Assessor FAQs
The key info you need to assess with confidence

Assessment at EarnLearn

Supporting fair, consistent assessment decisions aligned to national standards.

EarnLearn uses a collection-of-evidence assessment model aligned to NZQA unit standards. Assessment decisions are based on evidence gathered from real workplace activity rather than tests or exams.

As an assessor, you review a range of evidence to determine whether a learner is competent, meaning they can perform the required tasks to the expected standard consistently and safely in a real work environment.

All assessment decisions must be fair, valid, consistent, and well documented, and are subject to moderation.

Assessment is the structured process of collecting and evaluating evidence to determine whether a learner meets the outcomes of a specific unit standard or programme.

It is not a one-off event. Assessment is based on professional judgement, using verified workplace evidence and assessor expertise to confirm competence against national standards.

Assessors may use any valid evidence that clearly demonstrates competence, including:

  • Day-to-day workplace tasks and observations

  • Workplace documentation such as job sheets, safety records, reports, or logs

  • Photos or videos showing completed work or processes

  • Verification from a supervisor, manager, or approved verifier

  • Written responses to assessment questions

  • Professional conversations and verbal questioning to confirm understanding

EarnLearn expects a combination of evidence types to build a reliable and complete picture of competence.

Evidence must be:

  • Sufficient – enough to demonstrate competence across the full standard

  • Authentic – genuinely produced by the learner

  • Current – reflects the learner’s present capability

  • Relevant – directly aligned to the unit standard outcomes

You must be confident the learner meets the standard consistently, not just on a single task or occasion.

All assessment decisions must be recorded using EarnLearn-approved assessment materials and systems. Your records must clearly show:

  • What evidence was reviewed

  • How that evidence demonstrates competence

  • Any clarification, follow-up questions, or verbal confirmation

  • The final assessment outcome (achieved or not yet achieved)

Clear documentation is essential for moderation, appeals, and NZQA reporting.

On-job evidence comes directly from tasks the learner performs as part of their normal work. Workplace documentation supports this by confirming that the task occurred and met organisational and regulatory expectations.

Both work together to verify competence.

Becoming an EarnLearn Assessor

What’s required to assess learners with EarnLearn and how assessor approval works.

EarnLearn assessors are industry-experienced professionals who assess learners against NZQA unit standards. All assessors must be registered with EarnLearn and approved for an assessor scope.

Assessors may be employed within a workplace or contracted independently, but all must meet EarnLearn and NZQA requirements.

Yes. All assessors must hold Unit Standard 4098 – Use standards to assess candidate performance.

  • Workplace assessors assess learners within their own organisation and usually work closely with them day to day.

  • Contract assessors are independent and assess learners across multiple employers or workplaces.

Both assessor types are subject to the same registration, scope, moderation, and quality requirements.

Assessor scope defines which unit standards you are approved to assess. Scope is granted based on:

  • Relevant qualifications

  • Industry experience

  • NZQA Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMRs)

Assessors must only assess within their approved scope. Any assessment outside scope cannot be reported to NZQA.

CMRs specify mandatory requirements for assessor competence, experience, and qualifications for each unit standard.

EarnLearn applies CMRs when approving assessor scope to ensure national consistency and compliance.

Registering and Getting Started

A clear overview of the application, approval, and induction process.

To register, you must:

  • Have learners with active EarnLearn Training Agreements

  • Meet relevant industry experience and qualification requirements

  • Hold US 4098

  • Be able to assess safely and ethically in a workplace environment

  • The QA team reviews your qualifications, experience, and requested scope. If approved, you will:

    • Receive confirmation of assessor registration

    • Be enrolled in assessor induction

    • Gain access to EarnLearn systems and assessment resources

Induction covers:

  • Using Moodle and the eLearning Hub

  • Accessing assessment resources and learner work

  • Assessment and marking expectations

  • Feedback and documentation requirements

  • Moderation, appeals, and quality assurance processes

Once registered, you will receive login details and instructions for accessing EarnLearn’s approved learning and assessment materials through Moodle.

The Assessor Role and Ongoing Requirements

What’s expected of you as an assessor and how to remain active and compliant.

Assessors are expected to:

  • Make fair, evidence-based assessment decisions

  • Maintain professional and ethical conduct

  • Support learners appropriately during assessment

  • Meet documentation, moderation, and reporting requirements

Your responsibilities include:

  • Reviewing learner evidence

  • Making accurate and defensible assessment judgements

  • Providing clear, constructive feedback

  • Documenting decisions thoroughly

  • Maintaining confidentiality and academic integrity

  • Supporting learners through the assessment process

Verifiers confirm workplace evidence and learner performance. Assessors must ensure verifier confirmations align with unit standard requirements and are clearly documented.

To remain registered, assessors must:

  • Complete assessments regularly (you must assess at least 3 standards in one calendar year)

  • Participate in moderation when requested

  • Attend assessor forums or professional development activities

  • Stay current with programme and industry updates

Support, Moderation and Professional Development

The tools, guidance, and quality processes in place to support your role.

EarnLearn provides:

  • Assessor induction and onboarding

  • Access to approved assessment resources

  • Ongoing support from the Quality Assurance team

  • Guidance on systems, moderation, and compliance

Assessors must provide assessment samples when requested and participate in moderation to ensure assessment decisions are fair, valid, and consistent.

Assessor forums provide updates on programme changes, industry developments, and assessment best practice. Participation supports ongoing professional development.

Academic Integrity and Misconduct

How to identify, manage, and report academic integrity concerns appropriately.

Academic misconduct includes:

  • Submitting work completed by another person

  • Copying material without acknowledgement

  • Altering or falsifying evidence, including the usage of AI

  • Using unauthorised assistance

Contact the Quality Assurance team immediately with:

  • The evidence in question

  • Your observations

  • Any supporting information

EarnLearn follows a formal and transparent investigation process.

The policy is available via here on our website. 

Learner Appeals and Complaints

What to do if a learner questions an assessment decision.

Learners have the right to appeal assessment decisions. Clear documentation and transparent decision-making are essential.

You may be asked to explain your decision and provide assessment records. Appeals are managed by the QA team.

Learners must submit an Assessment Appeals Form to qa@earnlearn.ac.nz within 30 days of receiving their result.

EarnLearn aims to notify both the learner and assessor of the outcome within 15 days of receiving the appeal.

GET In touch

Do you have any questions about assessing with EarnLearn?

Whether you’re already an EarnLearn assessor or considering registering, we’re here to make the process clear and straightforward. From understanding assessment expectations and evidence requirements to navigating moderation and ongoing responsibilities, we’ll help you understand what’s involved and what support is available.

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