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Assessment Method 2

Instruction and application
In Progress

Let's look specifically at Assessment Method 2. In particular, we will review the requirements you need for the portfolio and what to look out for in the interview.

The professional discussionTheprofessional discussion offers an opportunity for the assessor to gain deeper insight into your competence and for you to showcase how you meet the assessment criteria for this method.

This is a two-way conversation where the assessor will ask a series of questions informed by your portfolio of evidence and your responses to initial questions. These questions will align with the topics outlined in the assessment criteria, allowing you to highlight your skills, knowledge, and achievements effectively.

You should be able to provide meaningful insight into your underpinning knowledge, the tasks you have completed, and your approach to key responsibilities. You may refer to your portfolio and draw on your experiences during the program to explain or illustrate your answers with relevant examples.

You will submit your portfolio of evidence at the Gateway stage and should also have a copy with you for the discussion (electronically). The assessor will review your portfolio to prepare for the professional discussion.

What is the format of the professional discussion?​

The professional discussion will last for 90 minutes (+/- 10%). It will take place by video call, and there will be only you and the assessor on the call. Usually, the professional discussion will take place on the same day as the questioning, with a short break between.

The independent assessor will ask a minimum of 6 questions, and cover the following

Themes set out by the IFATE standard:

  • Model scoping
  • Experiment and tracking
  • Model deployment
  • Collaborative working
  • Sustainability
  • Engineering principles
  • Model testing and improvement
  • Model management
  • Compliance and assurance
  • Collaborative working
  • Continuous professional development The assessor may also ask follow-up questions for clarification and to measure the depth of understanding against the pass and distinction criteria.

Your answers may relate to any part of the apprenticeship and the work you have done.

You could also refer to the evidence in your portfolio.

Tips for the Professional Discussion​

  • The assessor will be looking for you to describe your work in detail. Consider what you have done, how you have done it, the tools you have used, and any factors you had to consider (such as company policy, ethics, or legal regulations).
  • You should also reflect on your own performance. This may include describing things you would now do differently or taking a wider look at the impact you have had on your team or organisation.
  • Remember that the assessor will not constantly direct and lead the conversation. It is your responsibility to take the lead in demonstrating how you meet the assessment criteria.
  • The assessor will keep the discussion focused and if they sense the conversation moving away from relevant topics, they will steer it back to the assessment criteria. Similarly, if you have sufficiently covered the criteria, the assessor will move the discussion on. Take note of what the assessor says and when it’s time to move on to the next topic of discussion.

**How is the professional discussion assessed?**The evidence in your portfolio is not assessed - the Professional Discussion is assessed.

To be successful in AM2, you need to know your portfolio inside and out. You should be ready to add extra detail, context, and evaluate your actions during your discussion.

Your assessor will ask you a minimum of 6 questions and will assess your answers to each question.

Therefore, it is more important howyou talk about your work, than how you have written about it in your portfolio. The assessor can only award you marks for what you say!

It is critical that you prepare to take the lead in your professional discussion. As a rule of thumb, aim to talk as much as possible, about 80-90% of the time. Make it easy for the assessor to give you marks by talking as much as you can about your portfolio. Again, remember that the assessor can only give you marks for what you say—NOT for what you have written.

There are four grades given for the portfolio and professional discussion assessment method:

  • Fail
  • Pass
  • Merit
  • Distinction

What is the best way to prepare for the professional discussion?

  • Check (in plenty of time) that you have received the confirmation email with the date, time and meeting link.
  • Test the software on your computer – ensuring you have a webcam and microphone. Do this as early as you can in case of issues.
  • Book a room where you can carry out your EPA alone and undisturbed.
  • Familiarise yourself with the assessment criteria so you know what the assessor will be looking for you to demonstrate.
  • Review and think about examples of how you have applied the assessment criteria related to skills and behaviours during your apprenticeship

Tips for Preparing for the Professional Discussion​

  • Review your portfolio; you're the expert in your work, so make sure you can showcase that during the professional discussion.
  • Make a note of the KSBs you feel least confident in. Note down 2-3 things you will mention about this topic. If you bring the topic up first, there is less chance that the assessor will question you about it, allowing you to be in control of the conversation even if it's a topic you are unsure of. Tip: Lean heavily on the "knowledge" elements of the KSBs you are unsure of by defining the topic and explaining it.
  • Go through the list of common Command Words below and make sure you know how to frame a response to each one.
  • Go through the sample questions and answers on the next page. Then pick a few sample questions, and use your notes to practice answering them with a friend or coworker.
  • Practice, and practice some more! Confidence is key; remember, you are assessed on what you say.

Action Item: Share your questions​

**Instructions:**Before we move on, are there any last questions you have about Assessment Method 2?