Assessment Methods
Assessment Methods
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The range of methods
This is a multiple choice question. Once you have selected an option, select the submit button below
There are a range of different methods you can use to assess whether a worker has the required knowledge and skills. Do you know what methods the Care Certificate guidance recommends you to use?
Choose one or more options and check your answer.
Workbook/portfolio/e-learning
Being in part of a group exercise
1:1 discussion
Completion of theoretical learning only
Observation in practice
Simulation
Guidance recommends that you use the following methods to assess a worker's knowledge and skills:
1:1 discussion
workbook/portfolio
being part of a group exercise
observation
e-learning with a practical assessment is also commonly used to assess a worker’s knowledge
simulation
It is not necessary to use all of these methods for all standards. You can select the most appropriate one for the worker and the environment in which they are practising.
What are you assessing?
It’s important to recognise whether you are assessing a worker's knowledge or skills, as this will determine the most suitable method.
An assessment of a worker's knowledge and understanding is prefixed with verbs, such as 'describe', 'explain', 'define' or 'list'.
The assessment can be undertaken using written or verbal evidence such as the workbook, portfolio, discussions, written/oral questions and also use of e-learning with assessment.
Typically, observation is the method you will use to assess if a worker can competently carry out tasks in an area relating to their performance and/or skills.
When observing the worker to evidence their performance, you will usually prefix with words such as 'demonstrate', 'take appropriate steps','use', 'or show' during the worker's real work activity.
This method is almost always completed face-to-face between you and the worker in the workplace. The Care Certificate makes it clear where simulation is permitted in replace of workplace observation, such as completing basic life support.
There are a number of ways to assess.
Each method is different and should be appropriate to the setting (for example, domiciliary care, residential, hospital or community healthcare setting), the worker and the outcomes to be assessed.
Knowledge or skills?
You are assessing Nina. Which of the examples below imply that you are checking her knowledge rather than her skill?
Choose one or more options and then check your answer.
Nina ensured that Mr Fox was left comfortable to eat his lunch
Nina must list a range of sources of information, advice and support for adolescents with mental health conditions
Nina was given some examples and asked to describe whether discrimination is happening
Nina escorted Mr Fox to the dining area, using the wheelchair safely and checking where Mr Fox wanted to sit
3 & 4
These are examples of when you are checking Nina’s knowledge:
Nina was given some examples and asked to describe whether discrimination is happening.
Nina must list a range of sources of information, advice and support for adolescents with mental health conditions.
These are examples of when you are checking Nina’s competency and skill:
Nina escorted Mr Fox to the dining area, using the wheelchair safely and checking where Mr Fox wanted to sit.
Nina ensured that Mr Fox was left comfortable to eat his lunch.
Meet Penny
Meet Penny, a manager in a care home. She needs to assess whether a new worker has gained the required knowledge around safeguarding.
1/3 Penny plans the assessment.
Penny needs to consider what she needs to assess and the most suitable method to achieve this.
She considers whether to:
discuss it 1:1 with the worker
facilitate a group exercise/discussion in a team meeting
ask the worker to answer some questions in a workbook
ask them to write down what they know and build a portfolio of evidence
2/3 Penny decides on the assessment approach.
Penny decides to ask the worker to answer the questions in a workbook.
If the worker had additional learning needs, Penny might need to adapt her approach. She could have asked them questions or held a discussion.
Penny has a duty to make reasonable adjustments to facilitate access to the teaching, learning and assessment.
3/3 A suitable assessment method.
Although Penny could have carried the assessment out differently, she has chosen an assessment method that is suitable.
She has been able to confirm that the worker has the required level of knowledge.
Evidence
You will need to collect evidence towards an assessment.
Select the image to find out more.
Assessment evidence can include but is not restricted to:
records of observed practice
oral or written answers to questions
small projects such as a poster presentation
record of simulated activity
attendance and participation at study days or e-learning with assessment
When supporting workers to provide evidence, there are key principles of assessment to consider. What do you think these are?
Take a moment to think about this
Reveal Answer
When supporting workers to provide evidence, consider the following:
valid – evidence is relevant to the Care Certificate standards
authentic – the work has been completed by the worker
current – the worker's knowledge and skills are up to date
reliable – the work is a true representation of the worker's knowledge and skills
sufficient – the work presented fully meets the requirements of the Care Certificate standards
We will explore this further in the next session, Assessing the Care Certificate in practice.
Gathering sufficient evidence
How much evidence is sufficient to meet a Care Certificate standard?
How does your answer compare?
The evidence is sufficient when you, the assessor, are confident that the worker has met the required standard in the setting through evidence of their knowledge, skills and behaviours.
This decision is based on your judgement and should be recorded and evidenced clearly.
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