Surveyors, designers, builders: independent assessment of qualifications — main nuances

An independent qualification assessment (IQA) is a procedure that is carried out to confirm that an employee’s qualifications meet certain professional standards. It may be mandatory or recommended depending on legal or regulatory requirements in a particular industry.

In the case of surveyors, designers and builders, an NQA may be mandatory to ensure that they are professionally prepared to perform certain tasks in the construction industry. This may include knowledge of technical codes, regulations and safety requirements, ability to operate relevant tools and software, and an assessment of their experience and skills.

The NOC helps improve the qualifications of workers and ensure that their knowledge and skills meet modern industry requirements, which ultimately helps improve the quality of work and safety at construction sites.

Please note that preparing for the NOC exam can be a complex and demanding process, which is why many candidates seek the help of specialists to prepare — more details. Here are a few reasons why this may be useful:

• Knowledge of exam requirements and format: NOC preparation specialists usually have experience with a specific profession and examination procedures. They can help you understand the exam requirements and format so you can prepare as effectively as possible.
• training in materials and methods: Experts can provide learning materials, guidance on specific subject areas, and help develop strategies for preparing and completing exam tasks.
• practical exercises and training: Preparation for the practical aspects of the exam may include practice sessions, practice sessions and simulations to help you learn how to effectively apply your knowledge and skills in practice.
• support and motivation: Experts can provide support and motivation during your preparation, which will help you stay focused and confident in your abilities.

However, it is important to consider that there may be additional costs associated with training services, so it is worth assessing your own knowledge and skills, as well as the resources available for self-training, before contacting a specialist.

NOC procedure

General steps and criteria for Independent Qualification Assessment (IQA):

• preparation for the procedure: the qualification requirements necessary to perform specific professional tasks are determined. This may include knowledge of certain regulations, technical skills, safety, etc.
• specialists wishing to pass the NOC submit application for participation in the procedure.
• preparation for assessment: Before the assessment, the employee may be provided with preparation materials such as manuals, training, etc.
• conducting an assessment: The process may include various methods such as testing (written or practical), interviews, analysis of the employee’s portfolio and observation of his work in practice.
• evaluation of results: Assessment results are analyzed according to established qualification criteria. Raters may use rubrics or rating scales to objectively evaluate skills and knowledge.
• making a decision: based on the assessment results, a decision is made to confirm or not confirm the employee’s qualifications. If confirmed, a corresponding document certifying qualifications is issued.

Assessment criteria are usually developed based on occupational standards or occupational requirements. They may include such aspects as knowledge of the theoretical foundations of the profession, the ability to apply them in practice, job safety, quality of task performance and other professional skills and characteristics.

Independent qualification assessment (IQA) may be mandatory or recommended for various categories of workers, depending on the industry and the legislation of a particular country. Typically, NOC is passed by people engaged in professional activities in the following areas:

• industry and production: Workers, engineers, technicians and other professionals employed in manufacturing establishments may be required to undergo an NOC to confirm their qualifications.
• construction: Surveyors, designers, builders, engineers and other workers in the construction industry may also be subject to NOCs.

These are just a few examples. Each industry may have its own specific NOC requirements. It is important to comply with the laws and regulations in your specific country or region to determine who needs to take NOC and when.

NOC exam: theory and practice

The Independent Assessment of Qualifications (IQA) examination usually consists of a combination of theoretical and practical parts, but specific formats may vary depending on the profession and assessment requirements. Here are the general forms of NOC exams:

• theoretical part: May include multiple choice questions, open-ended questions, essay writing, or case studies. This part of the exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of the theoretical foundations of their profession, relevant laws, rules and regulations, and their understanding of key concepts and practices in their field.
• practical part: May include hands-on assignments, demonstration of skills with tools, equipment or software, and solving practical problems related to the candidate’s professional activities. In some cases, the candidate may be asked to complete a specific job or project within a limited time.
• interview or oral part: In addition to the written or practical assessment, the candidate may be subject to an interview to test his knowledge, work experience and ability to apply it in various situations.
• assessment centers or situational tests: In some cases, the assessment may include situational tests where the candidate is asked to solve problems or situations that he may encounter in his professional work. This allows you to assess not only knowledge and skills, but also the ability to apply them in practice.

NOC examinations are usually tailored to the specifics of the profession and its qualification requirements to ensure that successful candidates actually possess the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to effectively perform their professional responsibilities.