1. Practical skills performance assessment

The practical skills performance assessment is one of three assessments which applicants must pass to qualify for an intermediate 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?
How the assessor may conduct the test?
Where does the test take place?

What does the test cover?

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

Section 1: Measuring and marking
Section 2: General scaffold construction
Section 3: Sloping platform construction
Section 4: Spur construction
Section 5: Use of compatible equipment
Section 6: Lashing of planks

Further details of the knowledge and skills required to complete assessment are available in the unit of competency to Perform intermediate scaffolding operations (PDF, 171 KB) .

It is preferable that applicants for the intermediate scaffolding certificate already hold a basic scaffolding certificate or has previously passed a practical skills assessment for the basic scaffolding certificate. Otherwise the assessment for an applicant for the intermediate certificate must incorporate the requirements of both the basic and intermediate certificate assessment.

A full assessment should be completed within two hours.

How does the assessor evaluate me?

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

An applicant undergoing re-assessment need only be re-assessed in those sections in which he or she previously failed.

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.

How the assessor may conduct the test

An assessor may arrange for tests to be conducted where there are groups of two or three applicants. Where a single applicant is to be assessed, the assessor will arrange for another person to assist (or the assessor may assist).

Where two or more applicants are assessed simultaneously, the assessor must ensure that the various tasks are evenly shared so that a full assessment of each applicant can be made. This may involve some repetition of tasks.

The performance of each applicant is to be recorded on the assessor's check list.

An applicant passes a practical skills performance assessment when each of the six sections have been successfully completed or are not applicable, as appropriate.

The assessor has the right to cease the test at any time, if an applicant is working dangerously, recklessly or without the necessary co-ordination and balance.

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.