What We Look For as Assessors: Preparing for Your Next Step

So you've studied, written, and passed your exam. Now the focus shifts to the assessment itself.

We've written and spoken about this before, but it's worth repeating: not every assessor and student combination is a good fit. If you don't already have an assessor of your choice, ask your colleagues who they've used in the past, or refer to the official list of FGASA assessors on their website. Take the time to find someone whose style and approach work for you, it makes a real difference to how the day goes.

Getting Your Paperwork Ready

Regardless of which assessment you're doing, your workbooks need to be complete and ready to hand in. If you're doing NQF4, this includes your chosen elective as well.

If you're doing NQF2, there's also a compulsory practical component that needs to be completed before assessment day. Don't leave this until the last minute, it's as much a part of your readiness as the theory.

Planning Before Assessment Day

One of the most crucial parts of your assessment happens long before assessment day: planning.

Make time to sit down with your assessor, even if it's just telephonically, and discuss in depth what their expectations are. How much time do you have for various activities, and how many activities are you expected to conduct? Individual assessors may have their own additional pre-requisites, so get to know their preferences early on, so you can plan around them.

Use Your Workbook as a Theory Refresher

Going back through your workbook is one of the most valuable things you can do before assessment day. It's not just about ticking a box, it's a chance to revisit the theory properly and make sure every question is correctly answered, not just filled in to get it done.

Your workbook reflects exactly what you'll be expected to know. Treat it as your study guide, not a formality.

What We Actually Look For

Each qualification has a different level of requirements. A lot of guides go into assessment day assuming it's a memory test, that the person with the most facts wins. However, depending on the qualification (i.e. entry level versus higher levels), that may not be the most crucial aspect at all.

Accurate knowledge matters, especially local species information, but knowledge is nothing if you don't have the communication skills to demonstrate what you know. Good guiding skills, such as communication, guest interaction, and being adaptable according to what your guests' expectations are, will count far more in your favor during the assessment. At the end of the day, guiding is all about people skills and the ability to transfer your knowledge in an interesting and memorable manner. 

And this goes without saying: passion, enthusiasm, and above all, respect for the natural environment. Make sure you understand your chosen area or reserve's rules and protocols well, and of course, follow them.

Safety is another big one we look for, and most of this gets demonstrated through a proper, detailed, and well-rehearsed pre-drive briefing.

In short, we're not trying to catch you out. We're trying to see the guide you'll actually be out in the field, under real conditions, with real guests.

It's Not About the Big Five

As mentioned, it's far more about your guiding skill and communication ability than what you actually see along the way. Seeing any of the big five is not a requirement for a successful assessment.

Should you be allowed to get out of your vehicle, it's great to be more interactive, pointing things out, and even, if it's safe to do so, allowing your guests to disembark and engage their senses through touch. 

If you are lucky enough to see something large along the way, keep in mind to discuss what the animal is actually doing, and build on that. You don't want to be talking about geology or the weather if you're looking at an animal doing something interesting in front of you.

Drinks and refreshment stops are also not a deal breaker. Yes, they're a nice way to stretch your legs during a longer drive, but not having a drinks break won't impact the outcome of your assessment, as long as this is communicated clearly to your guests beforehand.

During the Assessment, and Afterwards

During the assessment itself, and we understand it's easier said than done, relax and be yourself. We want to see who you are as a guide, your specific strong points and interests, and why you do what you do.

Be prepared for a lengthy feedback process afterwards. We also want to know how you feel it went, where your strengths and weaknesses are, and how you plan on using your strengths to your advantage while building on the areas that need work.

Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and no great guide becomes great overnight. It takes time to build knowledge, learn how to adapt to different guests, and accurately read the bush.

Ready to Book?

Keep all of this in mind for your upcoming assessment, and no doubt you'll ace it, walking away feeling proud and inspired to push yourself and your career forward to the next step.

If you're getting ready for your next assessment and want to talk through what to expect or how to prepare, get in touch. We're happy to help you walk in ready.