OPITO APPROVED STANDARD

OPITO APPROVED STANDARD Internal Verifier Training Standard OPITO Standard Code: 9020 Standard Title Code Internal Verifier Training Standard 9020

OPITO Standards OPITO is an Industry owned not for profit organisation that exists solely to service the needs of the Oil and Gas Industry. OPITO is employer led in all aspects of what it does, therefore all standards development activities are at the behest of industry employers. The standards are driven by the needs of employers to help create a safe and competent workforce. This standard is owned by the Oil and Gas Industry and maintained by OPITO who are the nominated custodians of all Industry standards within the OPITO portfolio which carry the OPITO logo. The contents of this document were developed by an industry workgroup facilitated and supported by OPITO. The workgroup consisted of representation from a cross section of oil and gas Industry employers, discipline experts working within the industry and members of the OPITO Approved Training network. This standard has been verified and accepted through the governance and integrity management model for OPITO standards. Guidance on this standard is available by contacting OPITO This standard has been designed to accommodate global variations in national legislation and regulations. In the absence of relevant national legislation and regulations, OPITO approved centres should use legislative and regulatory criteria specified within this Standard OPITO All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval or information storage system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing of the publishers. Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 2 of 26

Amendments Amendment and Date Pages Changes made by Revision 0 released 10-Feb 2009 Checked by Approved by 1 Removed nationally recognised from delegate, training staff and assessor requirements 2 20-Mar Rewrote 2009 the Exclusion Notes for improved clarity 09-Apr 2009 5, 12 T. Wilson L. Geddes J. Cameron 4 T. Wilson T. Grimes J. Cameron Rev 1 Standard Review completed by Industry Work Group: 31 May 2012 All M. Foo M. Carr P. Lammiman 1 Amended wording in D.4 to clarify that registration of delegates must be made upon completion of training and final assessment. 2 Amended Appendix 1 to include more relevant OPITO information. 3 Replaced Course Code with Standard Code in Title Page and amended reference to course identification code with OPITO registration code under section D.3 Certification - to align with other OPITO standards 20 M.Foo M. Carr P. Lammiman Appendix 1, page 21 Title page, page 20 M.Foo M. Carr P. Lammiman M.Foo M. Carr P. Lammiman Rev 2 Revision 1 Amendment 3 Standard Review completed by Industry Work Group and rebranded as part of 2016 All SA SM SAA Any amendments made to this standard by OPITO will be recorded above. Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 3 of 26

Contents Introduction and Course Description... 5 SECTION A Internal Verifier Training Programme... 6 A.1 TARGET GROUP... 6 A.2 DELEGATE PRE-REQUISITES... 6 A.3 PHYSICAL AND STRESSFUL DEMANDS OF TRAINING PROGRAMME NOT APPLICABLE... 7 A.4 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES... 7 A.5 LEARNING OUTCOMES... 8 A.6 DELEGATE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT...10 A.7 DURATION OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME...10 A.8 THE TRAINING PROGRAMME...11 SECTION B Workplace Evidence Requirements...16 SECTION C Resources...17 C.1 STAFF...17 C.2 TRAINER/DELEGATE RATIO...18 C.3 FACILITIES AND LOCATION OF TRAINING...19 C.4 MATERIALS...20 SECTION D Administration and Certification...21 D.1 JOINING INSTRUCTIONS...21 D.2 PERIODICITY...21 D.3 CERTIFICATION...22 D.4 COURSE ADMINISTRATION...22 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations...23 Appendix 1 OPITO Information...24 Appendix 2 Feedback Scenarios Examples...25 Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 4 of 26

Introduction and Course Description To ensure that employees within organisations work in accordance with their operational standards and are meeting company s expectations, assessors confirm candidates competence to ensure they are ready to progress. Internal verifiers are required to authenticate their organisation s assessors judgements so that expectations and results are standardised across a company. Verification is a quality assurance role; essential so that all those involved in assessment carry out assessment consistently. Exclusion Notes: 1. Achievement of this qualification does not entitle the holder to award any certificate bearing OPITO s logo and name. OPITO-approved certificates can only be granted by an OPITO approved provider. 2. The holder of the OPITO Internal Verifier certificate may not be recognised to verify qualifications issued by other organisations e.g. National or Scottish Vocational Qualifications in the UK. Delegates should clarify with the relevant organisation prior to conducting verification. Associated Standard OPITO has also developed a Competence Assessor Training Standard. Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 5 of 26

SECTION A Internal Verifier Training Programme A.1 Target Group The internal verifier standard has been developed for individuals within an organisation who are designated to be internal verifiers. A.2 Delegate Pre-requisites There are no formal delegate pre-requisites for attendance on the Internal Verifier Training Programme; although delegates must provide evidence that they have access to a minimum of two assessors undertaking an assessment process to verify in their workplace. Note: For the purpose of this standard: Delegates are the people attending this internal verifier training programme. Assessors are those whose judgements will be verified by the internal verifier. Candidates are the individuals whose performance will be assessed in the workplace. Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 6 of 26

A.3 Physical and Stressful Demands of Training Programme Not Applicable This section has been intentionally left blank. A.4 Aims and Objectives The aim of this training programme is to impart the initial training to enable trainee internal verifiers, now referred to as delegates, to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills which underpin the tasks to be performed as an Internal Verifier. The objectives of this training are that delegates will be able to: (a) Explain the purpose and scope of internal verification and recognise the roles and responsibilities involved in quality assurance (b) Recognise how to support assessors (c) Monitor and verify assessment records (d) Ensure record keeping and feedback are robust (e) Assure the competency process Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 7 of 26

A.5 Learning Outcomes During the training programme, delegates will be required to demonstrate their skills and understanding of the following key areas. Module 1 Introduction to Internal Verification To successfully complete this training delegates must be able to explain: 1. The purpose of Internal Verification 2. The differences between quality control and quality assurance 3. The roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in the quality assurance process 4. Typical sources of assessment evidence when carrying out Internal Verification 5. Internal Verification related terminology Module 2 The Internal Verifier s Role To successfully complete this training delegates must be able to explain: 6. The need to support assessors throughout all stages of the assessment process 7. The need to confirm that assessors have acceptable occupational experience, are adequately trained to assess and maintain their skills through continuing professional development 8. The importance of familarisation with their company processes 9. When it is important to plan verifications with individual assessors 10. The importance of observing assessors conducting assessments in the workplace to ensure best practice 11. The need to ensure there is a robust process where observation of assessors in the workplace is not viable 12. The need to monitor the accuracy and security of the assessment records and record keeping process 13. How assessments are sampled and quality assured 14. Recognising bias in assessment decisions 15. The importance of maintaining confidentiality of information 16. Record keeping requirements 17. Where and when to provide feedback that is constructive and motivates the assessor 18. The need to welcome constructive feedback from the assessors 19. The importance of completing internal verification documentation, in accordance with own company procedures 20. How to deal with disputes and appeals 21. The different standardisation activities for assessment and verification 22. The importance of actively participating in standardisation activities 23. Other internal verification activities that an Internal Verifier may be required to perform Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 8 of 26

To successfully complete this module, delegates must be able to demonstrate: 24. How to provide guidance and support to assessors in a variety of situations 25. How to make verification decisions whilst ensuring consistency and quality of assessment decisions with appropriate sampling processes 26. Discussing variances in decisions between assessors or locations and share best practice 27. Giving constructive verification feedback to assessors in challenging situations 28. How to actively participate in a standardisation meeting Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 9 of 26

A.6 Delegate Performance Assessment Delegates attending this Internal Verifier training programme will be given a series of explanations and demonstrations that will identify what they are expected to know and do. This will be followed by practical exercises allowing delegates to practice their skills, knowledge and understanding of the internal verifier role. Delegates will also complete an open book written test (in an invigilated environment) testing the underpinning knowledge of the theory learning outcomes of this OPITO-approved Internal Verifier standard. Guidance on Test Contents The test questions will be set against the stated learning outcomes in Section A.5. The maximum duration of the test is 60 minutes and must be in the form of a knowledge test covering Learning Outcomes 1-23. A Training Provider attendance certificate must be issued at the end of training for delegates prior to the completion of the Workplace Evidence. Please note that the OPITO Logo must not be included in this attendance certificate. The OPITO Logo must only be included in the final certificate issued to the candidate once all the workplace evidence requirements have been completed. The issue of an OPITO Internal Verifier Certificate will only be issued to the delegate after the OPITOapproved Centre has assessed the delegate s work place evidence and deemed it as meeting the required standard. Please refer to Section B for workplace evidence requirements. A.7 Duration of the Training Programme The optimum 'contact time' for this training and assessment programme is 7 hours. It is suggested that a ratio of 60% to 40% theory to practical is appropriate. The total contact time per training day shall not exceed 8 hours. The total training day shall not exceed 10 hours (the total training day includes contact time, coffee and meal breaks, and travel time between training sites where applicable). Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 10 of 26

A.8 The Training Programme The training programme provided below is designed to help delegates achieve the stated learning outcomes specified in section A.5. Contents in Appendix 1 must be covered prior to course commencement. To make efficient use of time and ensure effective learning there should, wherever practicable, be an integration of the three phases of explanation, demonstration and practice. Full use should be made of audio / visual aids and course handout material. Prior to the start of the course, the following must be included as part of the introduction by training staff: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Aim The main purpose of the module Learning Outcomes What the delegates are expected to learn Timetable Training module duration and timing Assessment how delegates will be assessed and what they will be assessed against Staff - who will be delivering the training and roles of training support staff. The time taken for this introduction is expected to be approximately 10 minutes. The training course consists of the following modules and elements: Module 1 Element 1.1 Module 2 Element 2.1 Element 2.2 Element 2.3 Element 2.4 Introduction to Internal Verification Introduction to Internal Verification The Internal Verifier s Role Supporting Assessors Monitoring and Verifying the Quality of Assessments Record Keeping and Feedback Assuring the Competency Process Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 11 of 26

MODULE 1 ELEMENT 1.1 Introduction to Internal Verification Introduction to Internal Verification Training staff to explain: 1.1.1 The purpose of Internal Verification 1.1.2 The difference between Quality Control (checking the end product) and Quality Assurance (checking the process) 1.1.3 The roles and responsibilities of individuals involved in the assessment and quality assurance process (i.e. candidates, competence assessors, internal verifiers, internal and external quality assurance personnel, awarding/accreditation bodies) 1.1.4 Typical sources of assessment evidence when verifying, which must include: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) Observation Questioning Candidate Reports/Personal Statements Products of Work Recognition of Prior Learning (qualifications, knowledge, experience) Simulation Witness Testimony Professional Discussion 1.1.5 Internal verification related terminology, to include as a minimum: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Types of internal verification Sampling strategies Standardisation Consistency Valid, authentic, reliable, current, sufficient Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 12 of 26

MODULE 2 ELEMENT 2.1 The Internal Verifier s Role Supporting Assessors Training staff to explain: 2.1.1 The need to provide the correct level of guidance and support to experienced and inexperienced assessors throughout all stages of the assessment process 2.1.2 The importance of ensuring assessors have the required occupational experience and are trained and qualified in assessment techniques 2.1.3 The importance of assessors maintaining their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Practical Exercise 2.1.4: In groups, discuss what potential workplace situations an Internal Verifier could be approached by an assessor for guidance and support. Delegates to practice responding to these potential assessor queries. Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 13 of 26

ELEMENT 2.2 Monitoring and Verifying the Quality of Assessments Training staff to explain: 2.2.1 The importance of familarisation with own company internal verification processes 2.2.2 The importance of planning internal verifications when they directly involve others (e.g. the assessor, candidate, witness) 2.2.3 The need to monitor assessors throughout the assessment process to check their compliance with: (a) Their organisation s competence assessment procedures (b) Preparing and planning assessments (c) Applying fair, valid and reliable methods of assessing and ensuring assessments are conducted safely (d) Giving feedback to candidates 2.2.4 The need to ensure there is a robust process in place for ensuring quality assurance of the assessment process where observation of assessors during an assessment is not a viable option 2.2.5 The need to monitor the accuracy and security of the assessment records and record keeping process 2.2.6 Appropriate sampling methods to ensure assessment decisions are: (a) Valid, authentic, reliable, current and sufficient (b) Consistent over time 2.2.7 How sampling processes must ensure the robustness of: (a) Each individual assessor s judgements (b) The decisions of a number of assessors (c) The decisions at different assessment sites (d) Assessment decisions made against a range of standards 2.2.8 Recognising biases in assessment decisions Practical Exercise 2.2.9: Providing an identical pack of assessment decisions and accompanying evidence (with variances/irregularities) from one assessor or one location, over the same unit of a standard and between several candidates, each delegate to individually practice sampling and verifying the judgements made. Discuss and explain if the assessments were valid, authentic, reliable, current and sufficient. Record any pertinent issues. These points will form the basis of discussion for a standardisation meeting in Practical Exercise 2.4.4. Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 14 of 26

ELEMENT 2.3 Record Keeping and Feedback Training staff to explain: 2.3.1 The need for ensuring confidentiality and data protection 2.3.2 The importance of keeping records of all sampling results so internal verifiers can provide feedback to the assessors 2.3.3 Providing feedback to the assessor that is: (a) At an appropriate time and place (b) In a constructive and encouraging way 2.3.4 The need to encourage assessors to provide feedback to the internal verifier 2.3.5 The importance of completing internal verification documentation and submitting in accordance with company procedures 2.3.6 The appeals procedure, and processes for handling disputes Practical Exercise 2.3.7: Delegates to practice conducting feedback sessions in which difficult issues or disagreements are raised using several feedback scenarios (see examples in Appendix 2). Share and discuss feedback as a group. ELEMENT 2.4 Assuring the Competency Process Training staff to explain: 2.4.1 Typical assessment and verification standardisation activities and discussion topics 2.4.2 The importance of participating in and contributing to standardisation activities 2.4.3 Other potential Internal Verifier responsibilities, to include as a minimum: (a) Preparing for Internal/External audits (b) Discussing, agreeing and implementing actions from Internal/External audits (c) Revision to processes and procedures (d) Reporting to managers on assessment and verification progress and findings Practical Exercise 2.4.4: Based on the results from Practical Exercise 2.2.9, delegates to participate in a standardisation meeting and discuss the variances between assessments. Delegates to practice selecting agenda items for the meeting and then proposing and discussing solutions. Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 15 of 26

SECTION B Workplace Evidence Requirements The following assessment evidence, generated in the workplace, is to be provided by the delegate or their organisation s representative to the training provider as soon as possible but within twelve months of completion of the OPITO Internal Verifier Training course. Workplace evidence submitted must be sufficient to meet all the Evidence Requirements. This evidence will be assessed by the training provider prior to issuing an OPITO certificate. Should the OPITO Internal Verifier certification not be achieved within twelve months, delegates are to re-take assessments as detailed in Section A.6. Assessments are carried out by OPITO-approved training providers. Evidence Requirements: In order to complete this training programme delegates must submit, as a minimum, the verificationrelated documentation listed below to the OPITO-approved Training Provider within a twelve month period. Two assessors must be verified in the workplace and the same two assessors must be used throughout the verification process: a) A minimum of one IV sampling plan, which includes a minimum of two assessment decisions made by two assessors b) IV report(s) that include the results of internal verifications, covering both assessors and two of their assessment decisions plus copies of the assessment records used in reaching each IV decision c) Evidence that documented feedback has been provided to both assessors and has been signed by both assessors d) Evidence of a minimum of one standardisation activity carried out by the delegate On receipt of the above documentation, the training provider will: 1. Make a judgement for each delegate of "Competent", or "Not Yet Competent" based on the verification evidence (i.e. points a) d) above). This decision must be fed back to the delegate and internal verifier for further action, if required. 2. Where the judgement is "Competent", the training provider will inform the delegate and will issue a certificate. The delegate must retain all training material and assessment verification records resulting from the course. The training provider must keep a copy of the completed assessment evidence i.e. completed test paper, evidence required from the workplace plus course evaluation forms, for OPITO audit purposes. 3. Where the judgement is "Not Yet Competent", the training provider should make every effort, via feedback to the delegate and their organisation s representative, where applicable, to assist the delegate to become Competent (then revert to Point 2 above). Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 16 of 26

SECTION C Resources In order that a training programme may be delivered successfully it is essential that appropriately qualified and experienced people are there to deliver and support the programme and that the appropriate facilities and equipment are in place. Instructional staff will be required to carry out training, and assessors will be required to judge the delegate s competence. C.1 Staff All instructional staff must: (a) Be trained in instructional/lecture techniques and/or have proven instructing/teaching experience (b) Hold an OPITO Internal Verifier Certificate or Equivalent (c) Have their training and development needs regularly reviewed and have a programme in place to meet any identified requirements All assessors must: (d) trained and qualified in assessment and internal verification techniques (e) Hold an OPITO Internal Verifier Certificate or equivalent All staff will have the appropriate competencies to conduct/assist with the element of training being undertaken. Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 17 of 26

C.2 Trainer/Delegate Ratio (a) (b) (c) The maximum number of delegates attending this programme is eight using one instructor or sixteen using two instructors. The minimum number of delegates attending this programme is two The following ratios indicate the maximum number of delegates to be supervised by one instructor at any one time during each activity or two instructors at any one time: Theory 1:8 1:16 Demonstration 1:8 2:16 Practical 1:8 2:16 Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 18 of 26

C.3 Facilities and Location of Training In order to deliver the internal verifier training course effectively, the following facilities need to be in place: Administration arrangements to support delegates from booking, through registration and assessment to certification Theory training area(s) and practical training area(s) designed to enable each delegate to participate fully in the activities listed in the training programme and which will not be used simultaneously for any other activity All facilities must be maintained, and where appropriate, inspected and tested in accordance with current standards/legislation. Location of Training It is recognised that the restricted range of resources and facilities required makes this course suitable for on-location training. However, prior to any courses being delivered remotely, training providers must comply with the following requirements: a) Prior to initial approval, the training provider will specify a single approved site and advise OPITO of its intention to deliver training remotely. b) The training provider will advise OPITO of the location of any remote training in advance of each delivery (where possible, 10 days in advance). c) The training provider shall ensure the suitability of facilities and arrangements prior to delivery. d) Documented evidence will be retained by the training provider to show that delivery of training at the remote site meets the criteria detailed in this OPITO standard including, but not limited to, facilities, equipment and qualification of instructional & assessment staff. e) Documented management procedures shall be retained which record any measures required to assure the quality and safety of on location training. f) All records and associated documentation must be retained at a single, specified location, mutually agreed with OPITO, and made available at time of audit. g) OPITO reserves the right to physically audit any or all of the remote sites operated by the training provider. Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 19 of 26

C.4 Materials As a minimum, the following materials will be required: Element 2.2 Monitoring and Verifying the Quality of Assessments Practical Exercise 2.2.9 (1) A pack of assessment decisions and accompanying evidence (with variances/irregularities) from one assessor or one location, over the same unit of a standard and between several candidates (one pack for each delegate) Element 2.3 Record Keeping and Feedback Practical Exercise 2.3.7 (2) Feedback scenarios to guide the discussion (see Appendix 2) Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 20 of 26

SECTION D Administration and Certification D.1 Joining Instructions The OPITO-approved Training Provider must provide the delegate with course information prior to course so that delegates are aware of the requirements of the standard. D.2 Periodicity There is no expiry date for the OPITO-approved Internal Verifier Training certificate. Note: It is the delegate s employing company s responsibility to determine the validity of this certificate and how to re-validate the delegate s training. Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 21 of 26

D.3 Certification Training Centres are responsible for issuing a certificate direct to the delegate completing the programme and to the sponsoring company (when required). An OPITO certificate will be issued by the training provider to all delegates assessed as meeting the stated learning outcomes and workplace evidence requirements specified in Section B. The issue of a certificate indicates that the delegate has achieved the level of competence required to be recognised as an OPITO Certified Internal Verifier and must contain the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) Training Centre name Full OPITO course title stating that it is OPITO-approved OPITO registration code Delegate's name Assessment end date Unique Certificate Number (UCN) Refer to OPITO UCN Guidance doc. for details Training Centre Signatory. D.4 Course Administration Each delegate being certificated for an OPITO approved programme must be registered with the Central Register (CR) operated by OPITO. Registration must be made by the training establishment to OPITO within one week of the delegate completing the workplace evidence requirements. OPITO confirms that information on the registration form will be contained in a computerised register which will be available to employers, prospective employers and training providers in the oil and gas industry to verify training records. At all times use of this data will be strictly in accordance with principles laid down in relevant data protection legislation. Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 22 of 26

Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations Competence Assessor Internal Verifier CPD VARCS Workplace Trained to conduct assessments on the organisation s personnel to ensure they are competent to perform their work according to operational standards Trained to authenticate the organisation s assessor judgements to ensure assessments are carried out consistently. Continuing professional development Valid, authentic, reliable, current, sufficient The real life working environment where evidence is obtained Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 23 of 26

Appendix 1 OPITO Information The topics listed below are to be delivered as part of the introduction to this course and included in the Lesson Plans/Instructor guides/exercise Plans. Additional introduction topics may include training centre layout and alarms, emergency actions, first aid and domestic arrangements Mandatory OPITO Information: a) Medical Fitness b) Certification Periods c) CR/Vantage (provided by OPITO) d) OPITO Customer Service Statement (provided by OPITO) e) The roles of employers and training providers (provided by OPITO) f) What is OPITO s role in industry? (provided by OPITO) g) Current Global Network of training providers (provided by OPITO) Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 24 of 26

Appendix 2 Feedback Scenarios Examples Feedback scenarios, based on characteristics similar to the examples below, are to be devised by the training provider. Example #1 Assessor: a) Opinionated, sure of his/her, has been assessing for a long time b) Makes no effort to put the candidate at ease and asks brusque, sharp questions c) Sometimes gets in the way during the assessment d) Decided the candidate was Not Yet Competent because of his/her nervousness Internal Verifier: e) Has just become the internal verifier for this assessor f) Believes the candidate was put under too much pressure and didn t get a fair assessment g) Has documentation from other assessors that shows the candidate has been deemed Competent on a previous occasion for a similar task Challenge: How does the internal verifier present comments on the assessor s technique that ensures that future assessments are handled more compassionately? Is a standardisation meeting required to see why two opposite decisions on the same candidate have been made? Example #2 Assessor: a) New to assessment and very enthusiastic b) Asked a great deal of detailed, theoretical questions c) Took a lot of notes and a long time to assess the candidate d) Resultant report was long winded, the candidate was deemed competent, but the assessor didn t provide relevant evidence to back up the detailed observation Internal Verifier: e) Appreciates the assessor s energy, but worries that he/she is over-assessing candidates f) If it continues in this way it will take a long time to complete the assessment Challenge: How does the internal verifier explain the need for boundaries in assessment? How does the verifier show that he/she appreciates the new assessor s commitment, but that appropriate technique and record keeping are required as well? Revision 2 (February 2017) Page 25 of 26

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