Certification Process

Introduction
A Competency Assessment and Certification Framework, has been established to address the
demand for assessing and qualifying TVET graduates and workers in the country. This system
will be part of the Kenya National Qualifications Framework and will determine the
qualification level of individuals, as well as acting as a tool in identifying the training needs of
persons with competency gaps.

The final stage in the CBET model is that in which individuals achieve recognition by
demonstrating competence in a given set of work activities. Certification is defined as the
formal recognition of the successful demonstration of the achievement of skills, knowledge
and attitude by a recognized awarding body.

For certification, individuals must provide evidence that they have the ability to perform work
activities to the standards required in employment. Certification procedures are conducted in
which competency-based performance (actual performance) is measured against
occupational standards. Because of the modular approach to training and assessment,
individuals can acquire certification/credit (Record of Achievement) for learning and
demonstration of competence in discrete stages.

The trainee is assessed on completion of a module or a unit of competence. If deemed

competent, he/she is awarded a Record of Achievement. On completion of all the modules or
units in the qualification the results are presented to the awarding and certifying body for
ratification and final approval. The certificate that is awarded by the certifying body
guarantees that individuals who are assessed are competent in a significant range of work
activities. Individuals can be certified within the Qualifications Framework when:
The standards have been developed within an approved quality-assured system
Assessment instruments and tools have been developed and assessment is conducted
within a quality-assured system

An individual is deemed competent by a trained and accredited assessor

The Certification System

The certification system has:
a) National and international acceptance
b) Provisions for articulation across certification levels
c) Provision for articulation with the formal education system

To be certified:
a) All standards must be assessed
b) Evidence should relate clearly and directly to specified standards
c) There should be sufficient evidence to cover the full range of conditions specified in the
standards (clearly documented)

The Certification Process

a) The training organization requests official recognition of competencies from the
certifying body (CDACC)
b) Official recognition of competencies are issued
c) Trainees completion of NVQ requirements are verified, validated and approved by the
Council
d) NVQ certificates issued to the Training Organization/Provider
On the advice of the assessor that the individual has met all the requirements for certification,
the Council issues the formal document (Certificate of Competence) recognizing the
individuals achievement. Under the competency-based approach to assessment and
certification, the certificate holders competence is guaranteed.

Procedures for the Issuance of National Certificate

Purpose
Ensure that all relevant stakeholders of the assessment and certification program have a
shared understanding of the activities to be undertaken in issuing certificates/qualifications.

Scope
The procedure will cover the activities from preparation of the certificate up to the
maintenance of database.

Definition of Terms
National Certificate (NC) is a certificate issued by CDACC to an individual who has achieved
all the required units of competency of a national qualification defined in the CDACC-approved
Competency Standard.

Certificate of Competency (CoC) is a certificate issued by CDACC to an individual who were

assessed as competent in a single unit or cluster of related units of competency. Accumulation
of Statement of Achievement (SOA) will lead to the issuance of NC for a specific qualification.

Process flow
Responsibilities Key Steps Inputs
Accredited Submit report Rating Sheets
Assessment Summary of Candidates Assessed
Centre (AAC) Completed Application Forms
CDACC Consolidate and Consolidated Summary of Candidates for
review report certification
CDACC Prepare Certificate See details below for preparing certificates
CDACC Upload profile data Please see details below
CDACC Issue Certificate Validity is five (5) years

Details
Accredited Assessment Centre (AAC) submits reports
CDACC officer receives reports
o Receives the following documents as part of reporting from AACs one day after
assessment
Application forms with 3 pcs, colored, passport size pictures, (3.5cm x 4.5cm
with head size ranging from 27 mm to 31 mm; white background, with collar;
and with name printed at the back)
Registry of Workers Assessed and Certified in hard copy and in soft copy

CDACC Officer Consolidates Registry/Report

Consolidates and reviews AAC reports
Finalizes and consolidates reports submitted by all AACs
Informs AACs of any discrepancies/approval
Assigns certificate number to each successful candidate
Prepare Certificate
Checks list of applicants for issuance of certificates with the registry
Checks inventory of blank certificates
Checks sequencing of certificate number
Ensures that picture of the candidate shall be placed in the proper box provided
Ensures that there is a prescribed guide in preparing certificates such as the font type, size
and assignment of certificate number.
Prepares roster of successful candidates whose certificates are already available
Posts schedule and list of NCs for release

Upload profile of certified candidates

Checks Registry submitted by AAC
Consolidates registry submitted
Coordinates with IT unit for the uploading of profiles of certified candidates

Issue Certificate
Checks quantity and control number of certificates to be released
Arranges certificates by date of assessment and in alphabetical order
Maintains a record of certificates released to applicants
Requests applicant to sign the logbook to confirm receipt of certificates
Certificates must be released directly to the applicant. However, if claimed by a relative
or any representative, an authorization letter by the applicant should be submitted.
Competency Assessment Result and receipt issued by AACs should be also presented
upon claiming of certificates
Certificates must be issued five working days from date of assessment