Circular No. 16/2022/TT-BLDTBXH Issuing the National Vocational Skill Assessment Business Training Program

CIRCULAR
Issuing the Training Program
on National Vocational Skill Assessment Practices

Pursuant to the Labor Law dated November 16, 2013;

Pursuant to Decree No. 14/2017/NĐ-CP dated February 17, 2017, of the Government, stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs;

Pursuant to Decree No. 31/2015/NĐ-CP dated March 24, 2015 of the Government detailing implementation of certain provisions of the Labor Law regarding national vocational skill assessment and certification;

Pursuant to Decree No. 140/2018/NĐ-CP dated October 8, 2018 of the Government amending and supplementing several decrees related to investment conditions and administrative procedures under the management of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs;

Based on the proposal of the Director General of the General Department of Vocational Education;

The Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs issues this Circular on the Training Program on National Vocational Skill Assessment Practices.

Article 1. This Circular includes the Training Program on National Vocational Skill Assessment Practices.

Article 2. Effectiveness

1. This Circular takes effect from October 21, 2022.

2. In cases where the referenced documents in this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced, they shall be implemented according to the newly issued documents.

Article 3. Responsibility for Implementation

Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, provincial People's Committees, the Director of the General Department of Vocational Education, organizations assessing and certifying national vocational skills, and other relevant organizations and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

CTRAINING PROGRAM ON NATIONAL VOCATIONAL SKILL ASSESSMENT PRACTICES
(Attached to Circular No. 16/2022/TT-BLDTBXH dated September 6, 2022 of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs) association)

A. TRAINING OBJECTIVES

1. General objectives

Equipping learners with legal knowledge about the national vocational skill assessment system, national vocational skill assessment practices, and related knowledge to conduct national vocational skill assessments and certifications for workers based on national vocational skill standards.

2. Specific objectives

After completing the training course, learners will have the ability to:

- Understand the legal basis and main characteristics of the national vocational skill assessment and certification system; access international standards for skill assessment and recognition in ASEAN and globally to explain and advise businesses and workers participating in national vocational skill assessments;

- Understand and apply principles, requirements, methods, tools, and processes for competency-based skill assessments to suit different occupational fields;

- Systematically apply methods for organizing national vocational skill assessment and certification activities for workers: job assignment methods; performance standards; organization of theoretical and practical test assessments; marking principles and methods for practical test assessments to ensure accuracy, independence, objectivity, fairness, and transparency in the organization of national vocational skill assessment and certification activities.

B. TRAINING PARTICIPANTS

1. Participants in the training course to be considered for issuance of a national vocational skill assessor card at each level of vocational skill proficiency must meet the criteria stipulated in Clause 1, Article 11 of Decree No. 31/2015/NĐ-CP dated March 24, 2015 of the Government detailing implementation of certain provisions of the Labor Law regarding national vocational skill assessment and certification.

2. Participants in the training course to engage in national vocational skill assessment practice activities introduced by skill assessment organizations include teaching staff in training institutions and vocational education establishments, technical experts and staff in enterprises, artisans, and other relevant individuals.

C. TRAINING DURATION AND TIME UNITS IN THE PROGRAM

1. Duration: 50 standard hours (Theory: 18.5 hours; practical sessions and discussions: 26.5 hours; examinations: 5 hours).

2. Time units for each hour of study: one theoretical hour is 45 minutes, one practical hour is 60 minutes. One day of study should not exceed 8 hours.

D. CONTENT OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM

Chapter Program focuses on training in the business of conducting national vocational skill certification assessments, including:

1. Business procedures for preparing to conduct a national vocational skill certification assessment according to scale, target groups, and related requirements.

2. Business procedures for conducting assessments and scoring knowledge tests and practical tests during a national vocational skill certification assessment period.

3. Business procedures for supervising and handling arising situations and violations (if any) during a national vocational skill certification assessment period.

E. DETAIL CONTENT

PART 1. (TOPIC 1) OVERVIEW OF THE NATIONAL VOCATIONAL SKILL CERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM AND APPROACHES TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR ASSESSING AND RECOGNIZING VOCATIONAL SKILLS

Implementation time: 5 standard hours (Theory: 3.5 hours; practice, exercises, discussion: 1.5 hours; exam/test: 0 hours)

The contents of the training program will achieve the highest effectiveness when conducted directly. However, in cases of force majeure, depending on needs, direct training methods can be flexibly combined with online training.

I. OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this section, learners will be able to:

- Understand the legal bases for forming the national vocational skill certification assessment system;

- Understand the history of the formation of the system and the activities of national vocational skill certification assessments that have been implemented in recent years and the direction of development in the coming years;

- Describe the national vocational skill level framework and the levels of national vocational skill qualifications;

- Understand the structure and content of national vocational skill standards, principles, and procedures for developing and promulgating national vocational skill standards;

- Understand the conditions for an organization to be granted a certificate for conducting national vocational skill certification assessments;

- Understand and self-review the conditions for an individual to be granted a national vocational skill assessor card;

- Understand the context, challenges, and difficulties in implementing mutual recognition agreements on vocational skills within ASEAN;

- Understand the structure and differences among mutual recognition agreements on vocational skills within ASEAN;

- Understand the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework and the national qualification framework; distinguish descriptions of levels within the national vocational skill qualification framework in relation to the national qualification framework and the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework.

II. CONTENT

1. History of the formation of the national vocational skill certification assessment system in Vietnam

2. Current regulatory legal documents on national vocational skill certification assessment activities.

3. The role of developing vocational skills and standardizing the workforce

4. Concepts related to organizing national vocational skill certification assessments

4.1. National Vocational Skill Certificate

4.2. National Vocational Skill Level Framework

4.3. National Vocational Skill Standards

4.4. Participant

4.5. National Vocational Skill Certification Assessment Period

4.6. National Vocational Skill Assessment Organization

4.7. National Vocational Skill Assessor

4.8. Examination Board

4.9. Core Concepts

4.10. Quality Assurance of Assessments

4.11. Technical Management of Assessments

4.12. Process Management of Assessment Implementation

4.13. Training Programs on Assessment Procedures

5. System Diagram for Issuing National Vocational Skill Certificates

6. National Vocational Skill Level Framework

7. National Vocational Skill Standards

7.1. Principles for Developing National Vocational Skill Standards

7.2. Structure of National Vocational Skill Standards

7.3. Procedures for Developing, Reviewing, and Publishing National Vocational Skill Standards

8. National Vocational Skill Assessment Organizations

8.1. Conditions for an Organization to be Granted a Certificate for Conducting National Vocational Skill Certification Assessments

8.2. Application Forms, Procedures, and Formalities for New, Amended, Supplemental, and Reissued Certificates

8.3. Suspension of Activities or Revocation of Certificates

8.4. Rights and Obligations of National Vocational Skill Assessment Organizations

9. National Vocational Skill Assessor Cards

9.1. Conditions for Issuing National Vocational Skill Assessor Cards

9.2. Application Forms, Procedures, and Formalities for New and Reissued Assessor Cards

9.3. Revocation or Withdrawal of Assessor Cards

10. Trends in Human Resource Integration

11. Labor Mobility and Mutual Recognition Agreements on Skill Standards (MRA)

11.1. Benefits of MRA

11.2. Types of MRA

12. ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework

12.1. Context of Origin

12.2. Purpose of the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework

12.3. Relationship between the National Qualification Framework and the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework

III. CONDITIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING PART 1

1. Specialized Classroom: Standard classroom, ensuring adequate lighting, temperature, and fire safety.

2. Equipment: Computers, printers, projectors, screens.

3. Learning Materials, Tools, and Supplies: Blackboard, pens, paper; reference materials, sample documents.

4. Instructors: Experts, officials, researchers with practical experience in domestic/international policies and regulations regarding vocational skill certification assessment activities or professionals with expertise, experience, and credibility in the field of vocational skill assessment training.

5. Other Resources

IV. CONTENT AND METHODS OF EVALUATION FOR PART 1

1. Content

- Evaluation of learners' understanding of the national vocational skill certification assessment system and national vocational skill standards in Vietnam and the region.

- Evaluation of learners' application of relevant legal documents concerning the national vocational skill certification assessment system.

2. Methods and Grading Scale for Evaluation

- Evaluation through multiple-choice questions, essay questions, or a combination of both.

- Evaluate competence at two levels: Achieved and Not achieved.

V. GUIDANCE FOR IMPLEMENTING PART 1

1. Guidance on teaching methods and learning

- For instructors: Use exchange, discussion methods, with learners at the center.

- For learners: Active, proactive learning, promoting teamwork spirit

2. Key points to note.

- Understand relevant Decrees, Circulars, regulatory legal documents.

- Follow the prescribed procedures and comply with specified forms.

PART 2. PREPARATION WORK PRIOR TO NATIONAL SKILL CERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT PERIOD

Duration: 10 standard hours (Theory: 4 hours; practical exercises, discussions: 6 hours; examination/testing: 0 hours).

I. OBJECTIVES

- Understand the purpose, principles, and content of national skill certification assessment during national skill assessment periods;

- Understand the implementation method for national skill certification assessment;

- Understand and assess the necessary process for preparing for the national skill certification assessment period;

- Apply knowledge and skills to plan and prepare necessary conditions to ensure the quality of the national skill assessment period.

II. CONTENT

TOPIC 2. PREPARATION WORK OF THE ASSESSMENT ORGANIZATION PRIOR TO NATIONAL SKILL ASSESSMENT PERIOD

Duration: 5 standard hours * Objective

- Understand the implementation procedure for the national skill assessment period and the preparation tasks of a national skill assessment organization;

- Apply procedures and planning work to organize the national skill assessment period of the assessment organization;

- Understand the responsibilities and roles of management agencies in the preparation work for the national skill assessment period;

- Understand and apply the conditions and preparation work for the national skill assessment period of the assessment organization;

- Understand the purpose and principles of the national skill certification assessment period;

- Understand and apply related regulatory legal documents in the assessment process;

- Understand the necessary conditions for participating in the national skill assessment period for different levels of proficiency.

* Content:

1. Purpose of national skill certification assessment

2. Principles, content of national skill assessment

3. Conditions, registration for participation in national skill assessment

3.1. Conditions for participating in national skill assessment

3.2. Registration for participation in national skill assessment

4. Preparation work of the organization for national skill certification assessment

4.1. Planning the organization of national skill assessment periods

4.2. Preparing conditions to organize national skill assessment periods annually

4.3. Implementing and checking conditions prior to the national skill assessment period

4.3.1. For the national skill assessment organization

4.4. Preparing for the national skill assessment period

4.4.1. Selecting the location for organization

4.4.2. Operational position conditions

TOPIC 3. PREPARATION WORK OF THE ASSESSOR PRIOR TO NATIONAL SKILL ASSESSMENT PERIOD

Duration: 5 standard hours

* Objective:

- Understand and apply the sequence of preparatory tasks that assessors need to complete for the national skill assessment period;

- Understand and apply the contents that assessors need to check regarding physical facilities, materials serving the organization of the national skill assessment;

- Understand the responsibilities of assessors; evaluation forms and methods.

* Content:

1. Tasks needed for preparation for the assessment period

2. Preparation work of the assessor

2.1. Preparing and inspecting conditions for organizing knowledge test assessment

2.2. Preparing and inspecting raw materials

2.3. Preparing and inspecting processing tools

2.4. Preparing and inspecting equipment

2.5. Preparing and inspecting measuring tools

3. Inspecting the preparation of conditions before the national skill assessment period

4. Responsibilities of the assessor

5. Evaluation forms and methods

5.1. Evaluation forms

5.2. Evaluation methods

III. CONDITIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING PART 2

1. Specialized Classroom: Standard classroom, ensuring adequate lighting, temperature, and fire safety.

2. Equipment: Computer, projector, screen.

3. Learning materials, tools, materials

- Sample documents;

- Test area diagrams, layout diagrams for organizing the assessment period;

- Multicolor markers, chalk, board, A0 paper.

4. Instructors: Experts, officials, researchers with practical experience in domestic/international policies and regulations regarding vocational skill certification assessment activities or professionals with expertise, experience, and credibility in the field of vocational skill assessment training.

5. Other resources: Regulatory legal documents.

IV. CONTENT AND METHODS OF EVALUATING PART 2

1. Content:

- Assess the understanding of participants about the registration and preparation procedures for the national skill assessment period of the assessment organization;

- Assess the application of participants regarding the preparation procedures and content concerning physical facilities, raw materials, equipment, and tools suitable for each profession and level of national skill proficiency.

2. Methods: Assessment through multiple-choice questions, essay questions, or a combination of both.

V. GUIDANCE FOR IMPLEMENTING PART 2

1. Guidance on teaching methods and learning

- For instructors: Lecturing, explaining, questioning, organizing group discussions

- For participants: Listening, understanding, studying materials, group discussions.

2. Key points to note:

- Understand relevant Decrees, Circulars, regulatory legal documents.

- Follow the prescribed procedures and comply with specified forms.

PART 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS ASSESSMENT

Duration: 25 standard hours (Theory: 08 hours; practical exercises, discussions, assignments: 17 hours)

I. OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this part, learners will be able to:

- Evaluate the selection of locations, preparation of conditions, and arrangement of operation positions for assessing test papers during national occupational skills assessment periods;

- Evaluate the arrangement, reception inspection of participants performing practical tests, and measuring tools used during national occupational skills assessment periods;

- Organize, guide participants, and manage and respond while participants perform practical test tasks;

- Receive, store, manage products, score, and handle after scoring practical test papers during national occupational skills assessment periods;

- Master the principles of scoring, allocation according to categories, and handling methods when scoring items within the scoring of test papers;

- Apply scoring principles and methods suitable for their field of profession.

II. CONTENT

TOPIC 4. IMPLEMENTATION OF KNOWLEDGE TEST ASSESSMENT DURING NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS ASSESSMENT PERIODS

Duration: 10 standard hours

* Objective:

After completing this topic, learners will be able to:

- Understand the reception process for test participants;

- Understand the assessor's duties during the implementation of knowledge test;

- Understand the process of implementing knowledge tests;

- Master the principles of scoring, allocation according to categories, and handling methods when scoring items within the scoring of knowledge test papers;

- Apply scoring principles and methods suitable for their field of profession.

* CONTENT

1. Knowledge Assessment in National Occupational Skills Assessment Periods

1.1. Some Precautions Before Implementing Knowledge Test Papers

1.2. Organization Work for Implementing Knowledge Test Papers

2. Scoring Knowledge Test Papers

2.1. Scoring Knowledge Test Papers

2.1.1. Implementing Computer-Based Scoring of Knowledge Test Papers

2.1.2. Implementing Paper-Based Scoring of Knowledge Test Papers

2.2. Handling Results After Scoring Knowledge Test Papers

TOPIC 5. IMPLEMENTATION OF PRACTICAL SKILL ASSESSMENT DURING NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS ASSESSMENT PERIODS

Duration: 15 standard hours

* Objective:

After completing this topic, learners will be able to:

- Understand the reception process for participants performing practical test tasks;

- Understand the assessor's duties during the implementation of practical test tasks;

- Understand the process of implementing practical test tasks;

- Master the principles of scoring, allocation according to categories, and handling methods when scoring items within the scoring of practical test papers;

- Master the deduction method for scoring practical test papers during national occupational skills assessment periods;

- Apply scoring principles and methods suitable for their field of profession.

* CONTENT

1. Practical Skill Assessment During National Occupational Skills Assessment Periods

1.1. Some Precautions Before Implementing Practical Test Tasks

1.2. Organization Work for Implementing Practical Test Tasks

2. Scoring Practical Test Papers During National Occupational Skills Assessment Periods

2.1. Scoring Process for Practical Test Papers

2.2. Standards for Evaluation Scoring Work

2.3. Scoring Work for Practical Test Papers

2.4. Point Distribution Method and Requirements for Practical Test Papers

2.5. Scoring Categories and Point Allocation in Test Papers

2.6. Scoring Principles and Handling Methods When Scoring Products

2.6.1. Scoring Principles

2.6.2. Handling Methods When Scoring Products

2.7. Scoring Principles and Handling Methods When Scoring Operations (Sequence, Execution Movements)

2.7.1. Scoring Principles

2.7.2. Handling Points

2.8. Scoring Principles and Handling Methods When Scoring Technical Errors (Conditions)

2.8.1. Scoring Principles

2.8.2. Handling Points

2.9. Scoring Principles and Handling Methods When Scoring Attitude During Task Performance

2.9.1. Scoring Principles

2.9.2. Handling Points

2.10. Scoring Principles and Handling Methods When Scoring Time During Task Performance

2.10.1. Scoring Principles

2.10.2. Handling Points

2.11. Special Points

2.12. Scoring Methods

2.12.1. Scoring Methods

2.12.2. Deduction Scoring Method

2.13. Scoring Standards for Practical Test Papers

2.13.1. Point Allocation According to Each Category

2.13.2. Format of Scoring Categories for Practical Test Papers

2.13.3. Notes on Scoring Standards

3. Handling Results After Scoring Practical Test Papers

III. CONDITIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING PART 3

1. Specialized Classroom: Standard classroom, ensuring adequate lighting, temperature, and fire safety.

2. Equipment and Machinery:

- Computers;

- Projectors, screens.

3. Learning Materials, Tools, and Materials:

- Sample handover and submission forms for documents and equipment, and sample collection and submission forms for test papers;

- Whiteboard markers (chalk), whiteboards.

4. Instructors: Experts, officials, researchers with practical experience in domestic/international policies and regulations regarding vocational skill certification assessment activities or professionals with expertise, experience, and credibility in the field of vocational skill assessment training.

5. Other Resources

IV. CONTENT AND METHODS OF ASSESSMENT FOR PART 3

1. Content

- Assess learners' understanding of assessors' duties during the monitoring of participants' test performance; behaviors violating the examination rules by the examination board and participants.

- Assess learners' application of handling handover and submission forms for documents and equipment, and collection and submission forms for test papers; handling situations where participants violate examination rules.

2. Methods and Grading Scale for Evaluation

- Testing through multiple-choice questions to assess knowledge.

- Testing through handling scenarios to assess skills.

- Evaluate competence at two levels: Achieved and Not achieved.

V. GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTING PART 3

1. Guidance on teaching methods and learning

- For instructors: present scenarios and ask questions.

- For learners: listen, analyze scenarios, and answer.

2. Key Points to Note

- Handling common scenarios that occur during the implementation of practical test tasks;

- Adhering to principles that must be followed by participants;

- Handling specific vocational requirements of the trade/occupation being assessed;

- Handling handover and submission forms for documents and equipment, and collection and submission forms for test papers;

- Handling situations where participants violate examination rules.

PART 4. (TOPIC 6 MONITORING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORGANIZATION AND EVALUATION OF NATIONAL SKILL CERTIFICATION AND HANDLING INCIDENTS DURING THE EVALUATION PERIOD)

Duration: 5 standard hours (Theory: 3 hours; practical exercises, discussions, assignments: 2 hours; examination: 0 hours)

I. OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this part, learners will be able to:

- Master the monitoring procedures for the activities of members of the evaluation board and participants;

- Master the forms of handling violations by members of the evaluation board and participants;

- Clearly identify the violations of the evaluation rules by evaluators and participants;

- Handle violations by participants and other incidents during the evaluation period;

- Resolve inquiries and complaints related to the national skill certification evaluation period;

- Know how to prepare minutes when handling violations by members of the evaluation board and participants.

II. CONTENT

1. Monitoring the activities of members of the evaluation board during national skill certification evaluations and handling violations

1.1. Monitoring the activities of members of the evaluation board during national skill certification evaluations

1.2. Handling violations by members of the evaluation board during national skill certification evaluations

2. Monitoring the activities of participants and handling violations by participants during national skill certification evaluations

3. Incidents arising during the preparation phase

4. Incidents arising during the knowledge test phase

5. Incidents arising during the practical test phase

6. Incidents arising during the marking phase and handling results

7. Handling complaints and accusations during the national skill certification evaluation period

III. CONDITIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING PART 4

1. Specialized Classroom: Standard classroom, ensuring adequate lighting, temperature, and fire safety.

2. Equipment and Machinery:

- Computer

- Projectors, screens.

3. Learning Materials, Tools, and Materials:

- Sample monitoring minutes, forms used during the evaluation period, chalkboard markers (chalk), writing boards;

- Sample violation handling minutes, forms used during the evaluation period;

- Whiteboard markers (chalk), whiteboards.

4. Instructors: Experts, officials, researchers with practical experience in domestic/international policies and regulations regarding vocational skill certification assessment activities or professionals with expertise, experience, and credibility in the field of vocational skill assessment training.

5. Other Resources

IV. CONTENT AND METHODS OF ASSESSMENT FOR PART 4

1. Content

- Assessing the understanding of learners regarding the duties of members of the evaluation board, participants, and related parties during the evaluation period; regulations on violations that need to be handled during the evaluation period.

- Assessing the application of learners' skills in handling and resolving violations during the evaluation period; skills in summarizing and handling violations and incidents occurring during the evaluation period.

- Assessing the understanding of learners about potential incidents that may occur during the evaluation period; principles and methods for handling incidents; regulations on handling complaints and accusations (if any) during the evaluation period.

- Assessing the application of learners' skills in identifying and detecting incidents during the evaluation period; skills in summarizing and handling incidents according to regulations.

2. Methods and Grading Scale for Evaluation

- Assessment through direct observation or indirect observation via surveillance equipment, interviews/interrogations to evaluate theoretical knowledge.

- Assessing the ability to observe, collect data, summarize, determine, and handle violations and incidents during the evaluation period.

- Evaluate competence at two levels: Achieved and Not achieved.

V. GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTING PART 4

1. Guidance on teaching methods and learning

- For instructors: present scenarios and ask questions.

- For learners: listen, analyze scenarios, and answer.

2. Key Points to Note

- Handling submission records for materials and items, and collection and submission records for examination papers.

- Handling situations where participants violate examination rules.

PART 5. END-OF-COURSE REVIEW

1. Content: evaluate the contents according to the training program.

2. Methods and Grading Scale for Evaluation

- Evaluation through multiple-choice tests, essay questions, or a combination of both

- Assessment of capabilities at two levels: Pass and Fail. A test is considered Passed when the correct answer rate is 60% or higher and there is no violation behavior.

G. GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAM

1. Organization of Implementation

Based on the national vocational skills assessment training program issued together with this Circular, the competent authority shall develop training materials and implement plans for organizing training courses to issue assessor cards in accordance with Decree No. 31/2015/NĐ-CP dated March 24, 2015 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Employment regarding the assessment and issuance of national vocational skill certificates.

The contents of the training program are designed and constructed to be implemented directly to achieve the required skills and capabilities, ensuring quality and effectiveness. However, depending on practical conditions, to ensure feasibility and meet training objectives, direct training may be flexibly combined with online training or conducted entirely online for specific topics or parts of the training program.

2. Conditions for Implementing Management and Teaching Directly

The conditions for serving management and organizing direct teaching must meet the minimum requirements stipulated in the subjects of the Program.

3. Conditions for Implementing Management and Teaching Online

The information technology infrastructure for managing and organizing online teaching must meet the following minimum requirements:

a) Ensuring requirements for internet connectivity and compatible connecting devices, computers, and terminal equipment; ensuring that instructors and students can access, conduct teaching and testing activities, and online evaluations in accordance with the subjects of the Program.

b) Having solutions to ensure information security, data regulations, and personal information confidentiality as prescribed when organizing online teaching.

c) Training institutions must have facilities installed with equipment meeting scientific and pedagogical requirements to serve the online teaching activities of instructors.