A suite of assessment instruments are used by assessors to assess a candidate's competences. Competences are WHAT a candidate must be able to do. The assessment instruments are HOW a candidate demonstrates their skills and knowledge. Candidates are scored on the evidence they present as part of the assessment process. Assessment instruments provide the candidate with different opportunities to provide evidence of their experience and abilities. Each certification level uses a different combination of assessment instruments to accurately and fairly assess candidates' competences. Sections 4, 5 and 6 of this Handbook provide detailed overviews of the assessment instruments for each Level.
•  Application--provides a broad view of the applicant's background and experience for initial assessment as to suitability for the acceptance into the offered Certification. Gives indications of areas of experience/ inexperience in relation to competence areas. May highlight areas of potential weakness, linked to gaps in experience. Does not provide evidence of actual competence or quality of work/outputs.
It is only after the application review that a decision is made to accept or decline the applicant into the Program to which they have applied. Once accepted, an applicant is referred to as a 'candidate' for WIO-COMPAS Certification and the actual scoring process begins. Applicants not accepted onto the Program are given the reasons for this and offered professional development guidance to strengthen apparently weak areas in order to support them in reapplying at a later stage.
•  Workplace Case-study or Core Activities Document -- These instruments provide candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate a number of work-related competences, especially in areas for which there may otherwise be limited evidence available. Level 1 candidates produce a Core Activities Document that highlights their daily work routine. Level 2 candidates produce a Workplace Case-Study which describes a recent management issue with analysis and lessons. Candidates produce a short written report and a presentation that is delivered during the Assessment Event. Level 3 candidates develop a presentation on their key activities over the previous 3 years, which they present to their peers and the assessors at the assessment event.
•  Portfolio -- provides documentary proof of work-related activities and outputs, and includes documents produced (written) by the candidate independently or with others; evidence of activities and interactions in which they have been involved; and testimonials from supervisors, colleagues, professional partners and others. Level 1 and Level 2 candidates bring to the Assessment Event a single large binder containing their organized portfolio. Level 3 candidates submit their portfolio electronically two weeks prior to the event. Detailed guidance is provided as to the contents of each portfolio.
•  Quiz or Written Assessment --Level 1 candidates undertake a simple quiz, based on images of critical marine species. Level 2 candidates undertake a 2 hour written test which provides evidence in those areas difficult to assess by other means, for example when trying to assess technical understanding or knowledge (e.g., of legislation or ecology). It also helps validate evidence from other sources.
•  Patrols and Possible Simulations --The Assessment Event may require candidates to demonstrate particular competences--e.g., conducting patrols. Level 1 candidates conduct short beach and/or boat patrols on which they report their observations and any interactions they have with fishers or tourists. In some events they may be required to conduct activities simulating real-life interactions with stakeholders in the MPA.
•  Face-to-face Interview -- probes more deeply into those areas of evidence that appear less certain, and provides validation of evidence from other sources, such as the portfolio. The interview can provide both firm evidence of a range of competences; particularly those concerned with 'understanding' and 'knowledge', and corroborate other evidence. A two-person interview panel conducts each interview at Levels 1 and 2 to ensure consistency and transparency.
•  Panel Interviews - these are solely for Level 3, and candidates are questioned in depth by a panel of marine and MPA specialists, and an assessment expert.