The Assessment Education and Training Department (ASSET) of the IEB was established in 1995 in response to the need of educators for capacity building in internal assessment practice. The department carried out a range of activities related to assessment, e.g. training, materials development, research, consultation and policy development, in support of transformation to outcomes based assessment practices.

In 1999 ASSET researched, developed and piloted the first Course for Assessors, in response to anticipated legislative requirements relating to educator competencies, and the increasing emphasis on the critical role of assessor.

In May 2000, the training activities were separated from all other activities as it had became clear that an urgent national need for training in assessment was being realised. This move was supported by several factors in the external environment, including:

• the registering of new norms and standards for educators;
• the establishment of an Assessor SGB by NSB 05 to develop generic standards for assessors, moderators and verifiers;
• the Skills Development Act;
• the institution of a compulsory 80 hours professional development per annum requirement for all educators;
• the growing need expressed by educators for training in assessment in relation to Curriculum 2005; and
• the call for a review of Curriculum 2005.

During this year, a portfolio of products was developed (courses and workshops) and a team of facilitators were trained to deliver the programmes nationally. This was driven largely by the anticipated demand for training as a result of the establishment of the ETDP SETA and the registration of assessor standards, SAQA's publication of criteria and guidelines for the registration of assessors and the increasing development of new standards for education and training. Training was extended into the industry sector in this year.

IEB Assessment Education and Training (Pty) Ltd was accredited as a provider of training against the assessor and occupation directed ETD standards in April 2002. It now provides customised training programmes to a wide range of clients across education and industry and is proud of its portfolio of products and excellent team of facilitators.