V Cert Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) brief and standardisation packs now available

Purpose of the non-exam assessment (NEA) and what it contains 

Centre version front cover

Learner version front cover

The non-exam assessment (NEA) is a formal synoptic assessment that requires learners to independently apply an appropriate selection of knowledge, understanding, skills and techniques developed through the full course of study, to a real-world situation. 

Before the NEA, learners are given a project brief related to their chosen sector and will carry out a synoptic project based on this. Synoptic assessment is an important part of a high-quality vocational qualification because it shows that learners have achieved a holistic understanding of the sector. 

The summer 2025 pack contains the live assessment materials, including a learner version and a centre version, which contains a mark scheme. 

How to access the live NEA  

To access the live NEA, you’ll need to register your learners and then follow the steps below:   

• log in to the Portal 
• go to the 'Bookings' tab and click ‘View Assessments’   
• search for a batch number or product code to find students on the relevant qualification/assignment   
• select all learners by checking the box  
• scroll to the bottom and click ‘View Bookings’   
• click on the desired component and a drop down will appear   
• click the material link to download it.   

Read more in the Portal User Guide from page 73.  

Purpose of standardisation packs 

Provider training document

Standardisation training materials

These training materials support your delivery teams by looking in more detail at the NEA tutor guidance document and marking bands, giving you the opportunity to discuss marks and develop a standardised approach. This will support you to feel confident that you’re marking consistently and are prepared in advance for the 2024-25 assessment window.

 How to access our standardisation packs  

To access the standardisation training materials, once you’ve registered your learners onto the relevant assessment, you’ll need to:   

• log on to the Portal  
• go to the ‘Bookings’ tab and click ‘View Assessments’  
• search for a batch number or product code to find learners on the relevant qualification/assignment you’d like to access training for  
• select all learners    
• scroll to the bottom and click ‘view bookings’    
• click on the desired assessment booking on the relevant session.   

You’ll see headings for each assessment; the standardisation materials for moderated assessments are located under the moderated assessment heading. Click ‘Show Details’ to view the materials and then click them to download. If there are two parts to the assessment, the materials will be located under ‘Part 2’. 

 Read more in the Portal User Guide from page 73. 

Administration training 

Please note that you must complete the relevant administration training by 28 February 2025. Administration training is available for the NEA component to view on our Preparing for moderation page. Once you’ve completed the training, a declaration must be signed and returned to us via Microsoft Forms. This will state that you’ve completed both the standardisation and administration training, and the link can be found within the training pack.   

If you have any queries about these materials or training, please contact our Moderation team via [email protected].   

More information 

If you have further queries, please contact our Customer Support team via [email protected].