Laboratory Personnel Competence and Authorisation

Programme Summary

Develop a defensible approach to deciding who may perform, review and authorise laboratory activities. Participants define role and method specific competence criteria, plan supervised development and evaluate practical evidence. Case exercises connect observation, result checks and ongoing monitoring with clear authorisation boundaries, helping laboratories maintain capability during staff changes, method revisions and periods of increased workload.

Training Objectives

1 Define laboratory role specific competence expectations; 2 Plan supervised development and practical assessment; 3 Evaluate evidence beyond course attendance alone; 4 Set clear method and activity authorisations; 5 Maintain competence through monitoring and change.

Learning Outcomes

1 Build a laboratory competence matrix; 2 Write observable method assessment criteria; 3 Evaluate a supplied competence evidence portfolio; 4 Prepare a bounded personnel authorisation record; 5 Plan monitoring and reassessment triggers.

Target Audience

Laboratory Managers; Technical Supervisors; Laboratory Trainers; Technical Assessors; Laboratory Quality Managers.

Target Industries

Independent Testing Laboratories; Calibration Laboratories; Food Testing Laboratories; Environmental Testing Laboratories; Materials Testing Laboratories; Industrial Quality Laboratories.

Course Contents

• Module 1 Laboratory Competence Framework: Roles activities and technical responsibility; Knowledge skills judgement and experience; Competence versus attendance and job title.
• Module 2 Defining Competence Criteria: Method specific performance and decision needs; Safety integrity and technical accuracy expectations; Criteria for review and report authorisation.
• Module 3 Training and Supervised Practice: Individual gaps and development plans; Demonstration coaching and structured practice; Recording progress and supervision limits.
• Module 4 Assessing Practical Evidence: Observation results and technical questioning; Representative tasks and assessment consistency; Evaluating independence and judgement under variation.
• Module 5 Authorisation Decisions: Documented evidence and accountable approval; Scope restrictions and permitted activities; Communicating authority and maintaining current records.
• Module 6 Ongoing Competence Monitoring: Quality control trends and observed practice; Errors complaints and proficiency indicators; Periodic review and targeted support.
• Module 7 Change and Reassessment: New methods equipment and software; Extended absence and changing responsibilities; Suspension restriction and reauthorisation decisions.
• Module 8 Competence Portfolio Workshop: Building a role and method matrix; Reviewing a fictional evidence portfolio; Defending a bounded authorisation recommendation.

Assessment

• 40 single best answer questions, including applied scenarios; one mark per question.
• 60 minute invigilated digital examination with identity verification. Approved accessibility adjustments preserve the assessed competence.
• Supplied reference pack and calculator permitted; external internet and AI prohibited.
• Individual applied assessment (30 minutes): Create a method specific competence matrix, assess a fictional evidence portfolio and propose an authorisation scope with monitoring and reassessment conditions.
• Assessment criteria: Observable role specific criteria; Balanced evaluation of practical evidence; Clear authorisation boundaries and monitoring.
• Pass each component separately: 30/40 written marks (75%) and at least 70% on the applied task.
• Individual results and feedback are provided. One reassessment may follow coaching under the published enrolment terms.

Certification

• Successful learners receive a TQCSI Arabia digital Certificate of Successful Completion.
• The certificate records the learner name, exact programme title, teaching hours, completion date and unique verification reference.
• Verified identity, full attendance and separate written and applied passes are required; all mandatory critical criteria must be met.
• Proposed issue target: within 30 calendar days of approved results and settlement of applicable fees.
• Records laboratory competence assessment design skills; employer authorisation and method specific assessor competence require separate approval.
• Attendance confirmation may record completed hours for unsuccessful learners; it does not certify successful completion.

Programme Profile

Number of daysNumber of daysNumber of days

222

Total teaching hoursTotal teaching hoursTotal teaching hours

12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.

Delegates allowedDelegates allowedDelegates allowed

Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.

Training prerequisitesTraining prerequisitesTraining prerequisites

Laboratory supervisory or technical experience is required. Participants should understand the methods or activities for which they assess personnel.Laboratory supervisory or technical experience is required. Participants should understand the methods or activities for which they assess personnel.Laboratory supervisory or technical experience is required. Participants should understand the methods or activities for which they assess personnel.

Pre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessment

Review a fictional laboratory role profile for 25 minutes and identify competence evidence needed before independent work.Review a fictional laboratory role profile for 25 minutes and identify competence evidence needed before independent work.Review a fictional laboratory role profile for 25 minutes and identify competence evidence needed before independent work.

End of course assessmentEnd of course assessmentEnd of course assessment

40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).

Passing criteriaPassing criteriaPassing criteria

75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.