Assessment >> Assessors FAQ

Assessor FAQs

We’ve gathered the most common questions from Assessors so you can find the answers you need quickly.

Assessment at EarnLearn

How does assessment work and what evidence do I need?

EarnLearn is committed to fair, consistent assessment against national standards, using a collection-of-evidence model. Assessors use a range of evidence from real work to determine whether a learner is competent.

What does “assessment” mean in the EarnLearn context?

Assessment is the process of collecting and evaluating evidence to determine whether a learner is competent against a specific unit standard. It is not a test or an exam — it is a structured judgement based on real work, real skills, and real evidence.

What types of evidence can I use to assess a learner?

You can use any valid evidence that demonstrates competence, including:

Day-to-day workplace tasks
Workplace or organisational records
Photos or videos
Verification from a supervisor or manager (verifier)
Written answers to questions
Professional conversations and verbal questioning
EarnLearn uses a “collection of evidence” model, which means a combination of evidence types creates the full picture.

How much evidence is enough to make a judgement?

Evidence must be sufficient, authentic, current, and relevant. You need enough to confidently decide whether the learner consistently meets the standard — not just a one-off task.

How do I record assessment decisions and evidence properly?

Evidence and decisions must be recorded in EarnLearn’s approved assessment materials. You must document:

What evidence was reviewed
How it demonstrates competence
Any follow-up questions or clarification
The final outcome (competent / more evidence required)

What is the difference between on-job evidence and workplace documentation?

On-job evidence is drawn from real tasks the learner performs. Workplace documentation (e.g., job sheets, safety forms, reports) supports this by validating that the task occurred and meets expected standards.

Becoming an EarnLearn Assessor

Thinking about registering as an assessor?

Assessors are industry-experienced experts who recognise learners’ skills and knowledge in line with NZQA requirements. All assessors must be registered with EarnLearn and meet our qualification requirements.

Do I need unit standard 4098 before I apply?

Yes. All assessors must hold US 4098 – Use standards to assess candidate performance. If you don’t hold it yet, EarnLearn offers accredited training to help you gain it.

What is the difference between a contract assessor and a workplace assessor?

Contract assessors are independent and assess EarnLearn learners across multiple employers.
Workplace assessors assess learners within their own organisation and typically supervise them day-to-day.

What is an assessor “scope” and how is it decided?

Your scope outlines which unit standards you are permitted to assess. EarnLearn grants scope based on your:

Qualifications
Industry experience
NZQA Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMRs)
Scope ensures assessors only assess standards where they have proven competency.

How do NZQA Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMRs) affect my scope?

CMRs set mandatory requirements for assessor competence. EarnLearn applies these when approving scope to ensure national consistency across all providers.

Registering & Getting Started

Ready to apply?

Your organisation must have learners with Training Agreements with EarnLearn and programmes that support workplace assessment. Once approved, you’ll complete an induction and gain access to our learning and assessment resources.

What are the prerequisites to register as an EarnLearn assessor?

Your workplace must have EarnLearn learners with active Training Agreements. You must also meet qualification/experience criteria and hold (or be in the process of completing) US 4098.

How do I complete and submit the Assessor Application Form?

Download the form from EarnLearn or request it from QA. Complete all sections and email it to qa@waiouru.earnlearn.ac.nz.

What happens after I send my application?

The QA team reviews your qualifications, experience, and requested scope. Once approved, we enrol you in induction and confirm your assessor status.

What is covered in the assessor induction session?

Induction includes:

How to use Moodle (LMS)
How to access learner work and assessment materials
Assessment and marking expectations
Timeframes, documentation, and feedback
Moderation and quality assurance requirements

How do I access Moodle and assessment resources?

Once registered, you’ll receive login details to Moodle and instructions on how to access EarnLearn’s approved learning and assessment materials.

The Assessor’s Role & Ongoing Requirements

What does EarnLearn expect from assessors?

Assessors play a key role in supporting learners, making evidence-based judgements, and maintaining assessment quality. Staying current and active is part of remaining registered

What are my core responsibilities as an EarnLearn assessor?

Your role includes:

Reviewing learner evidence
Making fair, accurate assessment decisions
Providing clear, constructive feedback
Ensuring decisions are well documented
Maintaining academic integrity
Supporting the learner through the assessment process

How do I work with verifiers and supervisors?

Verifiers confirm workplace evidence. You should communicate clearly with verifiers about the type of evidence required and ensure their confirmation aligns with national standards.

What types of evidence do I need to review before making a decision?

A combination of written answers, workplace documents, verifications, photos, and observed tasks. Evidence must clearly demonstrate competence.

What does “remaining active” as an assessor involve?

Completing at least one assessment per year
Participating in assessor forums/events
Meeting moderation requirements
Staying current with industry expectations and programme updates

Where can I find more detail about my role?

All responsibilities are outlined in the Assessor Guidelines, available from the QA team or via Moodle.

Support, Moderation & Professional Development

What support can assessors expect from EarnLearn?

You’re not on your own. Our Quality Assurance team and learning systems are here to help you deliver high-quality assessment and stay up to date.

What support is available for new assessors?

You’ll receive onboarding, access to resources, and ongoing support from the QA and assessment teams.

How does EarnLearn support me with Moodle and digital tools?

Induction covers this, and ongoing help is available from support teams if you need technical or process-related help.

What are my responsibilities around moderation?

You must provide samples of assessed work when requested and participate in moderation activities to ensure consistency and quality.

How do assessor forums work?

Forums are held regularly to update assessors on programme changes, industry updates, and assessment best practice. Attendance is strongly encouraged.

Where can I find the latest forum dates?

Forum dates are emailed to assessors and published on Moodle.

Academic Integrity & Misconduct

How do I manage academic integrity issues?

Academic integrity is critical to the value of our qualifications. Assessors have a key role in identifying and responding to possible academic misconduct.

What counts as academic misconduct?

Examples include:

Submitting work that belongs to another learner
Using someone else to complete assessment tasks
Copying material without acknowledging sources
Altering evidence to appear competent

What should I do if I suspect misconduct?

Contact the QA team immediately with:

The evidence in question
Your observations
Any supporting information
EarnLearn follows a transparent investigation process.

Where can I find the Academic Integrity Policy?

It is available here or by request from QA.

What happens after I report misconduct?

The QA team investigates, reviews evidence, and determines the appropriate action. You will be kept informed throughout.

Who do I contact for academic integrity concerns?

Email qa@waiouru.earnlearn.ac.nz or call 0800 327 648.

Learner Appeals & Complaints

What happens if a learner disagrees with my decision?

Learners have the right to appeal an assessment decision if they believe it is unfair. A clear evidence trail and transparent process are essential.

What are my responsibilities if a learner queries an assessment outcome?

You must explain your decision clearly, provide evidence, and ensure the learner understands how the judgement was made.

How do learners lodge a formal appeal?

They must submit an Assessment Appeals Form and email it to qa@waiouru.earnlearn.ac.nz within 30 days of receiving their result.

What is the timeframe for lodging an appeal?

Learners have 30 days from receiving their assessment outcome.

What does the QA team do during an appeal review?

They review the evidence, assessor notes, and process used. They may contact you for clarification.

When will the learner and assessor know the result?

EarnLearn will notify both parties within 15 days of receiving the appeal.

Contacting EarnLearn

Need help or clarification?

Our Quality Assurance team is available to support you with assessment, moderation, academic integrity and registration queries.

Who do I contact if I have assessment or moderation questions?

The Quality Assurance team is your primary contact for all assessment, registration, and moderation queries.

How do I contact the QA team?

Email qa@waiouru.earnlearn.ac.nz or call 0800 327 648.

When should I call instead of emailing?

Call for urgent issues, academic integrity concerns, or immediate support with an assessment or learner situation.

Who do I contact about technical or system access issues?

Contact EarnLearn support through Moodle or via the general helpline if you are unable to access your assessor tools.