One of the most common questions we are asked is: “how do I  become a registered assessor?” The most common misconception amongst learners is that once they complete the skills assessor course, and are found competent, they can begin practicing as an assessor straight away.

The first thing you need to know is that there is a difference between being a qualified assessor and a registered assessor. The difference is that a registered assessor has been approved and given permission to practice and work as an assessor, while a qualified assessor means that you are capable and now able to apply for registration with the SETA’s.

Of course, the first step to becoming a registered and practicing assessor is completing the skills assessor unit standard:

• Unit standard 115753: Conduct outcomes-based assessment;

Candidates have the option of completing unit standard 115753 (a 6- week program) alone or in combination with the design and develop unit standard 115755 (an 8- week program). At the end of the course, candidates will present a portfolio of evidence on which they are assessed.

It is important to keep in mind that the ETDP SETA must first conduct an external moderation of your portfolio of evidence and verify your results. Once they have done this, your statement of results will be released to your training provider for distribution. This can take some time, so expect at least a 3-month delay between being found competent and receiving your statement of results.

The statement of results must be issued by the ETDP SETA and is not valid if it has been issued by anyone else. Once you receive your statement of result you are now qualified, but this does not mean that you are able to assess yet. You first need to register as an assessor.

A newly qualified assessor must apply to one (or more) of the SETA’s to become a registered assessor. Which SETA you apply to depends on your education and experience. You can only assess programmes that you are qualified to assess.

For example, a candidate with an assessor qualification and experience in the real estate industry could register with Services SETA to assess the real estate qualifications.  However, a qualified assessor with no real estate qualification or experience would not be able to assess against the Real Estate unit standards.

The relevant SETA looks at an applicant’s qualifications and experience and then deems the applicant qualified and gives them scope to assess a number of unit standards and qualifications. . The registration you receive will indicate which unit standards or qualification you are able to assess against.

If you have any more queries about becoming a registered assessor or moderator please contact us at help@chartall.co.za or on 011 467 3215.