How to Plan a Fair and Effective Grade Assessment as an MTCS Assessor

As an MTCS Assessor, one of your most important responsibilities is to ensure that every Candidate undertaking a Grade Assessment receives a fair and balanced evaluation. Careful planning is the foundation of this process. It not only supports the Candidate’s success but also strengthens the credibility of the competence management framework.

Why Planning Matters

Thorough planning ensures that:

• Candidates are assessed fairly and consistently

• All competencies are measured across at least three activities

• Both Assessors and Candidates are fully aligned on expectations

Without a structured approach, important competencies may be overlooked and the assessment process may feel disjointed or unclear.

Preparing for the Planning Meeting

Before meeting with your Candidate, take time to:

• Review the competencies and performance criteria in detail

• Consider the schedule of the trip or project

• Identify opportunities where assessments can naturally take place

Although preparation is essential, do not finalise the plan until the planning meeting itself. The purpose of this session is collaboration. Building the plan together helps gauge how proactive and committed the Candidate is to achieving their promotion.

Building the Assessment Plan Together

A good plan should be:

• Detailed and transparent – everyone involved should know what will happen and when

• Flexible – to allow for opportunities that arise during the trip

• Collaborative – giving the Candidate ownership and responsibility

When Candidates have the chance to contribute, they are more engaged and motivated. This shared ownership encourages them to take initiative and view the assessment as a genuine development opportunity, not just a paperwork exercise.

Practical Tips for Successful Planning

• Sit down and talk: Discuss the upcoming trip and highlight possible assessment opportunities.

• Use holistic assessment: Combine multiple competencies within a single activity where appropriate.

• Encourage collaboration: Allow Candidates to put forward their ideas, which builds commitment and accountability.

• Stay calm and focused: Once you establish a rhythm, the planning process becomes less daunting and more efficient.

Over time, this inclusive approach helps shift mindsets. Candidates begin to actively seek out assessment opportunities themselves, creating a stronger culture of competence within the workplace.

Final Thoughts

While planning and paperwork may feel demanding at first, the benefits are clear: fairer assessments, more engaged Candidates, and stronger long-term competence outcomes.

If you have any questions or would like further guidance, our friendly team is here to help. Contact us at enquiries@mtcs.info or visit our Assessor Guidance Centre.