AssessEd AI Tutor Course · Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC)

Senior School and Vocational Level Competency-Based Assessment Course for Teachers

Online · Self-pacedDuration: 30–35 hours8 Units · 24 TopicsCertificate of Completion

Course Title

Senior School and Vocational Skills Levels Competency-Based Assessment Course for Teachers (AssessEd).

Course Description

The Senior School and Vocational Skills Levels Competency-Based Assessment Course is a self-paced professional learning program developed by KNEC to enhance teachers' capacity to design, implement, and evaluate Competency-Based Assessments effectively.

At the senior school level, learners begin to specialize through defined pathways and tracks that prepare them for higher education, diverse careers, and lifelong learning. After the learner's abilities and interests are identified at the pre-vocational level, the learner is placed in a given field for specialization at the Vocational Skills level. This course equips teachers from both levels — Senior School and Vocational Skills — with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to assess learners holistically, focusing on competencies, skills, values, and attitudes rather than rote content recall.

Through structured modules, interactive tasks, and reflective practice, participants will gain practical insights into: the structure and intent of the Senior School and Vocational Skills levels of CBE; the principles and framework of Competency-Based Assessment (CBA); authentic, school-based, and performance-oriented assessment methods; and effective feedback, reporting, and moderation processes.

By the end of the course, teachers in Senior Schools and Vocational Skills levels will be able to design assessments that promote deep learning, critical thinking, and learner growth — anchoring the vision of a truly competency-based senior school education.

Course Rationale

The transition to Competency-Based Education (CBE) at the Senior School and Vocational Skills levels calls for a fundamental shift in how learning is assessed. Traditional examination-centred approaches measure what learners can recall, whereas the competency-based curriculum demands assessment that evidences what learners can do — their applied skills, values, and attitudes — in authentic, real-world contexts.

Teachers at these two upper levels of CBE carry the greatest assessment responsibility: they prepare learners for pathway specialization, conduct continuous school-based assessment, and contribute to national assessment processes. Yet many have not had structured, practical training in competency-based assessment design and administration.

This course was developed to close that gap. It translates the KNEC CBA framework into classroom-ready knowledge, tools, and strategies so that classroom, school-based, and national assessment practices consistently support deep learning, critical thinking, and learner growth.

Course Objectives

The course aims to equip teachers to:

Interpret the structure, pathways, and intent of the Senior School and Vocational Skills levels of CBE
Apply the principles and framework of Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) in daily practice
Design valid, reliable, outcome-based and authentic assessment tasks and tools
Administer school-based assessments (SBA) fairly, with sound moderation and standardization
Assess core competencies and values through structured observation and recording
Provide constructive feedback and holistic, competency-referenced reports on learner progress

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the teacher will be able to:

Describe the structure of the Senior School and Vocational Skills levels and explain how assessment integrates with the curriculum framework (Knowledge)
Map competencies to learning outcomes and measurable performance indicators (Skill)
Design outcome-based assessment tasks that produce valid, measurable evidence of learner performance (Skill)
Construct and apply assessment tools — rubrics, checklists, rating scales, and observation schedules — objectively and consistently (Skill)
Plan, administer, document, and moderate school-based assessments in line with established standards (Skill)
Assess transversal core competencies and values using observation and recording methods in authentic contexts (Skill)
Communicate learner progress through holistic reports and constructive, growth-oriented feedback (Skill)
Reflect critically on their own assessment practice and plan continuous improvement (Attitude)

Competencies

Professional (Assessment) Competencies developed

Assessment design — aligning outcomes, tasks, and evidence
Tool construction — rubrics, checklists, rating scales, observation schedules
Moderation and standardization of judgments
Assessment data analysis and data-informed instruction
Reporting, feedback, and learner profiling

Core (transversal) competencies strengthened through the course

Critical thinking and problem solving
Communication
Collaboration
Self-directed learning and self-efficacy
Digital literacy

Target Audience

Teachers currently teaching at the Senior School level (pathway/track subjects)
Teachers and instructors at the Vocational Skills level
Heads of departments, assessment coordinators, and curriculum support officers seeking to strengthen CBA practice

Entry Requirements

Registered teacher status (TSC registration)
Teaching at, or preparing to teach at, the Senior School or Vocational Skills level
Basic ICT skills and access to a computer or smartphone with internet connectivity
Access to the Senior School Online Training Portal (see the guide: Accessing Senior School Online Training Portal)
No prior formal training in assessment is required

Course Duration

Total estimated course duration: 30–35 hours (including readings, activities, and reflection tasks), delivered fully online and self-paced.

The course comprises 8 units of 3–6 study hours each. Learners set their own pace; a recommended 8-week schedule (approximately 4 hours per week) is provided under Course Schedule.

Course Topics & Subtopics

Unit 13–4 hours

Understanding the Senior School & Vocational Skills Levels Structure

This unit introduces the structure of both the senior school and vocational skills levels. It offers a detailed look at the available subject pathways, the routes learners can take as they progress, and the core principles that guide curriculum design. Participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of how assessment practices are woven into the broader curriculum framework.

1.1Curriculum Organization
1.2Pathways and Progression
1.3Curriculum Integration

Unit 25–6 hours

Exploring the CBA Framework

This unit examines the Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) framework that guides assessment practices at both senior school and vocational skills levels. The focus is on understanding the key principles of CBA, the assessment cycles involved, and how continuous evaluation supports ongoing learning.

2.1CBA Philosophy and Objectives
2.2Competency Mapping
2.3Formative and Summative Assessment Alignment

Unit 34–5 hours

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

This unit focuses on the methods used to determine whether learners have successfully achieved specific learning outcomes. The core emphasis is on ensuring that there is a strong alignment between the intended objectives and the observable performance of learners. By concentrating on this alignment, educators can accurately assess the extent to which learning goals have been met.

3.1Outcome-Based Assessment
3.2Linking Teaching and Evaluation
3.3Designing Outcome-Based Tasks

Unit 43–4 hours

School-Based Assessment (SBA)

This unit focuses on the processes by which schools plan, administer, and document school-based assessments (SBAs) as an integral part of the learning process. The content is structured to guide educators through the various aspects of SBA, ensuring that these assessments are meaningful, reliable, and effectively contribute to student learning and progress.

4.1SBA Structure and Implementation
4.2Moderation and Standardization
4.3Recording and Reporting SBA Results

Unit 54–5 hours

Authentic Assessment

This unit explores assessment approaches that require learners to demonstrate real-world skills. The focus is on utilizing projects, portfolios, and performance tasks, all of which encourage students to apply their knowledge in practical and meaningful contexts.

5.1Project-Based Learning
5.2Portfolio Assessment
5.3Performance Tasks and Rubrics

Unit 63–4 hours

Assessment Tools

This unit introduces the design and use of various assessment tools, including rubrics, checklists, and observation schedules. The focus is on helping educators understand how to select and construct appropriate tools for different assessment contexts, apply rating scales and rubrics accurately, and use the resulting data effectively to inform teaching and learning.

6.1Tool Selection and Construction
6.2Rating Scales and Rubrics
6.3Using Data from Tools Effectively

Unit 75–6 hours

Assessment of Core Competencies and Values

This unit provides guidance on how to assess transversal competencies, including communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and ethical behavior. The emphasis is on understanding practical approaches to evaluating these essential skills and values within the learning environment.

7.1Identifying Core Competencies
7.2Observation and Recording Methods
7.3Integrating Values in Learning Tasks

Unit 83–4 hours

Reporting and Feedback on Learning Outcomes

This unit focuses on the effective communication of learner progress. It examines the use of various reporting tools, the creation and interpretation of learner profiles, and the application of constructive feedback techniques to support ongoing development.

8.1Reporting Templates and Standards
8.2Feedback for Learning Improvement
8.3Linking Reports to Competency Achievement

Teaching & Learning Strategies

Self-paced interactive study modules with structured readings
AI Tutor guided facilitation — a Socratic, context-aware tutor (text and audio) available in every unit and topic
Worked examples and model documents (rubrics, schedules, reports)
Guided reflective practice prompts in every unit
Hands-on practice tasks: designing outcome-based tasks, constructing rubrics, simulating moderation, drafting learner reports
Downloadable KNEC guides and reference documents for offline study

Learning Resources

Accessing Senior School Online Training Portal (guide)
CBAF — Competency-Based Assessment Framework
Administration of SBA
CBA Tools
Reporting on Learning Outcomes
Types of Assessments & Authentic Task (TA)
Core Values
F-Core Competencies
Senior School Online Training Portal (interactive units, AI Tutor, activities)
Sample rubrics, observation schedules, and reporting templates within the units

Course Activities

Unit readings and interactive knowledge checks
AI Tutor dialogues — exploring each topic and responding to facilitation questions
Reflective journal entries after each unit
Practical task: design an outcome-based assessment task for your subject (Unit 3)
Practical task: construct a rubric and an observation schedule (Units 5 & 6)
Moderation simulation: calibrate sample marking judgments (Unit 4)
Timed practice tests during the course and a comprehensive final online exam (end of course)

Course Assessment

Graded Components

Unit Quizzes (CATs) — 20%: auto-scored knowledge checks in every topic
Timed Practice Tests — 15%: two timed tests drawn from the full question pool
Practical Assignments — 20%: hands-on practice tasks submitted in every topic
Group Discussions — 10%: participation in every topic discussion board
Final Online Exam — 35%: comprehensive timed exam covering all units

Pass Standard

Overall pass mark: 70% (weighted across all graded components)
Certificate issued with every unit completed and a weighted total of 70% or more

Assessment Criteria / Rubrics

Knowledge checks, timed practice tests and the final exam are auto-scored for objective, consistent marking. Practical assignments and discussion contributions are judged against a shared rubric with five dimensions: (1) Alignment to outcomes — the work clearly evidences the intended competencies; (2) Tool quality — criteria are clear, measurable, and usable; (3) Authenticity — tasks mirror real-world contexts; (4) Fairness and reliability — judgments are consistent and free of bias; (5) Feedback quality — feedback is specific, timely, actionable, and growth-oriented.

Each dimension is rated on four performance levels: 4 — Exemplary, 3 — Proficient, 2 — Developing, 1 — Beginning. A rating of Proficient (3) or above demonstrates mastery; a Developing rating on any dimension triggers targeted AI Tutor-guided remediation and one resubmission opportunity.

Course Policies

Academic integrity: all submissions must be the participant's own work; plagiarism or misrepresentation results in a resubmission requirement or nullification of the attempt
Pacing: the course is self-paced with no late penalties; the recommended 8-week schedule is advisory
Support: the AI Tutor is available in every unit and topic at any time; portal support is available for technical and administrative queries
Data and privacy: learner records, submissions, and assessment results are treated as confidential and used only for certification and course improvement
Conduct: participants uphold professional ethics and the core values promoted throughout the course

Certification Requirements

Complete all 8 units and their embedded activities
Achieve the formative assessment pass standard (70% overall)
Complete the timed practice tests and the final online exam
Submit the end-of-course evaluation
On completion, the participant is issued a KNEC Certificate of Completion for the Senior School and Vocational Skills Levels Competency-Based Assessment Course (continuing professional development)

Course Evaluation

Course quality is evaluated continuously from three sources: (1) an end-of-course evaluation survey covering content relevance, clarity, workload, and the AI Tutor experience; (2) review of timed-test and final-exam performance and common areas of Developing assignment quality, which inform revisions to unit content and guidance; (3) periodic review by KNEC against the CBA framework and emerging assessment policy.

Findings are used to update units, refine rubrics and sample documents, and improve tutor facilitation so the course remains current with curriculum and assessment practice.

Course Schedule

Recommended 8-week schedule (self-paced — learners may move faster or slower):

Week	Unit	Focus
Week 1	Unit 1	Understanding the Senior School & Vocational Skills Levels Structure (3–4 hrs)
Week 2	Unit 2	Exploring the CBA Framework (5–6 hrs)
Week 3	Unit 3	Assessment of Learning Outcomes (4–5 hrs)
Week 4	Unit 4	School-Based Assessment (SBA) (3–4 hrs)
Week 5	Unit 5	Authentic Assessment (4–5 hrs)
Week 6	Unit 6	Assessment Tools (3–4 hrs)
Week 7	Unit 7	Assessment of Core Competencies and Values (5–6 hrs)
Week 8	Unit 8	Reporting and Feedback on Learning Outcomes (3–4 hrs) + Capstone Portfolio submission

Professional Pathways

Completion of this course opens pathways into:

School-Based Assessment Coordinator / Head of Assessment roles within schools
Moderator or standardizer for national school-based assessment processes
Curriculum Support Officer and teacher educator roles
Trainer of Trainers (ToT) for CBA cascade programs
Item writing and panel membership for national competency-based assessments
Further professional study in educational assessment, measurement, and evaluation

AssessEd AI Tutor Course · Competency-Based Assessment Masterclass · Developed by Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC)