1. Practical skills performance assessment

The practical skills performance assessment is one of three assessments which applicants must pass to qualify for a basic scaffolding certificate (certificate of competency). The other components are a knowledge assessment and a written assignment.

What does the test cover?
How does the assessor evaluate me?
Where does the test take place?

What does the test cover?

The practical skills performance assessment for basic scaffolding is a 'closed book' practical exercise covering six sections:

Section 1: Inspection of equipment
Section 2: Fibre ropes
Section 3: Scaffold construction
Section 4: Erection and dismantling skills
Section 5: Tie construction
Section 6: Scaffold inspection

Further details of the knowledge and skills required to complete assessment are available in the unit of competency to Perform basic scaffolding operations (PDF, 170 KB) .

A full assessment should be completed within two and a half hours. To pass the practical assessment, the applicant must complete satisfactorily each of the sections.

How does the assessor evaluate me?

In practical skills performance assessment the assessor evaluates the applicant's applied knowledge and understanding, the applicant's physical strength, dexterity, balance, coordination and motor skills, and the applicant's familiarity with scaffolding equipment and recommended work procedures.

Any other partial or full waiver of assessment should only be permitted in compliance with guidelines, determinations or advice given to certificate assessors by the certifying authority.

Where does the test take place?

The practical skills assessment can be conducted at any location which has:

sufficient clear space for the scaffold to be erected and dismantled;
a firm supporting surface for the scaffold;
a suitable supporting structure for tying the scaffold.