What is an Assessment Plan?
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The Assessment Plan is an important document as it ensures your BTEC programme is effectively planned. It should be created at the start of a programme and used throughout the year, not only by the programme's delivery and internal verification team, but also the Standards Verifier will request to review this as part of the standards verification process.
The Assessment Plan shows the units/components that will be assessed and schedules when assessment and internal verification will take place. The Lead IV should work with the Assessors and Internal Verifiers to agree the assessment and verification dates for all cohorts, and the Lead IV is responsible for ensuring the plan is fit for purpose and meets regulatory requirements before they sign it off.
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What is the Digital Assessment Plan (DAP)? Do I need to use it to create my Assessment Plans?
The Digital Assessment Plan is a web-based form designed to streamline the assessment planning process for BTEC programmes. It transforms the traditional Excel based assessment plan into a dynamic, electronic document that serves as your central hub for managing all aspects of qualification assessment and quality assurance.
The following programmes are in scope for the DAP:
- BTEC Level 1/2 Firsts
- BTEC Level 2 Technicals
- BTEC Level 3 Nationals (this includes QCF, RQF and the AAQs)
However, there are some exceptions. For a full subject by subject list of qualifications in scope and for more information on sing the DAP, please refer to the Centre User Guide Digital Assessment Plan (DAP) and the Pearson Digital Assessment Plan support article.
For qualifications in scope, the DAP is only required for qualification registrations made for AY 26/27 and must cover the full duration of the qualification, however, Centre’s can, if they wish to do so, create an assessment plan for any in flight learners. If you do not wish to use it for in-flight learners, then the existing Excel template can be used for 26/27 only.
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Can the Assessment Plan be amended during the academic year?
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Yes, an Assessment Plan can be amended as it is a working document. Ensure version numbers are saved as the plan is changed.
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Why are the Rules of Combination and other factors important when completing an assessment plan?
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It is important that when creating your assessment plan that you plan your units in accordance with the rules of combination for the qualification. The 'Qualification Structure' outlined in the specification provides the 'rule of combination' (section 2 and 9 in each subject specification). The specification also details how an overall grade is calculated, if the qualification is 'Pass Only' and if any units have a minimum grade requirement.
The rule of combination requires you to consider:
- Do the units selected total the correct number of units (mandatory and optional) and Guided Learning Hours (GLH) to make up the qualification? E.g., if you are delivering a BTEC Level 3 National 720 Diploma, the unit combination should add up to 720 GLH.
- If the qualification has grouped units (Group A, B etc), have you made a selection from each of the required groups?
- Have you checked the suitability of the optional units? Have you selected the correct optional units for the programme size? Are there any specific units required for progression? Will you need specialist staff to deliver the units?
- Does your plan make best use of synoptic units/components so your learners can draw on their learning across the programme to develop the knowledge and skills required to achieve the very best they can?
- Have you made sure that at least one unit is available for Standards Verification prior to the SV deadline date (May). Build this into your plan at the beginning of the year.
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What support is available for creating an Assessment Plan?
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Managing vocational quality
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For additional help and support for Quality Nominees and BTEC delivery teams, we have created dedicated quality assurance webpages that can be accessed via the Home of Quality Assurance. These webpages provide easy access to quality assurance guides, videos and resources, FAQs, regular updates, training events, live chat with an expert and much more.
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