External authentication and verification is another important part of Tipperary ETB’s assessment process.

At the end of a certified programme or course, an external authenticator or verifier (EA/EV) will be assigned to look at learner portfolios of assessment. The EA will check to make sure that the standards are met.  The EAs are people who are expert in the subject matter and who don’t work directly for the centre.

It is the role of the EA to confirm that learners’ assessments are fair and consistent, and, in line with national standards.

The EA will a give a written report with feedback that:

 

1. tells the ETB of good practice in courses/programmes
2. highlights any issues, and
3. gives advice as to how improvements can be made on courses/programmes.

The information in the EA report is important to the Results Approval Panel meeting (RAP) so that they can approve results with confidence. Also, the EA report, helps the panel to identify any issues with results and make recommendations for corrective action(s).

QA Documentation and Forms 

Authentication/Verification Guidelines/Information

• Guidelines for External Authenticators– updated Sept 2022
• IV and EA Sampling Strategy – updated Sept 2022
• EA Procedure
• EA Report Template
• EA Service Agreement

Payment Guidelines/Information

• Payment Procedures – included in Guidelines for External Authenticators
• EA Payment Forms
  • Starter Form
  • Payroll Claim Form for External Authenticators– updated Feb 2020
  • Travel and Subsistence Claim Form for External Authenticators
  • Employee EA Commencement Form

Data Protection

• Data Processing Agreement for External Authenticators
• EA Declaration Statement on Security of Evidence and Assessment (for remote EA)

QA documentation and resources for Tipperary ETB internal staff relating to the EA process can be found on Tipperary ETB’s QA Sharepoint space.