How do I collect evidence?
Using the agreed assessment methods and instruments, as detailed in your assessment plan, you need to gather, organise and document the evidence in a format which is easy to determine your candidate’s competence. Assessment methods are the particular techniques used to gather different types of evidence, such as:

- direct observation  great way of assessing skills and underpinning knowledge in one process. Is the most effective way to gather evidence for ‘verb’ based criteria.
- structured activities  good to use when a workplace environment is not suitable. Can include projects or presentations which are workplace based.
- oral or written questions  great way to determine underpinning knowledge and to gauge if a candidate understands new concepts. Oral questions can often be used to gather further evidence during observations, activities and to support written questions.
- portfolios of evidence  this is an excellent way to see samples of the candidate’s work; however, assessors need to ensure information presented is current and is the candidate’s own work.
- third party feedback  this is a great way to determine the consistency of the candidate’s performance. Assessors need to ensure that the third-party feedback form has terminology which is friendly to supervisors and industry. Assessors must explain to the person completing the feedback form the importance of accuracy and the need for additional training if performance gaps arise.

 
Competency assessment can be broken down into two collection streams, one for skills and the other for knowledge. The following chart shows the best environments for assessments:
Competency Assessment



Skills Knowledge


Direct observation Structured activities Written questions Oral questions

Workplace Training room or workplace Training room Training room or workplace

During the evidence gathering process it is easy to have distractions while being inundated with large amounts of information to process and record. Therefore, it is best to structure your collection methods in a way that has minimal distractions, and recording of information does not inhibit you from gathering valid evidence.
To support these concepts you may need to conduct your assessment during quiet working times, away from noisy areas or in a simulated environment. You may need to use a voice recording device if you feel you are unable to keep up with documenting what your candidate is saying during the session.
Alternatively, if it is appropriate, take regular breaks to catch up with documenting your data. It is best to document all information whist it is fresh in your mind, rather than trying to recall later what was discussed.
An assessor must also apply the principles of assessment and rules of evidence during the evidence gathering process.