- Students undertaking training, assessment, RPL, or credit transfer
It governs all stages of the assessment lifecycle, including:
- Design
- Pre-assessment information
- Assessment conduct
- Judgement
- Recording
- Validation
- Continuous improvement
Principles of Assessment
The RTO ensures all assessments are:
Fair
- Students are informed of assessment requirements prior to commencement
- Reasonable adjustments are applied without compromising competency standards
Flexible
- Assessment reflects individual student needs and contexts
- Multiple evidence sources are accepted
Valid
- Assessment directly measures the requirements of the unit of competency
- Tools are mapped to all components of the training product
Reliable
- Standardised marking guides are used
- Validation ensures consistency across assessors
Rules of Evidence
All evidence collected is:
- Valid – aligned to competency requirements
- Sufficient – covers the breadth and depth required
- Authentic – verified as the student’s own work
- Current – reflects present competency
Conduct of Assessment
Pre-Assessment Information
Students are provided with:
- Assessment requirements and expectations
- Evidence requirements
- Assessment conditions
- Timeframes and submission requirements
- Appeals and reassessment processes
This is delivered through:
- Student Handbook
- Assessment instructions
- Trainer briefings
Assessment Environment
The RTO ensures assessment occurs in environments that:
- Reflect workplace conditions (where required)
- Are safe and compliant with WHS requirements
- Provide access to required resources and equipment
Assessment Judgement
Assessment decisions are made by qualified assessors who:
- Hold required competencies and vocational currency
- Apply standardised marking guides
- Base decisions on collected evidence
All decisions are:
- Documented
- Justifiable
- Able to withstand regulatory scrutiny
Feedback and Outcomes
Students receive:
- Clear outcome:
- Competent (C)
- Not Yet Competent (NYC)
- Detailed feedback identifying:
- Strengths
- Gaps in performance
- Required actions
Reassessment
Where a student is deemed NYC or NYS:
- The RTO provides:
- Targeted feedback
- Opportunity for reassessment
- Reassessment:
- Is conducted using appropriate methods
- Maintains integrity of the unit requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning
Access to RPL
The RTO ensures students are:
- Informed of RPL opportunities:
- At enrolment
- Prior to training commencement
RPL Process
RPL assessment:
- Uses evidence including:
- Work history
- Third-party reports
- Portfolio evidence
- Interviews or demonstrations
- Is assessed against:
- Unit requirements
- Same standards as the standard assessment
Decision-Making
RPL decisions are:
- Based on sufficient and valid evidence
- Documented and recorded
- Applied consistently across students
Credit Transfer
The RTO ensures that:
- Students are informed of credit transfer rights
- AQF certification is verified prior to granting credit
- Equivalent units are recognised without reassessment
All decisions are:
- Recorded in the student management system
- Retained for audit purposes
An additional RPL and Credit Transfer process is available to students via the website https://securityinstitute.org/rpl-ct/