NATIONAL VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION (NVQ) IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRACTICE
The Qualification in Archaeological Practice has been developed as a practice qualification by the Archaeology Training Forum and was launched in April 2007. It is an NVQ, currently offered at Levels 3 and 4, with Level 5 still under development. The awarding body for the qualification is Education Development International (EDI) plc who oversee a network of assessment centres offering the qualification. The IFA is one of these assessment centres.
NVQs are vocational qualifications developed from National Occupational Standards, units of competence based on typical job responsibilities within an industry. They differ from traditional qualifications in that there are no formal entry requirements, learners are assessed primarily ‘on-the-job’ rather than by examinations, they take previous experience and learning into account, can be undertaken at the learner’s own pace and can be gained in a variety of ways. The Qualification in Archaeological Practice consists of core units which are compulsory and a range of options for the candidate to choose.
How does it work?
Once a candidate has registered, they will be assigned an assessor who will guide them through the process of gathering evidence toward the qualification. This will typically involve breaking the qualification down into its constituent units and elements, assessing what evidence the candidate may already be able to provide and what areas will need further work. The candidate and their assessor will develop an action plan setting out how each unit will be achieved. Once the assessor is satisfied that sufficient evidence has been produced to satisfy the requirements for all the units, the qualification can be awarded.
How long will it take and how much does it cost?
There is no time limit for completing an NVQ. However, a reasonable timescale for gaining the Level 3 award would be about 6 months and for the Level 4, about 1 year. Candidates may take more or less time depending on their other commitments and their levels of prior learning. The full award cannot be granted within 10 weeks of the candidate registering.
Costs for the Qualification will vary from centre to centre. The fees for undertaking the Qualification through the IFA assessment centre in 2007/8 are:
Level 3 £895.00
Level 4 £995.00
Or
Level 3 £150 registration fee + £165.00 per unit (min. 5 units)
Level 4 £170 registration fee + £165.00 per unit (min. 8 units)
Fees include registration, assessment, candidates’ pack and final certification. All fees must be paid in full before the candidate can gain the award or unit certification. The IFA is hoping to be able to offer bursaries towards the cost of the Qualification.
What level should I do?
The level 3 Qualification is aimed at archaeologists who are new to, or have recently joined, the profession, with or without academic qualifications, who wish to gain and accredit entry level/basic skills. It is also appropriate for amateur archaeologists who wish to expand and formally accredit their skills through the attainment of a qualification. Level 3 candidates must be able to show that they can carry out a range of work activities, most of which are complex and non-routine tasks.
The level 4 Qualification is aimed at established practitioners wishing to gain the skills, experience and knowledge they need to progress to a higher grade, to undertake greater responsibilities or to work in a new area of competence. It is also appropriate for experienced amateur archaeologists who wish to expand their skills and formally accredit that experience through the attainment of a qualification. Level 4 candidates must show that they can apply skills and knowledge to a broad range of complex, technical or professional work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts.
Who recognises this qualification?
Because NVQs are based on industry developed National Occupational Standards, they are recognised as accrediting the skills required by that industry. Although vocational qualifications are new in the archaeology sector, the Qualification in Archaeological Practice provides accredited evidence of competence in the work-based skills employers need. The IFA will be promoting the new Qualification vigorously to its RAOs and other organisations and employers. The IFA recognises the Qualification as evidence of competence for the purposes of IFA membership and is adapting its validation process accordingly.
NVQ Level 3
Core Units (all must be completed):
AC1 Research and analyse information to achieve objectives:
AC1.1 Identify sources and availability of information
AC1.2 Collect information to achieve research objectives
AC1.3 Analyse research information
AC1.4 Report results
AJ10 Contribute to health and safety in the workplace:
AJ10.1 Operate safely in the workplace
AJ10.2 Respond to emergencies
AJ10.3 Assist in the security of the workplace
AK3 Develop your own resources and protect the interests of others (NFMED C2):
AK3.1 Develop yourself to improve your performance
AK3.2 Manage your own time and resources to meet your objectives
AK3.3 Contribute to the protection of individual and community interests
Option 1 – Investigation (Both Units to be selected):
AC3 Contribute to non-intrusive investigations:
AC3.1 Prepare for operations
AC3.2 Observe and record measurements
AC3.3 Analyse and present investigation data
AC5 Contribute to intrusive investigations:
AC5.1 Prepare for operations
AC5.2 Undertake intrusive investigations
AC5.3 Prepare records and schedules
Option 2 - Finds (2 Units to be selected):
AC6 Store items:
AC6.1 Identify the appropriate environment in which to maintain and protect items
AC6.2 Control the environment to preserve and protect items
AC7 Transfer items:
AC7.1 Identify the handling requirements of an item
AC7.2 Pack an item for transportation to a new location
AC7.3 Monitor the transportation of items
AC7.4 Monitor the installation of items within a new location
AE6 Apply preventive care procedures to items:
AE6.1 Control the environment to preserve and protect an item
AE6.2 Monitor and modify the environment and the condition of an item
AE8 Implement routine interventive conservation procedures:
AE8.1 Apply routine stabilisation
AE8.2 Implement routine cleaning and repair
AG2 Prepare the accommodation of items:
AG2.1 Identify the accommodation requirements of items
AG2.2 Organise the preparation of facilities to accommodate items
Option 3 – Information (both Units to be selected):
AF3 Classify, compile and maintain data on the material remains of past communities
AF3.1 Agree methods for classifying and compiling data on the material remains of past communities
AF3.2 Maintain data and records on the material remains of past communities
AF4 Provide information on the material remains of past communities to others
AF4.1 Interpret customers' requests for information on the material remains of past communities
AF4.2 Access data sources and compile data on the material remains of past communities
AF4.3 Collate and present data to meet customers’ requirements