FAQs - Vocational and Occupational Qualifications

The permitted resources are listed on the front sheet of each paper-based assessment. In general, the following resources may be required:

• A pen with black or blue ink
• A pencil and an eraser
• A ruler and a protractor
• A non-scientific calculator (for Section B – calculator section only)

Providers must ensure that there are no conflicts of interest between the invigilator and learners.

A Functional Skills subject tutor must not be involved in the invigilation of that subject, even if they have not taught those learners (e.g., a Functional Skills English tutor must not invigilate any Functional Skills English assessment, and a Functional Skills mathematics tutor must not invigilate any Functional Skills mathematics assessment, regardless of the level they teach).

The only exception is for English Speaking, Listening and Communicating (SLC) assessments. For these assessments, the invigilator is also the assessor who must be familiar with the required scope of study being assessed (e.g., the Functional Skills English tutor can be the assessor, but their decisions must be subject to internal quality assurance activity).

The required level of Essential Digital Skills qualification for a learner can be determined based on their current digital skill level, which can be assessed using diagnostic tools, including provider assessments. This will depend upon whether learners already have the necessary digital foundation skills and how fluent they are in applying digital skills in their life and work.

If you are working towards and Open Awards qualification and think you are ready for an assessment, you must speak to your provider. They will be able to make arrangements for assessment, including scheduling any controlled assessments (exams) with Open Awards. You cannot schedule an assessment directly through Open Awards.

If you are completing an assessment with an Open Awards invigilator, you will have been sent a link to join.  This link will not be active until 15 minutes before the assessment is due to take place. Please wait until 15 minutes before the assessment is due to start before trying to join.

If you are still experiencing issues, please contact customer services at customer.services@openawards.org.uk or call us on 0151 494 2072.

A resit can only be booked once a ‘fail’ result has been confirmed and released to the provider. The standard scheduling rules for the specific assessment and/ or qualification will apply.

A provider must make sure appropriate further learning is put in place before booking the resit.

The rules for modifying an assessment schedule will depend on the assessment and/ or qualification.

Online assessments, at any level, being invigilated by the provider can be modified up to two (2) hours before the start time.

Online assessments being invigilated by Open Award (including qualification assessments and apprenticeship assessments) can be amended up to 10 working days before the planned date/ time. If it is under 10 working days the assessment would need to be cancelled and rebooked and a resit fee will be applied.

If you are struggling to access the XAMS Assessment Platform, please contact customer services at customer.services@openawards.org.uk or call us on 0151 494 2072.

To access the XAMS Assessment Platform, you must be set up as an Assessment Administrator with Open Awards and be approved for the relevant qualification/ assessment. You will be sent login details and will then be able to login here. If you are struggling to access the XAMS Assessment Platform, please contact customer services at customer.services@openawards.org.uk or call us on 0151 494 2072.

The XAMS Assessment Platform is an on-screen assessment platform used by Open Awards for external assessments. This includes:

• Functional Skills (Entry level 3, Level 1 and Level 2)
• Apprenticeship Assessment Knowledge tests
• Essential Digital Skills (Entry level 3 and Level 1)
• Multiple-choice Tests (short qualifications)