Assessors should always use best practice when planning and carrying out assessments. Which one of the options explains why this is necessary?
It will produce consistently effective assessments and reliable assessment results.
It will result in consistently effective assessments and the highest pass rates.
It will reduce the time taken for assessments and effectively minimise costs.
It will always produce higher candidate grades.
Next question
Different types of oral question can be used to test different levers of cognitive skills. Which of the types given in the options is best suited to test understanding?
Divergent questions, each with a small number of possible correct answers.
Divergent questions that require deductive reasoning.
Convergent questions, each with a small number of probable correct answers.
Convergent questions, each with a unique correct answer.
Next question
How can learning objectives and performance criteria be used to ensure that assessment is relevant and that all of them are covered within the assessment?
By writing a learning objective and performance criteria for each question in the assessment.
By forming each of the learning objectives and performance criteria into tasks and/or questions.
By having the same number of questions as there are learning objectives and performance criteria in the programme of learning.
Next question
In relation to assessment of a candidate by direct observation, which of the following statements best describes the environment that the candidate should be required to perform the assessment task in?
The assessor should ensure that the environment is warm and well ventilated so as to make the candidate as comfortable as possible.
Wherever possible the assessor should ensure that the condition of the environment is as close as possible to that in which the candidate would normally perform the work activity.
The assessor should ensure that the environment is as quiet as possible to avoid distractions for the candidate.
Next question
In relation to assessment of a candidate by direct observation, which one of the following statements best describes how an assessor should, wherever possible, select a task for the candidate to perform?
The assessor should select a task which would be a normal work activity for the candidate.
The assessor should select a task which is a simulation of a normal work activity.
The assessor should select a task which is based on an unusual work activity.
The assessor should select a task which is not based on a normal work activity.
Next question
In relation to assessment of a candidate, which one of the following statements best describes what an assessor should consider when setting the performance criteria for an assessment by direct observation?
The expected level of proficiency in all of the required skills, and the full range of conditions that the task might be carried out under.
Only the expected level of proficiency that the candidate needs to perform the task to.
The expected level of proficiency, but only under the conditions that exist at the time the task is being undertaken.
The expected level of proficiency and a time limit for completing the task.
Next question
In relation to setting the required performance criteria for assessment of competence or proficiency in a practical skill which one of the following statements is the most accurate?
The performance criteria should relate directly to the practical skill and should have sufficient detail to fully meet the required standard defined in the competence or proficiency statement.
The performance criteria for assessment of a candidate performing a practical task must always cover the knowledge and understanding requirement as well as the practical aspects of the task.
Next question
In relation to the time and venue chosen for assessment by direct observation of a candidate’s proficiency in performing a practical task, which one of the following statements is correct?
Anytime that a suitable venue is available is a good time to carry out the assessment.
Both the time and venue should be chosen to ensure that the assessment will be as fair and effective as possible.
Next question
In relation to the use of convergent questions during oral assessment, which one of the cognitive skill levels given in the options can be best tested using this question type?
Understanding.
Knowledge.
Application.
Evaluation.
Next question
In relation to the use of different oral question types, which one of the following statements is most accurate?
Divergent questions that require deductive reasoning can be suitable for testing a candidate’s cognitive and affective skills.
Divergent questions that require deductive reasoning are only suitable for testing a candidate’s cognitive skills.
Divergent questions that require deductive reasoning are only suitable for testing a candidate’s affective skills.
Next question
In relation to the use of divergent questions during oral assessment, which one of the statements given in the options is the most accurate?
This type of question is best used to test the higher cognitive skills as the candidate will need to evaluate and analyse the possible answers in order to decide on the most appropriate.
This type of question is best used to test knowledge as the candidate will need to recall the correct answer from memory.
This type of question is best used to test the higher cognitive skills as the candidate will need to remember the correct answer.
This type of question is best used to test the range of psychomotor skills associated with a particular competence.
Next question
It is a general principle that assessors should produce and keep to an agreed assessment plan when carrying out an assessment by direct observation. Which one of the actions given in the options should an assessor follow if circumstances develop which mean that the assessment plan cannot be followed?
Discard the assessment plan and carry on assessing using oral questioning only to see what the candidate might have done.
Postpone or suspend the assessment unless the candidate agrees to any necessary changes.
Just pass the candidate if they have performed well up to that point in the planned assessment.
Stop the assessment and make a final judgement based on the part of the assessment that has been completed.
Next question
STCW is the main standard used for the training and certification of seafarers. Which one of the following best describes the main structure of STCW?
It is based on an officer’s rank and their associated tasks.
It is based on all of the departments usually found onboard the ship.
It is based solely on the levels of responsibility assigned to each rank onboard ship.
It is based on a number of functional areas and 3 levels of responsibility.
Next question
Select from the following options the one which contains the most important criteria when selecting a suitable practical task for testing a candidate when assessing by direct observation of performance:
The task selected should directly relate to the competence or proficiency that is being assessed and give the candidate a fair opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency.
The task selected should be the easiest and quickest to complete of the available options.
The task selected should be one that requires the least resources and is the most cost effective.
The task selected should be the one which allows the maximum number of proficiencies to be assessed at the one time and reduces the time that the assessor uses in preparation for assessment.
Next question
Select from the following statements the one which describes the circumstances under which an assessor would be most likely to use pre-assessment and formative assessment in a competency based learning programme:
Pre-assessment and formative assessment would always be used by an assessor along with summative assessment in any learning programme.
An assessor would never use these forms of assessment in a competency based programme of learning.
When the assessor is also the trainer.
The assessor would use these forms of assessment whenever they use written questions to test a candidate.
Next question
Select from the given options the main reason why a written assessment plan or brief should be drawn up as part of the preparation even for an assessment by direct observation?
To remind the assessor of the correct sequence that the candidate should follow in completing a task.
To help the candidate, as it will contain detailed information of how to complete the task being observed.
To ensure the candidate turns up at the correct place and time for the assessment.
To make it clear to the assessor and candidate exactly what is required from the candidate during the observed activity.
Next question
Select from the given options the main reason why it is important to limit the expected duration of an assessment during the planning stage?
If it lasts too long it may result in the candidate exceeding normal working hours.
If it lasts too long the assessor may forget details of the early part of the candidate’s performance.
If it lasts too long the candidate could become fatigued, which may affect their performance.
If it lasts too long the assessor may get bored.
Next question
Select the option which contains a definition of a question which is classed as a truly convergent question:
It is a question with only one unique correct answer.
It is a question with a number of correct answers.
It is a question that has no correct answers.
It is a question either two or three correct answers.
Next question
Select the option which contains a definition of a question which is classed as a truly divergent question:
It is a question with an infinite number of correct answers.
It is a question with only one unique correct answer.
It is a question that has no correct answer.
Next question
Select the option which correctly completes the following statement. “A candidate’s ability to follow a defined procedure when completing a practical task…”:
Will often be one of the performance requirements for an assessment by direct observation.
Will always be one of the performance requirements for an assessment by direct observation.
Will never be one of the performance requirements for an assessment by direct observation.
Never matters as long as the end result is acceptable.
Next question
Select the option which correctly completes the following statement. “When an assessor is selecting the venue for an assessment to take place one of the main considerations is that it…”:
Is the most convenient place for the assessor.
Provides a suitable environment for the assessment.
Is the most convenient place for the candidate.
Is away from the normal workplace.
Next question
Select the statement which best describes how an assessor should act in relation to making a judgement of a candidate’s competence based only on the final product or end result:
Competence is about how the result is achieved as well as what result is achieved and therefore a judgement regarding competence should not be made based only on the end result or final product.
In order to achieve an acceptable final product or end result a candidate must be competent and therefore the assessor can consider it is an effective test of competency.
The only thing that really matters is the final product or end result so if this is good then an assessor can judge a candidate as being competent.
Providing a candidate can produce the correct end result on at least one occasion the assessor can reasonably judge them to be competent.
Next question
When forming an assessment plan for an assessment by direct observation what would normally be the first thing an assessor should do?
Create some learning objectives and write some supplementary questions.
Select a time and venue for assessment.
Select a competence which has proficiencies that are suited to assessment by direct observation.
Ask the candidate which work activity they would prefer to have observed.
Next question
Which of the following best describes an inductive question that may be used by an assessor during an oral assessment of a candidate?
It is a question which contains only sufficient information for the candidate to be able to arrive at a probable answer.
It is a question which contains incomplete information but the candidate should still be able to give the correct answer.
It is a question which contains all of the information for the candidate to be able to arrive at the correct answer.
It is a question which contains full information but the candidate will only be able to give a probable answer.
Next question
Which of the following statements is the most accurate in relation to the use of oral questioning and listening techniques by an assessor?
By using oral questioning and listening techniques the assessor can make a judgement as to a candidate’s proficiency in cognitive and psychomotor skills.
By using oral questioning and listening techniques the assessor can make a judgement as to a candidate’s proficiency in psychomotor and affective skills.
By using oral questioning and listening techniques only, an assessor can usually make a judgement as to a candidates competence in a practical task.
By using oral questioning and listening techniques the assessor can make a judgement as to a candidate’s proficiency in cognitive and affective skills.
Next question
Which one of the combinations of skills given in the options is best suited to assessment by direct observation rather than by written or oral questioning techniques?
Psychomotor and affective skills.
Psychomotor and cognitive skills.
Affective and cognitive skills.
Psychomotor, affective and cognitive skills.
Next question
Which one of the following best describes the main limitation, if any, of using only observational methods when carrying out an assessment of a candidate’s competence?
Direct observation of candidate performance does not necessarily test the associated knowledge and understanding required for competence.
Assessment by direct observation is not the best method for assessing psychomotor skills.
Assessment by direct observation cannot be used to assess across the range that the candidate is required to perform a given work activity.
There are no limitations in using only direct observational methods for assessing a candidate’s competence.
Next question
Which one of the following best represents the elements that form part of a competence as required in a competency based learning strategy?
A combination of practical skills and the ability to communicate.
A combination of proficiency, knowledge and understanding.
The ability to pass written tests and to perform practical tasks.
The ability to answer written and oral questions.
Next question
Which one of the following contains the two methods of assessment most frequently used by an onboard assessor when assessing a candidate during a work activity onboard ship?
Direct observation and oral questioning.
Direct observation and written questions and answers.
Oral questioning and written questions and answers.
Direct observation and a formal written test.
Next question
Which one of the following statements about effective oral assessment to confirm a candidate’s competence is the most accurate?
Divergent questions that require deductive thinking with follow-up questions allow both cognitive and affective skills to be assessed and are most suitable for confirming competence.
Convergent questions that require deductive thinking allow all skill types to be assessed and are therefore most suitable to confirm competence.
Pre-selected divergent questions that require deductive thinking are most suitable for fully confirming competence.
Pre-selected convergent questions are suitable for assessing all cognitive skills and therefore most suitable for confirming competence.
Next question
Which one of the following statements best describes the main advantages of assessing a candidate performing a normal work activity by using direct observation?
It is the only way for an assessor to assess a candidate’s competence in a work activity.
It allows the candidate to demonstrate the full range of knowledge and understanding associated with the work activity.
It is authentic and relevant, and an appropriate means of assessing psychomotor skills.
It is the cheapest way to fully assess competence.
Next question
Which one of the following statements correctly describes competence in a work activity onboard ship?
Competence in a work activity usually involves a combination of different types of skills.
Competence in a work activity usually only involves psychomotor skills.
It is usually possible to assess competence in a work activity using a single method of assessment.
Assessment of any competence relating to onboard work activities will always require testing by visual, written and oral methods.
Next question
Which one of the following statements is the most accurate definition of a good learning objective?
It is a specific statement which describes what the trainer wishes to do in a specific part of a programme of learning.
It is a general statement which describes the material that will be covered during a programme of learning.
It is a generic statement relating to a functional role at work.
It is a specific statement which describes what the learner should be able to do after completing a section within a programme of learning.
Next question
Which one of the given options best describes the relationship between learning objectives or performance criteria and assessments in a competency-based programme of learning?
Assessments should be designed to provide evidence that one or more learning objectives or performance criteria have been met.
Learning objectives and performance criteria are only included as guidance for the candidate and do not need to be linked to the assessment.
Learning objectives and performance criteria are simply statements of intent and do not have to be directly assessed.
Learning objectives and performance criteria are only included as reminders to the assessor of what has to be assessed.
Next question
Which one of the given options can be considered as a key element of a good oral questioning technique to be used by an assessor following an assessment by direct observation?
Consider follow-up questions based on the possible responses that a candidate may give to initial oral questions in order to test higher cognitive and affective skills across the required range.
Consider oral questions that relate to other learning objectives associated with different work activities.
Consider oral questions that only test the candidate’s ability to recall facts and figures relating to the work activity.
Prepare a set number of oral questions and keep to them no matter what responses the candidate may give.
Next question
Which one of the given options is an accurate definition of the term “inductive reasoning”?
It is a process where a limited amount of information given to the candidate is used to infer a probable answer to an oral question.
It is a process where a candidate is given all of the information and facts and they use it to deduce the correct answer to an oral question.
It is a process where a limited amount of information given to the candidate is used to deduce the correct answer to an oral question.
It is a process where a candidate is given all of the information and facts and they use it to infer the probable answer to an oral.
Next question
Which one of the given options is the main reason why the use of leading questions should be avoided by an assessor when testing candidates using oral questions?
Leading questions tend to unsettle candidates which may affect their performance.
Leading questions are only suitable for confirming a candidate’s competence and do not test their cognitive skills.
Leading questions usually contain at least part of the answer that is required or an obvious clue to the answer and therefore they do not effectively test the candidate.
The language required for leading questions is too complicated and this will only confuse the candidate.
Next question
Which one of the options identifies the most important action that an assessor can take to ensure that a candidate is suitably relaxed for an assessment by direct observation?
Make sure that the candidate is fully informed of the requirements for the assessment.
Make sure that the task chosen for the assessment is one that the candidate has done before.
Make sure that the assessment takes place during the candidate’s normal work hours.
Make sure that the candidate has unlimited time to complete the assessment.
Next question
Which one of the options should be considered as the main purpose of a post assessment debrief, following an assessment by direct observation?
To provide detailed feedback and, if required, to produce a performance improvement plan.
It is only to inform the candidate of the result of the assessment.
To inform the candidate of the result of the assessment and to highlight what went wrong during the assessment.
To allow the assessor to reflect on the assessment process.
Next question
Which one of the statements given in the options describes one of the main responsibilities of a candidate for assessment by direct observation?
They must complete the assessment in the shortest time possible.
They must ensure the assessment venue is properly prepared for the assessment.
They must ensure that the assessment decision is properly recorded in a secure record system.
They must familiarise themselves with all details of the assessment provided by the assessor before the assessment.
Next question
Which one of the statements given in the options is correct in relation to individuals who have responsibility for assessing seafarers onboard ship?
Assessors should not be influenced by external pressures.
Assessors should only be allocated a fixed period of time when planning assessments.
Assessors should consider the cost of an assessment as the main criterion when planning an assessment.
Assessors should always consider how long the candidate has served in their current rank when assessing a candidate’s competence.
Next question
Which one of the statements given in the options is the best description of the term “performance criteria” in relation to assessment in competency based programme of learning?
They are clear statements which describe the level and quality of performance that a candidate must meet in order to demonstrate competence.
They are general statements which describe the competence that is being assessed.
They are clear statements which define the time that is allowed for an assessment task.
They are general statements which describe the performance that a candidate must demonstrate.
Next question
Which one of the statements given in the options is the main reason for an assessor to use both inductive and deductive types of question during oral testing of a candidate?
Using a mixture of inductive and deductive questions allows the assessor to test the whole range of a candidate’s cognitive skills as well as some affective skills.
Using a mixture of inductive and deductive questions allows the assessor to test the whole range of a candidate’s cognitive skills although none of their affective skills.
Using a mixture of inductive and deductive questions is less monotonous for both the candidate and the assessor.
Using a mixture of inductive and deductive questions allows the assessor to test the candidate’s knowledge and understanding, although other methods are required to test higher cognitive and affective skills.
Next question
With reference to an assessor including arrangements for providing feedback to the candidate in their assessment plan, which one of the following statements is correct?
Arrangements for feedback should be included as it is essential that the assessor informs the candidate about the standard of the performance and gives guidance as to any future actions required.
Arrangements for feedback should be included in the assessment plan just in case the assessor has to tell the candidate what they have done wrong.
Arrangements for feedback should only be included in the assessment plan so that the assessor can praise the candidate if they have performed well to further motivate them.
Arrangements for feedback should only be included in the assessment plan if the assessor is sure that there will be time to give any to the candidate.
Show results
* In some questions may be more, than one right answer.
“CBT test finished! Your result: