NATIONAL QUALIFICATION AUTHORITY

REPORT OF EXPERT PANELS ON VALIDATION OF QUALIFICATION

PART 1: SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

DETAILS OF VALIDATED QUALIFICATIONS BY THE PANEL:

Title of Qualification

Administrative Assistant Level of Qualification in NQF

NQF Level 5 NQF Level 4 NQF Level 3 √ NQF Level 2 NQF Level 1

Type of Qualification

School based qualification combined General and Vocational Education

Qualification in Vocational Training based on National Vocational Standards

√

Qualification in Vocational Training based on Vocational Standards

Other (specify)

Qualification based on professional international standards

Value of Qualification credits

No of Credits

(1 Credit = 10 non-real hours) 34

Typical number of required classes/hour

Guided learning (Contact) Hours

62.4

Assessment

Practice

240

Self-study

33.6

NAME OF APPLYING INSTITUTION:

REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE - PEJA

Fidanishte ”Kasim Shala” street no number

NAMES OF EXPERT PANEL MEMBERS PARTICIPATING IN ASSESSMENT:

Enver MALIQI Exp

Hamëz RAMA Exp

Milot HASANGJEKAJ NQA

Kaltrina MULLIQI NQA

DATES OF ASSESSMENT MEETINGS:

19.04.2012/02.05.2012/07.05.2012

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD OF NQA:

Approval √

Disapproval

If accreditation is recommended, indicate extension and date proposed for expiry of accreditation:

Conditions (if any):

Harmonisation and review of the learning package and assessment instruments based on professional standards.

Review of the criteria for candidates’ entry into qualification “Administrative Assistant” to enable passing into level 4 of NQF.

Certificate must be equipped with the additional part including the candidate competence, number of credits and level in NQF.

Last deadline:

01.06.2013

Recommendation agreed by the Panel on:

Signed:

Enver Maliqi…………………… (Chair of the Panel)

PART 2: GENERAL OUTCOMES AND CONCLUSIONS

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE VALIDATED QUALIFICATION AND/OR APPLYING INSTITUTION

Verification of data and applications; Panel has estimated that compilation/filling of validation form for qualification “Administrative Assistant” mainly has sufficient information. During the visit additional documentation was requested in order to have this application complete. Visit of the panel was successfully completed and the staff of the centre is estimated to have been cooperative with experts of the panel.

Structure of qualification and modules; Documents and materials used for training; During the visit it has been found that this qualification is based on a modular structure which in general meets the demands of the labour market. For this qualification are mainly used “learning package” and Assessment instruments” drafted and reviewed by MLSW with the support from Lux Development. These materials have been modified for the training needs of RVTC. Panel estimates that the learning package in some cases is not harmonised with professional standards developed for the sector of Economy “Administrative Assistant”. Based on these standards it has been estimated that in the “Learning package” there ardent included modules which are part of these standards, respectively the module of accounting and marketing. Panel estimates that the assessment instruments according to “Learning package” are not harmonised with the module description. Learning packages and assessment instruments must have description of each module as follows: title, credit value, results of the lesson and the content, assessment instruments and criteria of realisation. Candidates must go through the full qualification of “Administrative Assistant” through the modular units, cases can be omitted when the candidate has knowledge and recognition of earlier knowledge is considered. Panel estimates that the logical connection according to the learning package is that in no case should the candidate be certified only for modular unit with number 7. Evidence for assessment, certification, tests;

As for the tests, panel has been provided with sufficient evidence for the entry test which is done in a form of interview in between the trainer and the candidate. During this interview previous knowledge of the candidate and the training needs are identified. The candidate is assessed by the trainer with points. This assessment is part of the portfolio of the candidate. Other forms of assessment are practical summative and theoretical assessments for each module, different projects, practical work and attendance. Summative assessment is conducted in the end of the training which is also attended by the director of RVTC. In this qualification not all candidates are interested in getting certified in all modules. A part of the candidates express their interest to be certified only in those modules what they need.

Based on RVTC Peja Quality Assurance Control of the candidate against vocational training is done through the checklist, modular tests with the benchmark of passing level with a minimum of 55 %. Whereas the panel estimates that based on the evaluation instruments, the minimum passing level is 70%. Therefore panel proposes to unify the passing level based on assessment instruments in national level.

Panel also proposes that the certificate is also completed with the additional part including the candidate competence, number of credits and level of NQF. Panel estimates that with validation of this qualification, RVTC-s must unify the names of qualification: Administrative Assistant.

Candidate portfolio details and the training staff

During the visit the panel has been provided with a candidate portfolio which provides the details about tests, projects, and other relevant data for the progress of the candidate. Moreover RVTC has presented evidence about candidate assessment before and following completion of the course. RVTC has presented the database for each candidate in electronic form. Based on the presented CV-s and the visit made by the panel, it has been estimated that the trainer is qualified for provision of the course.

COMMENTS (IF ANY) ABOUT THE QUALITY OF INFORMATION/DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION

MATTERS OF INTEREST (IF ANY) – INCLUDING JUSTIFICATION FOR EVERY CONDITION PROPOSED BY THE PANEL

Harmonisation and review of the learning package and assessment instruments based on professional standards. Panel estimates that the learning package in some cases is not harmonised with professional standards developed for the sector of Economy “Administrative Assistant”. Based on these standards it has been estimated that in the “Learning package” there ardent included modules which are part of these standards, respectively the module of accounting and marketing. Panel estimates that the assessment instruments according to “Learning package” are not harmonised with the module description. Learning packages and assessment instruments must have description of each module as follows: title, credit value, results of the lesson and the content, assessment instruments and criteria of realisation. Candidates must go through the full qualification of “Administrative Assistant” through the modular units, cases can be omitted when the candidate has knowledge and recognition of earlier knowledge is considered. Panel estimates that the logical connection of modular units according to the learning package in no case should allow certification of the candidate who is trained only for the modular unit no. 7. Based on RVTC Peja Quality Assurance Control of the candidate against vocational training is done through the checklist, modular tests with the benchmark of passing level with a minimum of 55 %. Whereas the panel estimates that based on the evaluation instruments, the minimum passing level is 70%. Therefore panel proposes to unify the passing level based on assessment instruments in national level. Review of the entry criteria for the candidates into qualification of “Administrative Assistant” to make the possibility to pass into level 4 of NQF. Panel estimates that professional standards are measurable with level 4 of the National Qualification Framework, it also estimates that staff training capacities are in adequate level to provide this level of NQF, whereas the only criterion seen as obstruction is the criterion for entering into qualification. Panel estimates that the entering criterion for this qualification to reach level 4 in NQF is the completed secondary school. Certificates must be equipped with the additional part showing the competences of the candidate, number of credits and level in NQF. NQA criteria aim to unify the certificates with some additional elements in order to enable more effective access in the labour market, also comparison with the other certificates inside the country and abroad.

PART 3: EVALUATION OF QUALIFICATIONS AGAINST GENERAL VALIDATION CRITERIA APPLIED FOR ALL QUALIFICATIONS 1. QUALIFICATION PROPOSED FOR VALIDATION MUST BE JUSTIFIED.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met √

Reasons for this conclusion: This qualification held in RVTC is based on labour market analysis and based on different surveys it has been found that this qualification is necessary and increases the opportunities for employment and for promotion at job. This is grounded on statistical data, and according to estimations a considerable percentage of certified persons get employed. As a training it is well coordinated. The program is updated and partly meets the national professional standards Qualification for Administrative Assistant meets all physical and human criteria based on the criteria based on:

Space,

Cabinets and laboratories,

Necessary equipment and,

Professional staff.

2. QUALIFICATION OR MODULE HAS A CLEAR JUSTIFICATION WHICH MAKES THE GOALS, OBJECTIVES,

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROGRESS AND SUPPORT BY GROUPS OF INTEREST TO BE TRANSPARENT.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met √

Reasons for this conclusion: Main reasoning of this module is training and retraining of unemployed identified by Regional Employment Centre.

Training and retraining citizens in order to reduce unemployment having the support of key groups of interest having in consideration that the training is free.

3. VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS MUST HAVE SUPPORT WITHIN RESPECTIVE SECTOR.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met √ Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion: This qualification has a wide range of linking:

With the Business Administration Sector (Office work, office administration) and

With the labour market needs.

Professional Vocational Standards in the sector of economy are developed by MEST in cooperation with EU Kosvet V project.

4. QUALIFICATIONS MUST HAVE CLEAR SPECIFICATION OF THE CONTENT AND COMPULSORY, OPTIONAL OR

CHOICE PARTS.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met √ Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion: This qualification has a very clear content through the “Learning package” which is prepared in cooperation with MLSW and Lux-Development. Qualification has 7 modules which are very well linked with each other and which correspond to the labour market demands. This qualification does not have included any module of accounting.

According to vocational standards it is foreseen that this qualification of “Administrative Assistant” to include one or more modules related to basics of accounting. Candidates must go through the full qualification of “Administrative Assistant” through the modular units, cases can be omitted when the candidate has knowledge and recognition of earlier knowledge is considered. Panel estimates that the logical connection according to the learning package is that in no case should the candidate be certified only for modular unit with number 7.

5. WHEN POSSIBLE, THE NUMBER OF TRAINING HOURS SHOULD BE INDICATED, NECESSARY FOR ACHIEVEMENT OF

QUALIFICATION. Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met √

Reasons for this conclusion: Based on the “Learning package” for Administrative Assistant, and also from the experience of the trainer, we have obtained the result that the number of 336 learning hours (34 credits) is sufficient to complete this qualification.

6. LEVEL OF QUALIFICATION AND VALUE OF CREDITS OF THE MODULES INCLUDED HERE ARE

DETERMINED IN ACCURATE MANNER (SEE ANNEX B FOR INSTRUCTION ABOUT THE LEVEL OF

QUALIFICATION).

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met √

Reasons for this conclusion: Based on the request from RVTC Peja for level 3 of validation of qualification of Administrative Assistant and based on Annex B of the instruction about the levels of qualification, the standards and criteria are accurately fulfilled. Level of qualification and value of credit are in compliance with the learning package for Administrative Assistant. Panel estimates that based on professional standards this qualification reaches the value of level 4 in NQF but some criteria need to be fulfilled which are measurable by this level. Panel estimates that the attending candidates as an entry criterion to this qualification must have completed the secondary school, the candidate must also learn all modular units (either in regular form or through NJMP).

7. INTRODUCTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFICATION OR PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE, ACHIEVEMENT OR

EXPERIENCE ARE CLEAR.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met √ Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion: According to RVTC and from the evidence based on documents and based on the visit, criteria for entering the qualification are:

To have applied in employment offices

To be unemployed,

To be employed but to apply for re-training to maintain the job Recognition of previous knowledge is done through AI 07/2009 issued by MLSW.

8. SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO DIRECT OR INDIRECT DISCRIMINATION OR BARRIERS TO ACCESS.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met √

Reasons for this conclusion:

RVTC -Peja is not subject of any discrimination starting with the persons with special needs, there is no racial, gender, religious discrimination and it meets the standards through:

Applicable legislation and,

Access to the building.

9. METHODS OF ASSESSMENT MUST BE: FAIR AND OBJECTIVE, FLEXIBLE, VALID, RELIABLE, TRANSPARENT;

PRACTICAL AND WITH REASONABLE EXPENDITURES.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met √ Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion: According to RVTC the assessment methods applied are:

- Continuous assessment

- Test on every module (theoretical test with combined questions,

whereas the practice is done through a checklist)

- Final assessment (Test) – Certification

Based on information from candidates, it is clear that assessment is correct, practical, flexible and objective. In assessment the quality assurance coordinator is involved as well and the director of the centre, thus making the assessment method more reliable and valid.

10. WHEN POSSIBLE DESCRIPTION OF THE QUALIFICATION INCLUDES INDICATORS OR CRITERIA WHICH NEED TO

PROVIDE VALID OBJECTIVE BASIS TO DISTINGUISH THE WORK ON ASSESSMENT OF VARIOUS CANDIDATES.

Not met at all Partially met √ Largely met Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion: Panel has analysed assessment instruments and the learning package and all documents related to assessment process. Panel estimates that the assessment instruments according to “Learning package” are not harmonised with the module description. Learning packages and assessment instruments must have description of each module as follows: Title, credit value, results of the lesson and the content, assessment instruments and criteria of realisation.

11. DRAFTED QUALIFICATION MUST HAVE TECHNICAL QUALITIES AND RIGOROUS CONTROL OF QUALITY

ASSURANCE.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met √ Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion: Quality assurance control for the candidates against the vocational training is done through the checklist, modular tests of passing benchmark over 55 %. Panel estimates that based on the assessment instruments the minimum benchmark for passing is 70%. We hereby propose that the passing level is unified based on the assessment instruments in national level.

12. SYSTEM OF DOCUMENTATION FOR QUALIFICATION MUST BE SUITABLE AND INCLUDE SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

FOR VERIFICATION OF INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CANDIDATES.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met √

Reasons for this conclusion: All achievements and evidence of candidates are completed in one dossier (portfolio) which contains:

Tests of achievement of the candidates and,

Practical work of the candidates during the VT process (documented).

PART A: QUALIFICATIONS BASED ON SCHOOL WHICH COMBINE VOCATIONAL AND GENERAL EDUCATION

ASSESSMENT OF QUALIFICATION AGAINST SPECIFIC CRITERIA OF VALIDATION

1. QUALIFICATION OR MODULE IS COMPARABLE WITH QUALIFICATION OR MODULE OF GENERAL EDUCATION ON

THE SAME LEVEL, INCLUDING CONTENT WITH THE GENERAL EDUCATION, COMPLEXITY AND LEVEL OF

DIFFICULTY OF THE VOCATIONAL CONTENT.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met

2. QUALIFICATION OR MODULE FOR WHICH THERE ARE NO NATIONAL STANDARDS MUST BE DEVELOPED

THROUGH A PROCESS BASED ON ANALYSIS OF THE OCCUPATION AND TO MEET THE NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN

INDUSTRY OR SECTOR.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion:

3. QUALIFICATION LINKED WITH ONE “PROFILE” BASED ON LEARNING REQUIREMENTS FOR ONE OCCUPATION OR

GROUP OF OCCUPATIONS INCLUDING NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE OCCUPATION OR THE

GROUP OF RESPECTIVE OCCUPATIONS.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion:

4. CONTENT OF QUALIFICATION IS EXPRESSED WITH MEASURABLE OUTCOMES OF LEARNING, WHICH PROVIDE

CLEAR LEARNING GOALS AND MUNST NORMALLY BE DESCRIBED IN MODULAR FORM.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion:

5. QUALIFICATION INCLUDES DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE OF THE PRACTICAL

PERFORMANCE ALONG WITH ALL OTHER REQUIRED EVIDENCE.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion:

6. QUALIFICATION ENABLES THE CANDIDATE TO PROGRESS TOWARDS EMPLOYMENT OR OTHER POSSIBILITIES OF

CONTINUOUS EDUCATION.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion:

7. QUALIFICATION HAS BEEN DRAFTED TO ENABLE PROGRESS TO OTHER QUALIFICATIONS, BE THEM IN THE SAME

FIELD OR OTHER RELATED FIELDS.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion:

8. QUALIFICATION HAS THE SUPPORT FROM RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS OF EDUCATION AND LABOUR MARKET,

INCLUDING KAAP.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion:

PART 4 B: QUALIFICATION OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING BASED ON NATIONAL VOCATIONAL STANDARDS

ASSESSMENT OF QUALIFICATION AGAINST SPECIFIC CRITERIA OF VALIDATION

1. QUALIFICATION IS LINKED WITH NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN INDUSTRY OR SECTOR.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met √

Reasons for this conclusion: Panel considers that the conducted analysis for development of this qualification by MLSW and the labour market analysis provide sufficient evidence that this qualification is linked to the industry/sector needs. This qualification is based on:

Labour market analysis carried out by MLSW,

Advisory Board,

Learning package drafted in cooperation with LUX Development.

2. QUALIFICATION IS BASED ON RELEVANT NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS DEVELOPED THROUGH

PROFESSIONAL ANALYSIS AND APPROVED BY KAAP.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met √ Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion: Vocational standards for Administrative Assistant have been prepared and it is expected to soon be approved by KAAP. We propose the learning package of Administrative Assistant to be reviewed and enhanced with additional modular units provided in the recommendation.

3. QUALIFICATION IS DIRECTLY LINKED WITH OCCUPATION OR GROUP OF IDENTIFIED OCCUPATIONS.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met √

Reasons for this conclusion: This qualification is directly linked to Business Administration and Information Technology.

4. QUALIFICATION INCLUDES DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE, ALONG

WITH THE QUANTITY AND TYPES OF REQUIRED EVIDENCE.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met √ Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion: The learning package exists with a modular system and clear goals. The aim of the modular units for training candidates is an important process in achieving. Panel proposes harmonisation of measurable results through assessment instruments.

5. QUALIFICATION ENABLES THE CANDIDATE TO PROGRESS TOWARD EMPLOYMENT OR OTHER OPPORTUNITIES OF

CONTINUOUS EDUCATION WITHIN EMPLOYMENT.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met √ Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion: RVTC has a performance evaluation system in practice, according to the evidence and visit of the panel it has been verified that the trainer assesses the practical work based on the checklists.. Panel estimates that the assessment procedure is clear and along with the theoretical learning (tests) practical work is also assessed (checklist) Panel proposes that in the learning package and in the assessment instruments are added also the performance assessments.

6. QUALIFICATION ENABLES THE CANDIDATE TO PROGRESS TOWARD EMPLOYMENT OR OTHER OPPORTUNITIES OF

CONTINUOUS EDUCATION WITHIN EMPLOYMENT.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met √

Reasons for this conclusion:

It is directly linked to labour market,

Training for promotion and maintaining the job,

Can continue the professional progress within the occupation of Business Administration in horizontal manner.

7. QUALIFICATION HAS THE SUPPORT FROM RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS OF EDUCATION AND LABOUR MARKET,

INCLUDING KAAP.

Not met at all Partially met Largely met Fully met √

Reasons for this conclusion: The learning package has been drafted by MLSW (Vocational Training Division) and labour market experts (with the support from LUX Development) and have the support from KAAP - MEST.

PART 4 C: QUALIFICATIONS OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING BASED ON PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED IN NATIONAL LEVEL

ASSESSMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS AGAINST SPECIFIC CRITERIA OF VALIDATION

1. DEVELOPER OF QUALIFICATIONS MUST PROVIDE SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THE PROPOSED

QUALIFICATION IS BASED ON THE REAL NEEDS OF THE LABOUR MARKET E.G. LINKED WITH THE NEEDS OF ANY

PARTICULAR OCCUPATION, OR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE IDENTIFIED DURING EXERCISING OF ANY OCCUPATION.

Not met at all

Partially met

Largely met

Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion:

2. QUALIFICATION FROM MODULES WITH CONTENT EXPRESSED IN MEASURABLE RESULTS OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS

EXPRESSED IN MEASURABLE RESULTS OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS WHICH PROVIDE CLEAR LEARNING/TRAINING GOALS.

Not met at all

Partially met

Largely met

Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion:

3. QUALIFICATION INCLUDES DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE, ALONG

WITH THE QUANTITY AND TYPES OF REQUIRED EVIDENCE.

Not met at all

Partially met

Largely met

Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion:

4. QUALIFICATION ENABLES THE CANDIDATE TO PROGRESS TOWARD EMPLOYMENT OR OTHER OPPORTUNITIES OF

CONTINUOUS EDUCATION WITHIN EMPLOYMENT.

Not met at all

Partially met

Largely met

Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion:

5. QUALIFICATION HAS THE SUPPORT FROM RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS OF EDUCATION AND LABOUR MARKET.

Not met at all

Partially met

Largely met

Fully met

Reasons for this conclusion: