Health and Social Care NVQ Resource
Glossary of NVQ Terms
Unit
NVQs are made up of units. You have to complete 6 units for Health and Social Care level 2 (4 core, 2 optional) and 8 units for Health and Social Care level 3 (4 core, 4 optional).
Element
Elements make up units, you will have a number of elements within each unit e.g Unit HSC21 has elements HSC21A, HSC21B, HSC21C, HSC21D. Each element describes a task that will provide evidence.
Portfolio
This is the folder in which you put your evidence. It will have an index and a cross reference system. You will receive guidance on building a portfolio from your assessor.
Evidence from the past - Accredited Prior Learning (APL)
Any evidence gained prior to the award must still be current and it must be seen that candidates can still work to this standard.
Oral Questions
Your assessor may ask questions to clarify points brought up in the assessment process. The evidence from these questions and answers will be recorded.
Written Questions
You may be given written questions by your tutor or assessor. The answers to these questions may be given orally, written or typed.
Assessment
Collection of evidence of performance by a variety of ways which show your competence.
Competence
Ability to perform tasks to a particular standard, demonstrating knowledge, understanding and awareness of the task and consequences.
Project / assignment
Projects can be set by the tutor or the assessor. The assignments will have pre-set objectives and requirements. In a project we are looking for quality not quantity and that you have met the objectives.
Knowledge Evidence
The underpinning knowledge of a task - the what, when, where, why, who, how, what if - can be shown in performance, questioning, distance packs or other evidence.
Performance Criteria (PC)
Doing the task consistently and demonstrating your competence against the national standards.
Assessor
Individual who has been appointed by W&P Care Training and who is competent to make assessments for certification. All assessors hold D32/33 or A1 qualifications or be working towards A1 award.
Internal Verifier (IV)
D34 or V1 qualified. An Internal Verifier supports and works with a team of assessors to develop assessment procedures and facilitate good practices to maintain the national standard.
Direct Observation
This happens only when you agree that you are ready to be observed by your assessor. The assessor will observe your practice this will be with the consent of the service user to ensure that their dignity is not infringed.
Witness Statement
These take the form of statements from other people
other than the assessor. They can be used as evidence that you are able
to meet the standards. Witnesses can be colleagues, service users, other
professionals, visitors but not your assessor. The witness must write
and sign this report understanding the criteria that she/he is witnessing.
An expert witness giving a witness statement must also understand the
criteria that he or she is witnessing.
Reflective accounts
This is where you will explain the process of work carried out by yourself in a written form, and it is signed by the candidate and a member of staff / management verifying the statement or it can be given orally to your assessor, in which case this will be recorded by the assessor as discussion.
Work Product
A product can be something which is a result of your work, such as records you have completed or equipment you have prepared. The product should be shown and discussed with your assessor before being documented. It does not then need to be included in your portfolio.
External Verifer
As the main link between the awarding body and the approved centre, the External Verifier normally visits twice a year. He or she requires access to all information on the Centre's activities. The External Verifier provides feedback and support to the Centre. He helps to develop internal quality systems and encourages continuous improvement.
Accredited Assessment Centre
Centres that are approved by an awarding body to offer qualifications. W&P Care Training Uk Ltd is an accredited centre with Edexecl and ASET.
Awarding Body
The body / organisation that examines or validates the quality of assessment (e.g. Edexcel and ASET).
National Standards
Standards describe the values, knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and actions which are necessary to do a specific job. Developed by Lead Bodies into Occupational Standards, grouped together into units and used to design NVQs.
