Book a Pre-use Validation of your Assessment Tools
What the Outcome Standards Require
Outcome Standard 1.3.1 requires that "The assessment system is fit-for-purpose and consistent with the training product"
RTOs must be able to demonstrate:
1.3.2a - the assessment is consistent with the requirements of the training product
1.3.2b - assessment tools are reviewed prior to use to ensure assessment can be conducted in a way that is consistent with the principles of assessment and rules of evidence set out under Standard 1.4
1.3.2c - the outcomes of any such reviews inform any necessary changes to assessment tools
The Validations team are specialists in pre-use validation activities and as seasoned VET and compliance experts, are well experienced in reviewing assessment tools and providing clear, actionable feedback. We are recognised as leaders in pre-use validation activities having been conducting this exercise for RTOs as a best-practice activity long before it was mandated in the Outcome Standards.
We offer 2 different services that go toward assisting RTOs to meet obligations in Outcome Standard 1.3.
Consistent with the requirements of the training product?
We'll validate the assessment mapping to confirm
Service 1 (S1)
Firstly, we can analyse your assessment tool against the unit of competency to confirm whether it will meet the requirements in the training product, and provide you with a summary report on the results.
Here, we look at the assessor marking guide, mapping document and unit, and determine whether instruments collect enough valid evidence to cover the unit and be consistent with requirements.
This service addresses 1.3.2a and 1.3.2c.
Consistent with the requirements of the training product and the POA / ROE?
We'll validate the assessment mapping and the assessment tool to confirm
Service 2 (S2)
The second service is the same as the first but with the addition of a review of the assessment tool to confirm:
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Its usability
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Instructions to users
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Necessary compliance elements:
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Including those to support the principles of assessment
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Those to support decisions that can be made based on the rules of evidence.
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This service addresses 1.3.2a, 1.3.2b and 1.3.2c.
Pricing
All validation services are priced according to the size of the unit of competency - as the assessment tool size will reflect the unit size and be in direct ratio to the amount of time to review the tool, analyse against the unit and prepare the reports out of the analysis. All service fees listed on this page are inclusive of GST.
Our Validators
Our team are VET experts with current knowledge and skills in competency-based training and assessment, vocational learning, and the Australian VET sector. They are highly experienced in all areas of assessment tool development and validation.
What You Get
When the Validations team completes a pre-use validation activity for you, you get documented feedback on areas for rectification or improvement.
This will be in the form of:
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The mapping document marked up with comprehensive comments - where any gaps/issues are and what those issues are (S1 & S2)
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A short report with high-level recommendations for the assessment writer that highlights what the identified issues and gaps to be addressed are (S1 & S2)
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A completed pre-use validation report summarising outcomes of analysis for usability and alignment to the principles of assessment and rules of evidence (S2)
See all the details in the Scope of Activity section
Make a booking for a VET expert to conduct a pre-use validation exercise on your assessment tools
Size Calculator Guide
Use the number of unit elements as a guide. Size determination for validation of mapping is based on the total number of evidence points required by the unit. An evidence point is across PCs, PEs, FS requirements and KEs
Determination of sizing rests with Validations (Specialised VET Services).
*Note that XL / XXL POA may include any high-volume combination of:
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element count and performance evidence points
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e.g. 3 PE plus 90 evidence points = XXL POA unit
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e.g. 7 PE plus 30 evidence points = XL unit
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e.g. 5 PE plus 40 evidence points required to be repeated across multiple different performance tasks = XL+ unit (as, for example, 2 instances x 40 pts = 80 pts = XL unit; 3 instances x 40pts =120 pts = XXL POA unit)
Sizing examples:
SMALL
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FSKLRG001 - Prepare to participate in a learning environment: 2 x elements (6 PCs) + approx. 5 evidence points in total for the unit = 11 = Small size unit
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BSBDAT201 - Collect and record data: 3 x elements (10 PCs) + approx. 11 evidence points for the unit = 21 = Small size unit
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FSKLRG015 - Manage own work-related learning: 3 x elements (8 PCs) + approx. 9 evidence points for the unit = 17 = Small size unit
AVERAGE
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BSBPEF502 - Develop and use emotional intelligence: 3 x elements (13 PCs) + approx. 23 evidence points in total for the unit = 36 = Average size unit
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ICTICT219 - Interact and resolve queries with ICT clients: 3 x elements (13 PCs) + approx. 15 evidence points for the unit = 28 = Average size unit
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BSBPEF101 - Plan and prepare for work readiness: 3 x elements (12 PCs); approx. 17 evidence points in total for the unit = 29 = Average size unit
LARGE
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MEM07008 - Perform grinding operations: 5 x elements (14 PCs) + approx. 33 evidence points for the unit = 47 = Large size unit
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FWPCOT3290 - Apply knowledge of timber properties, sawmill operations and sawmilling equipment: 5 elements (18 PCs) approx. 41 evidence points for the unit = 61 = Large size unit
EXTRA LARGE
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CHCAOD001 - Work in an alcohol and other drugs context: 4 x elements (12 PCs) + approx. 70 evidence points for the unit = 82 = Extra-large size unit
LARGER THAN XL - POA
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SITHFAB021 - Provide responsible service of alcohol: 4 x elements (20 PCs) + approx. 116 evidence points for the unit = 136 = XXL - POA
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CHCPAL003 - Deliver care services using a palliative approach: 6 x elements (29 PCs) + approx. 64 evidence points for the unit = 93 = XXL - POA
What if I pick the wrong size for my pre-use validation?
As soon as you complete your purchase, we get notified. Once your materials are received, we confirm the correct unit size has been calculated and selected, and if all is good, will allocate the work to one of our expert validators.
If there is a discrepancy between the actual unit size and the size selected, we'll be in touch and will issue an invoice for the difference. Once paid in full, we can allocate the work for commencement. Invoices will be direct deposit to our account.
Why do you have two different services?
Service 1 requires a specialised skill set to accurately analyse how well the assessment tool will meet the requirements of the training product.
Some RTOs prefer to have this aspect confirmed by external VET experts.
Some RTOs want to confirm they have the unit covered before completely fleshing out the assessment tool.
Others like to complete the review of the tool's instructions in-house and outsource the confirmation of unit coverage to specialists.
How long before I get my results back?
Allocation depends on the current schedule and pre-existing bookings.
The activity will be completed between 2 and 10 working days from allocation. As a guide, it can take up to 7 hours to complete activity and reports for an average unit.
If it looks like the analysis and report will take more than 10 working days, we'll be in touch.
Can't I just get AI to do this?
You could. There are a number of AI tools and tools built on generative AI; all require that the outputs are checked by a human.
This service is built on human expertise and experience. We're not interested in competing against machine-based pricing, instead focusing on the benefits:
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Reduces double handling
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Eliminates risk of breaching IP/copyright restrictions as your tools and information are not fed into an AI tool and are not being used to train an AI
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Pre-use validation completed by VET experts with the necessary credentials that qualify us for validation
Can we afford this service?
In 2025, ASQA canceled over 25,000 qualifications, with many RTO shutdowns because of inadequate assessment and AQF certification documentation being issued before individuals had successfully satisfied all requirements.
We help RTOs get their assessment tools fit-for-purpose and consistent with the requirements of the training product. Our reports help build internal capability when used as guidance to make corrections and improvements. The feedback we offer in all our of pre-use validation activity reports is clear, detailed and actionable.
The benefits and value of having your pre-use validation completed by VET industry and compliance experts is greater than any cost.
Scope of Service 1
Validation of mapping is the first step to confirm whether an assessment tool is going to be fit-for-purpose.
It is often the most critical component as it analyses whether the unit of competency requirements will be covered.
As a guide, typical validation of assessment mapping activity includes:
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The analysis of the assessment instruments to confirm valid, sufficient evidence would be collected by the tool
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Confirming the accuracy of data entered on the mapping document (which is used as evidence of coverage)
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Marking up the mapping document with results of the analysis
Service 1 completes a validation of mapping by analysing the assessor marking guide and the mapping document against the unit. The outputs from Service 1 can help the RTO in relation to Outcome Standard 1.3.2a and 1.3.2c.
For us, this is not a 'tick a box' exercise. See examples of the level of detail and attention you can expect from our reviews. Here are excerpts from marked up mapping documents detailing the alignment of the assessment tools to the unit of competency requirements. We also supply a summary report for your records:
Scope of Service 2
Service 2 includes all of the activities from Service 1 PLUS those to review the assessment tool and make informed judgements on its utility.
As a guide, typical Service 2 activity includes:
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A validation of mapping plus
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Reviewing the entire tool to assess its suitability for intended purpose
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Confirming accuracy of the information that forms the basis of the assessment i.e. unit details, pre-requisites, assessment conditions etc.
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Commenting on the clarity of instructions to users (learners and assessors)
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Confirming suitability of chosen assessment method for evidence required by the unit
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Confirming the assessment has been designed to allow for the provision of sufficient evidence that is valid, reliable, authentic, and current and will meet the requirements of the unit
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Reviewing fields within the tool to confirm documents allow for the recording of evidence of judgements and other compliance-related requirements
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Confirming alignment to information in the Training and Assessment Strategy linked to the delivery and assessment methodology for the particular unit of competency for which the assessments will be used
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Analysing benchmark responses to confirm they are providing accurate guidance for acceptable responses in terms of quantities required and/or deviations allowable in evidence provided by the student
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Analysing the tool to make a judgment on the:
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Flow of assessment tasks – that they represent logical processes that are clearly defined
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Structure/format of template and its elements
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Where the qualification has been identified, analysing the assessment to make a judgement on whether it seeks evidence in a way consistent with expected outcomes of the relevant AQF level
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Documenting findings from the validation exercise, including suggestions for continuous improvement
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The outputs from Service 2 can help the RTO in relation to Outcome Standard 1.3.2a, 1.3.2b, and 1.3.2c.
Out of scope of these services
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Reviewing the materials to make any judgment and/or give advice on the accuracy of benchmark answers provided - queries may be noted for RTO-based SME confirmation
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Reviewing other documents within the assessment system such as Student Handbook, various assessment-related policies and procedures (e.g. Complaints Policy, Appeals Policy etc.)
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Reviewing learning materials for accuracy, formatting, proofing purposes
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Mapping unmapped content
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Writing missing or other content
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Conducting confirmation of compliance round/s to determine whether any edits applied to materials by assessment writers in response to initial validation activity have met requirements
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Formatting and/or editing and/or specific proofing of materials
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Validating completed student samples
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Providing Zoom session/s or other meetings to discuss the findings. This can be arranged as a separate service; cost is additional
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Any other activity not detailed as "in scope"
This page contains all of the pricing information for pre-use validation of Small to Extra Large assessment tools.
Please email us if your assessment tool is for an XXL unit of competency. We will supply the value for validation activity of that tool. There is no charge for us to reply to a POA for XXL units.
We do accept 'requests for quote'.
These can be completed using the form adjacent.
There is a $220 (inc. GST) fee attached to have us supply a quote. When the quote is accepted, this amount is deducted from the invoice total.
Email requests for quotations will be directed to the form adjacent.
Terms of the services
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Materials must be presented in the requested format
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Mapping document and marking guide must be supplied
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Payment can be made via the forms on this page using a credit card at the secure checkout
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Correct payment for the unit size must be made in full before work will commence
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If the incorrect size is calculated and purchased, the Validations team will issue an invoice to enable payment for the correct amount and for work to commence. This invoice will be paid via EFT direct deposit
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Calculation of unit sizes rests with Validations and no disputes will be entered into
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Purchase of a validation service is not refundable
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If a purchase is made and no materials supplied within a period of 4 weeks, the booking and payment is forfeited
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All required materials must be supplied by the RTO; Validations is not responsible to chase un-supplied materials required for the activity. We will advise if a required item is missing and request it once
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Scheduling of work is according to Validations' existing bookings and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
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Validation purchases are for one assessment tool against one unit of competency. Multiple versions for different cohorts are multiple assessment tools. For clarity: For example, if one assessment tool is developed for unit A and an online cohort, and one tool for unit A for a workplace-based cohort, and different instruments are used in each, despite being for the same unit, these are different tools and will require 2 x separate validation activities
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On return of the report post-validation activity, the task is finalised and Validations has fulfilled its obligations in relation to providing the service
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It is the responsibility of the RTO to review the issued report and make edits to materials if and as required. All responsibility for the application of report recommendations, the tool, its use, and outcomes from use, are the responsibility of the RTO
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We do not offer services for the two weeks prior to and after Christmas each year
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Business days for service provision are based on a Mon - Fri working week with public holidays falling to the Queensland calendar
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Purchasing from us triggers the Services Agreement and you agree to be bound by items in the agreement