Competency-based assessment designed to verify what a learner can do — not merely what they know. Independent, externally verified, centrally governed.
WOC qualifications are competency-based — meaning certification is awarded on evidence of occupational performance, not attendance or knowledge alone. A learner who can describe how to butcher a fish but cannot do so to professional standard has not met the competency threshold.
This approach means assessment is inherently practical. Written and oral components exist to verify underpinning knowledge; practical observation is the primary evidence of occupational competence. The weighting reflects this: practical components account for 70–80% of assessment at all levels.
Competency means: the consistent application of knowledge, skills, and professional judgement to perform occupational tasks to the standard expected in the workplace — under realistic conditions, observed by a qualified assessor, and independently verified.
What assessment is NOT
Each level requires a defined set of assessment components. Higher levels incorporate additional evidence types to reflect the complexity and responsibility of the role.
| Level | Written Knowledge | Practical Observation | Portfolio of Evidence | Oral Assessment | Internship Log |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1 Foundation | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — |
| L2 Certificate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| L3 Advanced Certificate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| L4 Diploma | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| L5 Advanced Diploma | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Written Knowledge
Theory questions, short answers, and scenario-based responses testing underpinning knowledge.
Practical Observation
Direct observation of the learner performing occupational tasks to the required standard.
Portfolio of Evidence
Compiled records of practical work, reflective logs, and supporting workplace evidence.
Oral Assessment
Structured questioning to verify the learner's depth of knowledge and professional reasoning.
Internship Log
A verified record of workplace experience, required at L4–L5 to evidence real-world application.
WOC uses a four-grade scale. The pass threshold reflects minimum occupational competency; Distinction recognises outstanding performance across all assessment components.
| Grade | Mark Range | Descriptor |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 85%+ | Consistently exceeds the required standard across all components. Evidence of exceptional technical skill, professional judgement, and reflective practice. |
| Merit | 70–84% | Meets the required standard and demonstrates a high level of competency. Performance is reliable and evidence is well-organised and thorough. |
| Pass | 50–69% | Meets the minimum occupational competency threshold. All mandatory components completed satisfactorily. Suitable for certification. |
| Fail | <50% | Does not meet the minimum standard required for certification. Learner may re-submit or re-sit specific components in accordance with the WOC Reassessment Policy. |
Grades appear on the WOC certificate. The public verification record confirms holder name, qualification, level, credits, issue date, centre, and status — examination scores and component breakdowns are not disclosed through public verification.
External Verification is the mandatory quality gate between assessment and certification. No certificate is issued without a completed EV report.
EV appointed by WOC
The External Verifier is selected and appointed by WOC. EVs have no prior relationship with the centre being verified and report directly to WOC quality staff.
Evidence sampling
The EV samples a representative proportion of each cohort's assessment evidence — portfolios, written scripts, and observation records — against WOC assessment criteria.
Practical observation review
The EV attends practical sessions where possible or reviews recorded observations. Significant concerns trigger a full re-review of the cohort.
EV report and sign-off
The completed EV report documents findings, any non-conformances, and the sign-off decision. This report is retained by WOC as a permanent quality record.
Certificates issued
Only after EV sign-off does WOC process and issue certificates for that cohort. The EV report reference is retained against each certificate in the WOC registry.
WOC maintains a formal Malpractice Policy. The following is a summary; the full policy is available from WOC on request.
Includes plagiarism, falsification of evidence, impersonation, or collusion during assessment. Consequences range from disqualification of the affected component to withdrawal of all results and prohibition from future WOC assessment.
Includes assisting candidates improperly, falsifying assessor records, failing to report known malpractice, or circumventing WOC assessment standards. Consequences include ATC suspension or withdrawal of centre approval.
All malpractice allegations are investigated under a formal procedure. Parties are notified, evidence is gathered, and a determination is made. Outcomes are recorded on the WOC Malpractice Register. Appeals follow the WOC Appeals Policy.
Explore the full qualification framework or verify a certificate in the public registry.