Assessment
Fair & consistent assessment
How assessment works at EarnLearn

Assessment involves collecting and recording evidence that shows a learner’s competence against the unit standards they are working to achieve. 

EarnLearn works with industries to develop learning and assessment material based on a collection-of-evidence model.

Our Quality Assurance team monitors the quality of assessment and supports assessors across the industries we serve.

What support can assessors expect?

Our team are here to support registered assessors in various ways. We provide induction and onboarding for new assessors.

Induction covers:  

Training on how to access and engage with learners on ‘Moodle’, the EarnLearn Learning Management System (LMS). 

Guidance on assessing/ marking, expected timeframes, how to record feedback and make notes, etc. 

Administration requirements e.g. how and when results should be reported.  

Quality assurance (moderation) requirements. 

We run regular assessor forums. Registered assessors will receive invitations to attend forums and events, and we encourage assessors to attend these. It’s a great way to stay up to date with programmes and changes in industry while refreshing assessment practice.  

2026 Assessor Forums →

What is an Assessor's Role?

Assessors play a key role in supporting learners throughout the training and assessment process.

Assessors review all the evidence from the learner and the verifier and decide whether the learner has the competency to meet the standard. Evidence typically includes the learners’ answers to questions, workplace documents, and verification.

To remain registered with EarnLearn, assessors must remain active by assessing annually, by participating in assessor forums or events, and meeting moderation requirements.

Further information about assessors, roles and responsibilities can be found in our Assessor Guidelines.

Register to become an EarnLearn Assessor

To register as an EarnLearn assessor your workplace or organisation must have learners who have Training Agreements with EarnLearn as well as programmes that support the workplace assessment model. If unsure please check with our Quality Assurance team. 

Assessors must hold unit standard 4098 (Use standards to assess learner performance) or an approved equivalent.

All assessors are registered with EarnLearn and assess within an approved assessment scope.

Assessors can be workplace-based or independent contract assessors.

Assessment decisions must be supported by multiple sources of evidence, not a single task or test.

Assessors are required to participate in moderation and ongoing professional development.

Apply to become an EarnLearn assessor

To apply to become an assessor, please download and complete the Assessor Application form. 

Assessor Application form →

Applications should be forwarded to qael@earnlearn.ac.nz.

What support can assessors expect?

Our team are here to support registered assessors in various ways. We provide induction and onboarding for new assessors.

Induction covers:  

Training on how to access and engage with learners on ‘Moodle’, the EarnLearn Learning Management System (LMS). 

Guidance on assessing/ marking, expected timeframes, how to record feedback and make notes, etc. 

Administration requirements e.g. how and when results should be reported.  

Quality assurance (moderation) requirements. 

We run regular assessor forums. Registered assessors will receive invitations to attend forums and events, and we encourage assessors to attend these. It’s a great way to stay up to date with programmes and changes in industry while refreshing assessment practice.  

2026 Assessor Forums →

Fair,
consistent assessment
practices

Academic Integrity

Assessment integrity and appeals

We’re committed to fair, transparent assessment practices. The sections below explain how concerns are handled, what rights learners and assessors have, and how to access the right support at the right time.

Academic Integrity

When a learner presents assessment evidence that is not their own, gathered from another learner’s work, or from any other sources, we call this ‘academic misconduct.’  EarnLearn takes academic misconduct seriously and assessors have a key role in upholding the academic integrity of our assessment process. 

EarnLearn’s Academic Integrity Policy provides learners, assessors, verifiers, and employers with a process to deal with concerns relating to academic misconduct. 

Assessors are expected to contact our Quality Assurance team immediately if academic misconduct is suspected. EarnLearn follows a fair and transparent investigation process. 

Academic Integrity Policy →
Let us know →

The right to appeal 

Learners can formally appeal an assessment decision if they believe it’s unfair. Assessors must use a totally transparent assessment process which provides a trail of evidence to support their decisions. 

How appeals work: 

  • The learner must appeal to us in writing within 30 days of receiving the assessment result.  
  • Our Quality Assurance team oversees a formal review of the appeal.  
  • We’ll inform the learner and assessor of the result of the appeal within 15 days of receiving it.

To appeal an assessment decision, learners need to complete the following steps: 

Assessment Appeals Form →
Email the form →
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Forums

Upcoming assessor forums

Supporting assessors with guidance, consistency, and shared best practice across industries.

Trades Assessor Forum: 11th February 2026

A cross-trade forum focused on assessment best practice, moderation expectations, and consistency across programmes. Ideal for assessors working across multiple trades or supporting learners at different stages.

You’ll cover:

  • Assessment quality and evidence standards
  • Moderation insights and common issues
  • Updates across EarnLearn programmes
Talk to us →

Electrical Assessor Forum: 15th April 2026

Designed specifically for electrical assessors, with a focus on programme updates, evidence expectations, and supporting learners through complex, safety-critical standards.

You’ll cover:

  • Electrical-specific assessment guidance
  • Evidence and verification requirements
  • Common challenges and assessor Q&A
View programme →
Talk to us →

Cranes Assessor Forum: 1 July 2026

A targeted session for crane and lifting assessors, supporting safe, consistent assessment in high-risk environments and aligning practice with industry expectations.

You’ll cover:

  • Competency evidence in real-world crane operations
  • Verification and observation best practice
  • Moderation and compliance updates
View programme →
Talk to us →

PGD Assessor Forum: 12 August 2026

Focused on plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying assessors, this forum supports consistent assessment decisions across site-based and workplace evidence.

You’ll cover:

  • PGD assessment standards and scope
  • Using workplace evidence effectively
  • Moderation feedback and improvements
View programme →
Talk to us →

PGD Provider Assessor Forum: 19 August 2026

A dedicated forum for PGD providers acting as assessors, focusing on organisational responsibilities, advertising requirements, and maintaining compliance with NZQA and EarnLearn expectations.

You’ll cover:

  • Provider-specific assessment responsibilities
  • Compliance, scope, and moderation readiness
  • Supporting assessors within your organisation
View programme →
Talk to us →
TRADES WE OFFER

EarnLearn Trades

The industry trades that we assess for trainees

Cranes

Safe, structured training for crane operators working in high-risk, high-responsibility environments.

Cranes →

Electrical

Practical, on-the-job electrical training aligned to real work and NZQA standards.

Electrical →
Industrial Measurement & Control →

Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying

Workplace-led training that builds capability across plumbing, gas, and drainage systems.

Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying →

Gateway & other pathways

A supported pathway for students to gain real workplace experience while still at school.

Gateaway →
Electrical RCC →
GET In touch

Contact our Quality Assurance Team

If you have questions about assessment, becoming an assessor, academic integrity, or appeals, please contact:

Questions about assessments or evidence requirements

Enquiries about becoming or supporting an EarnLearn assessor

Concerns relating to academic integrity or assessment appeals

Send an enquiry

Share a few details and we will point you to the right next step.

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Get in touch

Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm: 0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT)

support@earnlearn.ac.nz

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