How has the level 4 assessment methodology changed?
The current level 4 assessments comprise:
- two assignments (both of which must be passed)
- an examination (comprising two parts – part A consisting of five compulsory questions worth 15 marks each and part B three free-response questions worth 25 marks of which the candidate must choose one).
The final mark awarded is the average of the two assignment marks + the examination mark (the candidate must achieve a pass in both assignments and the examination)
The assignments are trainer marked and must be completed and passed before the candidate can be submitted for the examination. CIEH examiners mark the examination scripts and moderate the assignment results.
The new assessment regime comprises:
- a controlled assignment to be completed under examination conditions (worth 100 marks)
- an examination (comprising five compulsory questions worth 20 marks each).
Prior to undertaking the controlled assignment, candidates are required to produce a scoping document of their chosen workplace.
The final mark awarded is the average of the controlled assignment + examination mark (both assessments must be passed – the pass mark is 60).
The controlled assignment and examination papers are marked and moderated by the CIEH.
Why has the assessment methodology changed?
There are a number of reasons for the changes to the assessment methodology.
All CIEH assessments are based on test specifications drawn up with reference to the syllabuses. With the introduction of the new qualifications framework, the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), all qualifications are now based on Units of Assessment (UoA), which identify key learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria. CIEH is in the process of mapping all qualifications to the new UoA. This will not affect the CIEH syllabuses, but does impact on the test specifications. Under the QCF UoA, candidates must be assessed on all the assessment criteria. In the past, test specifications were based on the syllabus and all the syllabus areas were covered by questions on a series of examination papers released over a period of time. The test specifications for the level 4 awards are now based on the QCF UoA, with some assessment criteria being addressed by the controlled assignment and others by the examination paper. Every candidate will now be tested on the complete set of assessment criteria every time.
In addition to changes in regulatory requirements:
- CIEH moderators have had concerns about the number of plagiarised assignments that have been submitted in recent years
- trainers have found the marking of assignments a time-consuming and sometimes onerous responsibility.
- centres have reported that it can be difficult to provide appropriate levels of support to candidates whilst they complete the two assignments.
What is the scoping document?
Prior to sitting the controlled assignment, candidates must complete a scoping document using the scoping document form provided by the CIEH. This form asks the candidate to describe his/her chosen workplace and his/her role. The candidate should not exceed the word limit of 500 words. An exemplar scoping document has been produced to give candidates an idea of the level of detail required.
The candidate should take the scoping document with him/her to refer to when he/she sits the controlled assignment. The scoping document is not assessed, but must be submitted with the controlled assignment to aid the process of marking/moderation.
Controlled assignments submitted without a scoping document will not be marked.
What if a candidate is currently unemployed?
The candidate can base his/her scoping document on a previous workplace or will have to gain work experience sufficient to produce the details required to complete a scoping document.
What is the controlled assignment?
The controlled assignments comprise two parts:
- Risk assessment
- The role of the manager
Part 2 remains the same, but there are three variations of part 1. Details of the controlled assignments can be found in the sample controlled assignments document.
Candidates will be randomly allocated one of the three controlled assignments, which must be completed under examination conditions. All of the candidate’s answers must relate to the application of practical health and safety in the workplace that he/she has described in his/her scoping document. When the candidate sits the controlled assignment, he/she must take is/her scoping document with him her (no other reference sources are permitted).
Candidates will have two hours to complete the controlled assignment and can leave the examination room after one hour.
Has the examination paper changed?
Yes, the examination paper now comprises five structured questions, worth 20 marks each. All questions must be answered. The candidates will have two-and-a-half hours to complete the examination. The pass mark for the examination is 60.
Do candidates have to complete both assessments on the same day?
No, but if they are not completed on the same day, the second assessment must be completed within seven days of the first.
Do candidates have to complete the assessments in any particular order?
No, they can complete the controlled assignment and then the examination paper or vice versa – as long as the second assessment is completed within seven days of the first.
If candidates complete the assessments on different days, should I submit the scripts for the first assessment to the CIEH for marking in the meantime?
No the scripts for both assessments must be submitted to the CIEH for marking at the same time. If there is an interval between candidates sitting the first and second assessment, centres must keep the scripts for the first assessment secure, under lock and key, until the second assessment has been completed before sending both scripts for each candidate, together with a candidate list, to the CIEH.
What happens if the second assessment cannot be completed within seven days of the first?
If for any reason the seven-day interval is to be exceeded, the centre will have to make a request for special consideration.
What if candidates fail the controlled assignment and/or the examination paper?
Candidates will be able to re-sit the controlled assignment and/or the examination paper within a six months of the results being issued. When ordering papers, centres must make it clear which assessment is required giving the name of the re-sit candidate. If the re-sit is outside six months, with good reason, a request for special consideration (see ‘Request for special consideration’ in the Procedure Manual) must be submitted prior to ordering a re-sit paper.
Will our candidates receive feedback on their performance?
Yes, examiners and moderators will continue to provide feedback but now this will be a combined for both assessments on the centre examination feedback form (CEF), and will concentrate on the candidates who have failed to achieve a pass certificate. Examiners and moderators will be marking scripts anonymously and will refer to candidates using the serial reference number from the assessment that they are referring to. Centres will therefore need to keep a copy of their completed candidate list to feedback comments to their candidates.
When does the change happen?
The new-style assessments will be available from 1 January 2011.
Centre and trainer guidelines, candidate guidelines, sample controlled assignments, sample examination questions, candidate lists, scoping document forms and exemplar scoping documents can be found in the Level 4 Resources.
What if I have candidates already prepared to do the old-style assessment?
Candidates who have enrolled for a level 4 course prior to 1 January 2011 can continue to sit the old-style assessment (two assignments and a two-part examination paper) until 30 June 2011. After this date, all candidates will have to make the transition to the new-style assessment. Centres need to specify which type of assessment (old style or new style) they wish to order.
Can candidates sit the new-style exam, but present two assignments instead of completing the controlled assignment?
No, this will not meet the requirements of the award.
What if I have re-sit candidates who have failed the old-style assessment?
If candidates are still within the re-sit period, as set out in the relevant Trainer and Centre Guidelines, there will be provisions in place for them to re-sit the old-style assessment.