Vocational Qualification

The Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) is an award that represents the achievement of a set of competencies that define the core work practices of an occupational area, consistent with the levels articulated within the Regional Qualifications Framework.

To earn an award, students must demonstrate competence in reaching CARICOM-approved occupational standards developed by practitioners and employers (i.e. the industry experts). These standards are organized in units. Students may earn unit awards towards achieving a complete CVQ.

Students in schools equipped by the MOE are entered for assessments in specific skill areas. Their subject teachers are trained to instruct and perform continuous in-school assessment. When a student is ready, the assessor/teacher assesses his/her competence. Successful completion of a unit will be recorded and recognised on the official transcript.

The candidate will gain a full CVQ Award when all the units specified in the qualification structure have been accumulated. Based on evidence provided by both the school and the external verifier, the student will be awarded a CVQ certificate by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC).

• Caters for multiple learning abilities in students
• Real world of work experience
• Broad-based preparation for employment
• Parallel standing with academic qualification
• Alternative route to further education
• Recognized and portable qualification in CARICOM

A person pursuing a CVQ Award is required to demonstrate competence in work-based activities simulated in the school workshop/laboratory. At level 2, students may be assessed in the workplace. 

An individual working towards a CVQ will be assessed by a certified assessor/teacher, whose work is verified independently by an external verifier from industry. Assessments are conducted using the following methods:

• Observation of performance
• Examination of products
• Oral questioning
• Written testing
• Appraisal of a portfolio

A person can be assessed as many times as it takes to prove competence in the occupational area. Where a candidate has a grievance arising from the assessment process he/she can make an appeal to the awarding body.

Assessors

Assessors/teachers determine a candidate’s competence against Regional Occupational Standards using various methods of assessment.

Internal Verifiers (IVs)

Designated Heads of Department are trained by the NTA. They ensure that the assessor is performing assessments to established quality standards. IVs are required to sample assessment records and assess candidates to ensure that the assessment evidence is reliable.

External Verifiers (EVs)

EVs are appointed by the NTA from industry and are independent of the training institution or organisation. They will audit the assessment and internal verification processes to ensure that they meet NTA quality standards. EVs also witness assessments and internal verifications to ensure that evidence collected is reliable and that record keeping is acceptable.

CXC conducts quality audits over the period of the programme and will award the CVQ in schools.

NTA conducts quality audits of the programmes delivered by approved centres towards the award of the TTNVQ and CVQ.

NTA Guidelines on Internal and External Quality Assurance for Vocational Qualifications

The National Training Agency (NTA) as a national Awarding Body, is responsible for ensuring that assessment and internal quality assurance practices across approved Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres meet the rigorous standards set for the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) and the Trinidad and Tobago National Vocational Qualification (TTNVQ).

These standards are grounded in the regional quality assurance frameworks developed by CARICOM and CANTA and further guided by global best practices. Guidelines are therefore provided, outlining key expectations for centres during External Verification exercises and offers practical guidance for strengthening internal verification systems—both critical for maintaining integrity, credibility, and learner achievement within the national qualifications framework.

Guidance on internal verification procedures and quality assurance practices for internal assessment is also provided in supporting continuous improvement and compliance across all approved programmes.

EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE

External Verification is a Quality Assurance process undertaken by the Awarding Body to ensure that an approved Centre and its satellites maintain the quality standards established by the Awarding Body An External Verifier visits the centre and confirms that the centre meets the approval criteria. The External Verifier’s main role is to ensure that all assessments undertaken within centres are fair, valid, and consistent and meet the requirements of the qualification standards. 

Profile of an External Verifier 

An External Verifier is an individual contracted or employed by the Awarding Body to ensure that an approved centre(s) maintain the established quality standards in planning delivery and assessment for CVQs. The External Verifier must be competent and certified in the occupational skill area that is being verified and as such will be an experienced senior practitioner in the field. The External Verifier will be trained and certified by the Awarding Body to carry out his functions and must engage in continuous professional development. All External Verifiers must meet the qualification requirements established by CANTA. 

Responsibilities of the External Verifier 

External Verifiers are required to: 

1. Audit the assessment system within a centre through reviewing records of evidence, reviewing assessments, sample assessment in action, and monitor the working relationships between Assessors and candidates; 
2. Validate assessment and internal verification procedures and that these activities are being conducted in accordance with the Quality Assurance requirements established by the Awarding Body; 
3. Verify, by inspection of Internal Verification Reports, that Internal Verifiers are conducting regular Internal Verification Audits at the Centre and that the process is effective; 
4. Verify that recommendations made by the Internal Verifier to address deficiencies identified during the Internal Verification activities are implemented and are effective; 
5. Identify and comment on best practice within centres; 
6. Complete required planning and verification reports / forms. 

Guidelines for Conducting External Verification 

1. Scheduling Verification Audits – The Awarding Body is required to develop a schedule of External Verification Audits, in consultation with the Centre to ensure that the quality of the assessment done at the centre is being maintained. The number of External Verifications to be conducted will be based on one or more of the following factors: 
   • number of units completed; 
   • duration of the training period; 
   • size of the population to be sampled.
2. Development of Sampling Plans for Verification Assessment of Candidates – The External Verifier will develop a Sampling Plan to randomly assess candidates’ performance and evidence to ensure that the assessment decisions being made by the Centre’s Assessors are reliable.
3. Checking the Record-Keeping – The External Verifier will check the record-keeping of Assessors and Internal Verifiers during the External Verification. The centre is to ensure that the records are stored securely, that they are easily retrievable and in a manner that will prevent deterioration. The records to be reviewed are inclusive of: a. assessment records; b. internal verification reports; c. documentary evidence sampled from candidates (e.g. portfolios, logbooks). 
4. Verifying Assessment Instruments and Activities – The External Verifier will check that the instruments used by centre’s are in accordance with the guidelines established by the Awarding Body. The External Verifier will also ensure that the workplace tasks used for assessments provide valid and sufficient evidence as required by the Regional Occupational Standards. Awarding Bodies are urged to encourage the conduct of external verification on a systematic and regular basis and to ensure that more than one of the visits for each cohort of learners in an occupational area, includes the external verification of assessment activities, when they are being conducted by trained and certified assessors at assigned institutions. 
5. Completion of the Verification Report – The External Verifier will prepare a Verification Report using the prescribed format defined by the Awarding Body. The report must include the findings and recommendations. 

External Verification must not be conducted unless the Internal Verification Process has been done and the relevant documents completed. 

Sampling Guidelines for External Verification 

Depending on the sampling strategy that has been agreed with the Awarding Body, on the basis of the analysis and any other relevant information about the Centre (e.g. number of Assessors and number of sites), the External Verifier will sample according to the following:

• sample units and the complete work of candidates; 
• compare the External Verifier’s sample with the sampling strategy adopted for Internal Verification; 
• sample the assessments made by different Assessors for the same unit(s); 
• sample the work of new Assessors more extensively than that of experienced Assessors; 
• sample the range of assessment methods e.g. observation, witness testimony, products or artifacts, oral and written questioning, projects and assignments; 
• check that simulation, if used, conforms to the assessment strategy; 
• review the findings overall against the system for internal standardisation in the centre.

In performing the above activities, the External Verifier will expect to examine: 

• assessment instruments, specifications and materials for the units to be verified;
• evidence of how assessments meet the elements and performance criteria for each unit; 
• candidates’ assessment evidence; 
• checklists used by assessors; 
• minutes of, or action points from, meetings of Assessors for the units; 
• internal verifier’s reports; 
• records of achievement for all groups of candidates to be verified. 

Best practices will be better demonstrated if the Assessor for the relevant units could be available to speak to the External Verifier during the course of the external verification visit.

INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE

Internal Verification is a quality control process that is used to evaluate whether or not the assessment practices comply with the CARICOM approved regulations / specifications for the award of the CVQ. Internal verification should be embedded within the organisation’s quality system.

Profile of an Internal Verifier 

Internal Verifiers are required to have a technical understanding of the occupational area for which they are verifying assessments. In areas where this is limited, the services of technical experts can be utilised. All Internal Verifiers must meet the qualification requirements established by CANTA. Before training as an Internal Verifier, the individual must be trained and certified as Assessors.

The role of the Internal Verifier is to monitor the work of all Assessors involved with a particular qualification, ensuring accuracy and consistency of activities and decisions. The Internal Verifier is expected to disseminate information about standards to the rest of the staff and to ensure that assessment meets the approved standards across the centre / institution.

Responsibilities of the Internal Verifier 

1. Liaise as necessary with Assessors to give guidance on standards, advising and supporting them in their role, managing their workload and identifying any training needs that they may have;
2. Confirm that proposed assessment material is valid, reliable and practicable; 
3. Ensure by observation and an effective sampling procedure that candidate interview and assessment decisions made by Assessors are consistent; 
4. Carry out standardisation exercises in group sessions with Assessors, including checklists, model questions and answers, banks of materials for common use, and dual assessment; 
5. Verify that the standards attained are in accordance with those stated in the relevant regional occupational standards as detailed in the CVQ; 
6. Confirm the authenticity of candidates’ submissions for assessment; 
7. Provide feedback to Assessors on the validity, reliability, practicability and sufficiency of evidence presented for assessment purposes; 
8. Monitor assessment procedures and records of assessment to confirm adherence to agreed procedures and accuracy of records; 
9. Maintain effective relationships with the Assessors, the CVQ Co-ordinators and External Verifiers;
10. Deal with internal disputes and appeals and contribute to the awarding body’s external appeals procedure as required; 
11. Participate as required in external Quality Network meetings or communications concerning standardisation or review of standards; 
12. Participate in moderation activities; 
13. Liaise with the External Verifier, as required, on centre visits; 
14. Ensure that all external quality assurance requirements are satisfied.

Guidelines for Internal Verification 

1. Internal Verification for each unit should be carried out on a regular basis. However, it should not be conducted unless the relevant documents are properly filled out e.g. Assessment Package. 
2. Sample each unit as part of the Quality Assurance mechanism. 
3. Witness candidates’ performance in the occupational area in order to verify assessors’ assessment of learners’ performance. 
4. Quality assure all candidates’ portfolios. 
5. Ensure that assessment results are recorded on Assessment Packages and Achievement Sheets prescribed by the Awarding Body in a timely manner and that results are accurate. 
6. Feedback must be given to the assessor and relevant documentation kept. 
7. Check the record keeping of Assessors to ensure that the assessment records are filed in a secured manner and are easily retrievable. 
8. Request the services of the External Verification exercises after completion of the Internal Verification process.

To Trinidad and Tobago: TTNVQs will equip our workforce with the skills needed to meet the performance requirements of industry, in a competitive global market.

To Employers: Since TTNVQs are developed in close collaboration with experts from industry, they reflect industry’s performance standards and needs. TTNVQs represent evidence of a candidate’s job competence. 

To individuals: TTNVQs give candidates a standardised qualification which could be widely recognised by employers. It also allows them to have more access and flexibility to further training.

Yes, but they are called by different names. In Jamaica it is called NVQ-J and in the United Kingdom it is called N/SVQs.

The National Training Agency is the government body responsible for developing and awarding TTNVQs. NTA works in collaboration with industry experts on Specific Occupational Advisory Committees to develop the TTNVQs. TTNVQs are part of the new thrust to upgrade the quality and standard of technical and vocational training in Trinidad and Tobago,  making it more responsive to the needs of industry and the global market.

CXC and GCE are generally qualifications for academic courses, although CXC offers some technical education courses. The CXC is a Caribbean-based qualification while GCE is a British-based qualification. Examinations are written and projects are submitted as part of the assessment process in order to obtain CXC and GCE qualifications.

The TTNVQ is a national qualification which is based on one’s competence for the world of work. Candidates are assessed under actual workplace conditions and there is more emphasis on competency-based assessment. The TTNVQ prepares the candidate with the required skills to competently perform the job, according to the standards required by industry.

There is a clear need for standardisation, as there presently exist several qualifications and certificates for technical and vocational education and training, which are of doubtful value to employers.

How does the TTNVQ work?

TTNVQs are based on national occupational standards. Industry experts come together to define the standards for top performance in their industries. These standards are then translated to the curriculum and assessment procedures developed to encompass the standards identified. All TTNVQs fit into a TTNVQ framework. There are five levels, of which Level 1 is the introductory level called Semi-Skilled and Level 5 the highest level, which is equivalent to the Chartered and Advanced Professional Level.

TTNVQ Framework

• Level 5 – Chartered & Advanced Professional
• Level 4 – Professional
• Level 3 – Technician
• Level 2 – Craft
• Level 1 – Pre-Craft

Benefits of the TTNVQ framework

The NVQ framework allows all candidates the opportunity to progressively attain higher and/or further qualifications in their selected occupation or career. Candidates are allowed to transfer credits between programmes from one level to another.

How do I qualify to do a TTNVQ?

Entry into Level 1 does not require stringent pre-qualifications. Entry to Level 2 and higher are based on previous knowledge and experience in the occupational area. A candidate can be assessed through Prior Learning Assessment to ascertain the level at which the candidate can be placed. This is particularly important for those persons who have years of experience but no formal qualifications. Prior Learning Assessment allows candidates more access to training and further qualifications.

Do I have to be a certain age to qualify?

There are no age barriers for candidates wanting to attain a TTNVQ. Anyone can do a TTNVQ regardless of their age or stage in life. The TTNVQ framework is meant to produce lifelong learning for all.

Where can I obtain a TTNVQ?

You can obtain TTNVQs – Level 1, at institutes and industrial centres approved by the NTA to provide technical and vocational education and training. TTNVQs for higher levels will be acquired at institutes and industrial centres where modern apprenticeships and traineeships are facilitated. TTNVQs will eventually be available at approved workplaces offering in-house training to employees.

What documents would you need?

If you are interested in your centre being approved to offer the TTNVQ please contact us. For your centre to be approved to offer the TTNVQ you would need the following documents QSD004_CentreApprovalCriteria and QSD005_CentreApprovalSampleSubmission

What does NTA do? 
A. The NTA is the central coordinating agency for technical and vocational education and training in Trinidad & Tobago.

What training does NTA do? 
A. The NTA conducts training for Assessors and Internal Verifiers for Training Providers offering programmes leading to the award of the TTNVQ/CVQ. Training Providers conduct training in specific occupational skill areas.

What is the TTNVQ/CVQ? 
A. The TTNVQ is the Trinidad & Tobago National Vocational Qualification. It is a competency based qualification which is developed from the National Occupational Standard. The CVQ is the Caribbean Vocational Qualification. It is a competency based qualification based which is developed from the Regional Occupational Standard

Where is the TTNVQ recognized? 
A. The TTNVQ is recognised in Trinidad & Tobago.

Where is the CVQ recognized? 
A. The CVQ is recognised within CARICOM.

Does industry recognise the TTNVQ/CVQ?
A. Yes.

Is the TTNVQ/CVQ equivalent to other qualifications such as NEC and City & Guilds? 
A. The TTNVQ and CVQ are competency based qualifications in which the candidate performance is assessed against the NOS/ROS. The NOS/ROS are not used in the assessment of candidates for the NEC and City & Guilds qualifications.

Where & how can one achieve a TTNVQ/CVQ? 
A. TTNVQs/CVQs are awarded to candidates who demonstrate competence in accordance with the applicable NOS/ROS. They can be awarded to competent candidates on completion of a course of study at a secondary school. A TTNVQ can also be obtained from a training institution, a social/community programme (HYPE, OJT, MuST, etc.) or the work place. Yet another route for the award of a TTNVQ is Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR). The award of CVQs through training institutions, social/community programmes, industry and PLAR will soon be introduced.

How does a Centre become approved? 
A. Centre Approval is a process in which the NTA ensures that a Training Provider (training institution, enterprise/industry, social/community programme) has implemented a Quality Management System (QMS) to support and deliver training leading to the award of the TTNVQ or the CVQ.

Where can I go to be trained in a specific skill area? 
A. This information can be obtained by contacting the NTA.

What is TVET? 
A. TVET is Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

What is the difference between Technical and Vocational?
A. Vocational education and training prepares learners for careers that are based in manual or practical activities that are totally related to a specific trade, occupation or vocation. Technical education and training involves the use of applied science and scientific principles and techniques. The learner directly develops expertise in a particular group of techniques or technology.

If my Centre is registered by the ACTT, do I still need to obtain Centre Approval? 
A. Yes. Centre Approval is required to facilitate the award of TTNVQs/CVQs.

How can I determine whether a Training Provider is approved by the NTA?
A.This information can be obtained by contacting the NTA.