A grading rule allowing strong performance in one assessment component to offset weaker performance in another.

The mandatory requirements set by Ofqual that awarding organisations must meet to be recognised and to offer regulated qualifications.

The obligation to protect assessment materials and learner data from unauthorised access or disclosure.

A grading rule requiring learners to meet minimum standards in all assessment components — failure in one means failure overall.

The extent to which the consequences of assessment use are fair, intended, and not harmful to stakeholders.

The underlying knowledge, skill, or ability that an assessment is designed to measure.

When an assessment fails to capture important aspects of the construct, measuring only part of what it should.

Factors that affect assessment scores but are unrelated to the construct being measured, threatening validity.

The process of awarding a qualification, certificate, or licence that formally recognises a learner's achievement.

The minimum mark or score required to achieve a particular performance level, such as a pass.

The obligation to handle learner data — including assessment results — lawfully, fairly, and transparently under the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.

A statistic measuring how well an assessment item distinguishes between high-ability and low-ability learners.

An incorrect option in an MCQ designed to be plausible enough to attract learners with partial knowledge or misconceptions.

Having two independent markers assess the same learner work, with discrepancies resolved by a third marker or agreed process.

A formal request by a centre for an awarding organisation to review a learner's result — checking marking, moderation, or procedural accuracy.

UK legislation that protects people from discrimination and requires reasonable adjustments in education, including assessment.

A statistical process that adjusts scores on different assessment versions to ensure comparability and fairness.

A scheduled assessment window — such as "Summer 2025" — during which specific qualifications are assessed.

A person appointed by the awarding organisation to mark learner responses to external assessment components.

Quality checks conducted by the awarding organisation (or its appointees) on centres to ensure compliance with assessment standards.