9
2012
Certify me
An article by Stephen Pritchard
CPD, hugely valuable, often compulsory, sometimes rubbish, occasionally inspiring. I’ve recently completed a couple of formal qualifications.
The Introduction to Assessment Practice in Sport course now certifies me to do the assessing work I’ve been carrying out for the last few years! It is, probably rightly, a pre-requisite to hold this qualification to assess UKcc candidates for the NGB with whom I work. However, the fact that I’ve been able to assess before completing the award perhaps de-values it. Or, at least it de-values the assessment of the course. I have no doubt that attendance on the taught aspect of the course was hugely valuable, particularly the in-course assessment and feedback. Once this was done though, I worked in the field and had several Internal Verifications from verifiers within the NGB. These again were very helpful – instant feedback based on real world situations given by valued colleagues. To complete the award, another assessment had to be arranged. This was with the same IV (whose feedback I still value greatly), the only difference being the paperwork we had to complete. It proved to be troublesome to find an appropriate course to assess, at a venue within 60 miles, at a mutually beneficial time. We did manage it eventually (with a deadline looming after which I’d have had to start the course again!) and all was fine and successful. It did however leave me wondering who the assessment was for…
I’ve now got another certificate in my file and another qualification on my CV. I don’t think though that I suddenly got better at the job though because the certificate arrived! Maybe if I got a badge to wear…
