When setting out the Centre moderation sampling strategy, the period the sample will be completed over may need to be considered depending on the delivery arrangements for the qualification; for example, short courses or those set against academic year(s).

The Centre must ensure all the assessment staff are included in the moderation sample and that all units in the qualification claimed are covered in the sample. To ensure consistency, there should be a minimum of three learners included in the sample.

Where Centres have low numbers of learners the Centre must consult with the EQA to agree a minimum sampling figure.

The sampling strategy should consider potential risks when deciding the number of units and learners to include in their sample such as:

Selecting the appropriate moderation method is determined by the qualification assessments, for example:

These assessments produce assessment documents completed by the Learner that are marked and graded by the Centre and fall under traditional moderation techniques - where the moderator reviews assessment decisions against learners’ knowledge papers such as reports, descriptions, and explanations to answer questions.

These assessments are observed by the staff and their check sheets are the assessment records relating to the learner. The scoring/marking/grading decisions are made based on the Learner’s performance of the practical task.

It is expected that occupational moderators will observe the assessment, scoring/marking and/or grading to determine how the accuracy and consistency was applied by the assessor.

Many qualifications combine knowledge and practical assessments, that are carried out under controlled conditions, and this will need to be considered when setting out the moderation sampling strategy. (Please refer to EAL’s guidance for controlled assessment)

The moderation outcome is to report on the accuracy and consistency of marking/grading across a range of staff assessment decisions across a range of units within a qualification. Relevant information should be used to inform standardisation activities, improvements and training.

To ensure the management of the controlled assessment is robust, and the assessment decisions are based on authentic and reliable evidence, a Centre’s approach to controlled assessment must be considered.

For examples of learner sampling size please refer to What sample sizes are appropriate for moderation of centre marked assessments?

For further guidance please refer to the EAL Centre Requirements for Moderation of Centre Marked Assessments document which you can find located in the Document Library in Smarter Touch.

Alternatively please contact your assigned EQA or our Customer Experience Team either on live chat, email: customer.experience@eal.org.uk, or phone: 01923 652400