This presentation is part of the online TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training & Assessment course offered by Fortress Learning.
Fortress Learning's TAE program is based on the belief that every student is unique. Each student has an individual program tailored to reflect their prior learning, current situation, future goals and their preferred learning style. More information is available from www.fortresslearning.com.au or by telephoning 1300 141 994.
Competency is the ability to do what you set out to do. When you are competent at a skill, you can use it effectively when desired or needed. That means that not only can it be demonstrated in a learning environment, but it can also be applied in real world situations.
As assessors, our aim is to recognise the ability of the candidate to use the intended skills or knowledge. This is, quite simply, recognising competency.
There are four questions that we can ask to help recognise competency: can this person transfer these skills to new situations? how does this person respond when things go wrong? how does this person cope with changes to the conditions under which the task is being performed? and how does this person manage the task as part of the other demands of the job?
There are four dimensions of competency. They are levels of ability to apply the information or skills. The four dimensions of competency are: - Task skills - Task management skills - Contingency skills and - Job role or environment skills.
Task skills are those skills actually needed to perform the task at an acceptable level. They include knowledge and physical skills and are usually described in the performance criteria of competency standards.
Task management skills are the organising and coordinating skills needed to manage a number of tasks or activities within the job.
Contingency skills are skills needed to respond and react appropriately to unexpected problems, changes in routine and breakdown.
And job role or environment skills are the particular skills needed to perform as expected in a particular job position and location. These may be described in the range of variables and underpinning skills and knowledge sections of a competency standard.
Employment related competencies that serve as the underpinning for work in all industries are called key competencies.
Key competencies include: - collecting, analysing, and organising information - communicating ideas and information - planning and organising activities - working with others in teams - using mathematical ideas and techniques - solving problems - and using technology