S.L. 607.4 Art. 9Individual validation process.

(1) Persons who have undertaken non-formal or informal learning for at least two (2) years or as established by the Sector Skills Committee for a specific occupation within an economic sector, may apply to the Validation Assessment Centres to have their prior non-formal or informal learning experience validated in accordance with the process provided in this regulation.

(2) The validation process undertaken for the purpose of the validation of an individual’s prior non-formal or informal learning experience shall be voluntary, provide equal access and equal and fair treatment to each individual, respect the rights of the individual, be transparent and be based on the principle of quality assurance.

(3) Any individual may apply for validation of prior non-formal or informal learning, hereinafter referred to as a "candidate".

(4) Upon application, the Sector Skills Unit shall provide candidates with all necessary information.

(5) The Sector Skills Committee shall establish, with the approval of the Authority, the format of a portfolio to be given by candidates for the validation of skills and competences, which portfolio shall document and provide evidence of all the experiences of the candidate relevant to the validation being sought.

(6) The Sector Skills Committee shall establish, with the approval of the Authority, the procedures, methods and tools to be applied by the Validation Assessment Centres for the assessment of candidates in the validation process.

(7) Assessment procedures, methods and tools established in accordance with sub-regulation (6) shall make provision for candidates’ technical, professional, personal competences or social competences.

(8) Assessment procedures established in accordance with sub-regulation (6) shall take into consideration criteria stipulated in occupational standards published on the National Skills Council’s website and shall be undertaken by qualified assessors.

(9) Assessment methods and tools established in accordance with sub-regulation (6) shall be based on the criteria of validity of the tool, reliability of results, fairness and fitness for purpose.

(10) A combination of the following assessment methods shall be applied by the Validation Assessment Centres for the purpose of the assessment referred to in sub-regulation (6):

Provided that the Authority may direct the Validation Assessment Centre to use specific assessment methods:

Provided further that the following list of assessment methods is not exhaustive:

(a) debate or interview, where candidates demonstrate the depth of their knowledge and communication and social skills;

(b) declarative methods, where candidates demonstrate critical reflection, while making evidence-based statements about their competences;

(c) portfolio of evidence, in which candidates undertake a self-assessment and document evidence of own competences and achievements, including assessments by third parties;

(d) observation, where candidates’ behaviour is observed, which may take place either through a simulated or a real-life work scenario; or

(e) tests and examinations, where candidates demonstrate, orally or in writing, their competences on a specific subject.

(11) The assessment of candidates shall be undertaken by assessors who shall be validation practitioners approved by the Authority. Assessors shall be individuals trained in assessment and validation, who are tasked with judging candidates in order to determine whether specific assessment criteria are met. Assessors shall have knowledge of the specific sector concerned, of the validation process and of the assessment methods used. Assessors shall not have any personal interest in the validation outcomes.