WHAT IS EISA?

The External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) is an integral and critical component of the QCTO’s quality assurance system. It is a single national assessment leading to the awarding of an Occupational Certificate.

EISA ensures that the assessment of occupational qualifications, part qualifications and trades is standardised, consistent and credible.

EISA is conducted by applying nationally standardised assessment instruments which are developed and administered by a QCTO approved Assessment Quality Partner (AQP).

EISA for a trade is what is commonly known as a Trade Test. For learners to qualify for entry to EISA, they must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge, practical and work experience modules as stipulated in the qualification. The statement of results obtained from the Skills Development Provider serves as proof that the candidate has satisfied all the requirements to be admitted to sit for EISA.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE AQP?

The AQPs are field experts responsible for ensuring that assessments are of high quality and meet industry standards and requirements.

HOW DO LEARNERS ACCESS THE EISA?

STEP 1

a) The learner would have already enrolled with an accredited training provider for study towards an occupational qualification;

b) During the period of training, the learner is required to complete the three components of the qualification namely: Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience components;

c) The training provider is responsible for all formative assessments during the training; and d) Once the learner has satisfied the requirements for all three components, the training provider will compile a statement of results for the learner stating that the learner is ready for the EISA.

ADMISSION  TO EISA THROUGH RECOGNITION OF PRIORL EARNING( RPL)

a) Some learners who already have experience and skills in an occupation may be granted admission to EISA through RPL route. The learner must apply for recognition of prior learning with the training provider;

b) The training provider will conduct an assessment and provide gap closure training, should any skills gap be identified; and

c) The training providers will also prepare the RPL candidates for EISA. Once the learner has satisfied the requirements for all three components, the training provider will compile a statement of results for the learner stating that the learner is ready for the EISA.

STEP 2

a) The statement of results accompanies the application to the AQP for the learner to sit for EISA;and

b) The AQP will provide the learner with a candidate registration number, allocate an assessment centre, and indicate the date for EISA.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE QCTO?

a) The QCTO approves EISA after ensuring that it is developed according to QCTO standards. The QCTO monitors assessments to ensure their credibility.

b) QCTO verifies and approves the learner results for EISA.

EXTERNAL INTEGRATED SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (EISA)

The content of this brochure is for information purposes only and should be read in conjunction with the assessment policies available on the QCTO website.