4. DEVELOPMENT PATHWAYS & QUALIFICATIONS

4.4Access

SkillScan

SkillScan is a project jointly funded by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise. Its purpose is to develop a means of simplifying the administration of Scottish and National Vocational Qualifications and Modern Apprenticeships.

The approach taken has been to develop a database application which is used to store details of qualifications (based on units) down to performance criteria (PC) and knowledge requirement (KR) level. The structure of the qualification is defined in terms of mandatory and optional units composed of elements (or outcomes).

For each candidate, evidence items are allocated against PCs and KRs building up a matrix of evidence. The facility exists to define 'standard' evidence items which are pre-allocated to PCs and KRs, allowing rapid building of the evidence matrix. SkillScan is not intended to remove the role of the assessor or verifier although where appropriate quality control systems exist. The concept of 'standard' evidence items can greatly reduce the workload particularly of the assessor.

The SkillScan data structures can accommodate virtually any unitised qualification including core/key skills, Higher Nationals and some degree courses. Although the application is primarily intended for larger organisations, it can be used by centres, assessors or individuals.

SkillScan is not currently intended as an electronic portfolio however it does provide an index and cross-reference to the candidate's portfolio.

Contact: Chris Morrow on or e-mail

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