ETDP Seta set new requirements for Learner Registrations
Previously registering a learner’s successful result with the ETDP Seta was easy. The assessor would examine and assess a submitted portfolio. If all was in order, it was a straightforward matter of completing the required documentation and registering the learner directly on ETDP’s Datanet website. A few days later the official seta Statements of Results would come. This happy process was dependant on an “Open Window”.
Registration Window
For service providers, their open “window” is very important. When their window is open, service providers can register learners who have met requirements online. Once the official Statements of Results were sent, Certificates would be issued. This was a convenient and satisfying system.
Generally, windows were open for up to six months at a time following a successful site visit (audit) by an appointed Seta verifier.
Desktop Verification: The first change.
Instead of a six month open window period, service providers found their windows closed just 30 days after their last ETDP verification visit. A handy “Desktop Verification” system enabled service providers to have their windows opened again without a seta site visit. A desktop verification required the service provider to submit a number of scanned documents, including assessment reports, moderator reports, class lists, etc. The system worked well for service providers, even though it required a lot of paperwork every 30 days.
External Moderation: The next change
Late in 2015, registering successful learners entered a new phase. Service providers now need to:
- Assess all learners as previously done.
- Moderate a minimum of three portfolios for any given unit standard the service provider offers
- Moderate a minimum of 25 % of portfolios. ( Previously, 10 % was sufficient)
- Ask the Seta to send an external moderator to physically examine all portfolios
- Register only those portfolios which the external moderator approves and opens the window for
Portfolios arriving after such an external moderation visit, follow the same process until a following external moderation visit takes place again a month or two later.
What are the positives?
- Learners are better able to secure work as the marketplace values and trusts their certificates for their legitimacy
- The Seta can confirm that certificates issued go only to learners who have met stringent requirements
- Service providers who issue certificates without delay are respected and secure ongoing business
What are the negatives?
- Learners wait longer for certificates
- Service providers have stacks of portfolios standing around waiting to be presented for external moderation
- Service providers deal with frustrated learners who need their certificates urgently ( e.g. for job applications/compliance)
- Service providers need to conduct many more moderations which adds to costs
- Service providers are disempowered to register learners without the Seta first examining each portfolio
- Courses fees have had to become more expensive to cover the additional costs
Fortunately, the certificates remain current and consistently open doors for learners seeking to work in the areas of their interest and passion.