Nominated Assessor Course

Online and in person options are available.

This course is designed for individuals who will be assessing others and provides an introduction to the Direct Observation of Practical Skills (DOPS) system. It equips participants with the necessary skills to evaluate competency effectively and provide meaningful feedback.

What will you learn?

• The principles of assessment –the role and importance of effective assessments

• Planning and conducting assessments – making them fair, structured, and efficient

• Providing constructive feedback – to ensure understanding of competency level

• Completing DOPS forms accurately – ensuring proper documentation and compliance

• Writing DOPS forms – tailoring assessments to specific tasks/procedures/species

How is the course delivered?

This course offers a blended learning approach, including:

• Self-paced online modules to build foundational knowledge

• Interactive quizzes to reinforce key concepts

• Live Zoom or in-person sessions with interactive discussions

• Guidance documents for writing DOPS forms specific to your species

By the end of this course, you’ll have the confidence and competence to assess others effectively.

Access to online course materials is provided at least 1 week prior to the live session.

Certificates and CPD points will be awarded upon completion of online course material, attending the live session and completion and submission of post-course work.

The full cost of this course is £213.70 (£209.40 for University of Cambridge staff).

2025 Nominated Assessor Course dates

Cancellation fees