So what exactly is work-related assessment and why does it matter? Insights from the AEA Europe Conference 2025
Key Themes and Challenges in Vocational and Professional Education Assessment
On 6th November 2025, at the AEA-Europe Conference in The Hague, Netherlands, a vibrant discussion group convened to tackle a pressing question: Why should the assessment of vocational or professional education and training matter? In this session, facilitated by myself, Horacy Debowski, and Victoria Morgan, and joined by around 15 highly engaged participants, we delved into the nuances of work-related assessment and its significance for AEA members.
The Importance of Work-Related Assessment
Vocational and professional education assessment is a multidimensional field with significant international diversity. Participants began by exploring what exactly ‘work-related’ means in the context of assessment. There was a strong consensus to keep the definition broad, welcoming diverse perspectives and allowing members to help shape the direction of our newly-established SIG.
Terminology in this field is varied and evolving: phrases like vocational assessment, continuing work-based assessment, pre-work and in-work certification were all mentioned in the group, and the whole question of whether we are assessing ‘competence’ or ‘readiness’ was definitely a wicked problem for us!
Pressing Issues in Vocational Assessment
In the group, we agreed that challenges abound: a lack of robust research and academic publications, limited access to data, and a small number of active researchers. The group highlighted the importance of strengthening the link between curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy, and debated the merits of continuous versus end-point assessment.
Despite the variety of issues raised, there was unanimous agreement on one thing—that more research is needed. The group proposed that the SiG should develop a strategic plan to increase research efforts and ensure effective impact in the field.
Crucial Research Topics
At the heart of the discussion were the validity and reliability of work-related assessment methods. These were identified as the most critical issues to address through research. Those of us present felt that psychometric approaches can fall short in evaluating hands-on competences, and that the complexity of work-related assessment—encompassing a vast array of skills—demands more nuanced tools and approaches.
Questions of stakeholder involvement also emerged: who makes the decisions in vocational education and training (VET)? Family, society, and the state all play roles, and their cultural and social expectations shape the field. The need for synergy and integration among stakeholders—employers, employer organisations, trade unions (particularly in northern Europe), and policymakers—was strongly emphasised. Professional identity, trust, and status often mean assessments serve multiple purposes, and stakeholder acceptance is crucial.
Emerging Research Areas and Future Directions
Participants proposed several promising areas for future research, including:
- Is outcomes-based assessment truly effective, or does it fall short due to value-based assessor judgements?
- How does performance-based assessment differ from traditional psychometric tools, and why is it not well understood?
- What role can formative assessment play in work-related education and training?
- Can assessment help drive the adoption of new technologies?
Overall, our discussion at the AEA-Europe Conference 2025 revealed two things. Firstly, that assessment in vocational and professional education is a field rich with complexity and challenge. Secondly, and more importantly, in AEA-Europe we have a group of knowledgeable, passionate and committed researchers and assessment experts who are ready to work together to tackle these challenges.
As the group concluded, expanding research and fostering collaboration among stakeholders are vital steps towards ensuring assessments are fair, effective, and meaningful. The conversation is ongoing—and the future of work-related assessment is one we all have a stake in shaping.
About the SIG
Work-Related Assessment SIG
The Work-related Assessment SIG is a forum for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and information relating to work-related assessment. It provides a focal point for AEA-E members who share an interest in work-related assessment in all its purposes and forms.
Work-related assessment encompasses a broad range of assessment settings, purposes and formats. Terms such as vocational and technical, applied, work-based and competence-based are often contested, as are the nature of the learning programmes and skills and knowledge to be assessed, and how to ensure cross-border equivalence. This SiG draws together and develops specialist skills and knowledge across all aspects of the field to support best practice on knowledge, practice and the development of policies and strategies related to work-related assessment. Our aim is to act as an expert resource to AEA-E and its members.
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