Large Scale Assessment for Vocational Education and Training

Differences to existing educational large-scale assessments

Whereas international large-scale assessments like TIMSS and PISA are limited to assessing mathematics and science performance of fourth and eight-graders (TIMSS) or literacy, numeracy, science, and problem-solving performance of 15-year olds (PISA), VET-LSA has to take into account individuals’ performance in the labour market. Moreover, international student assessment programmes like TIMSS and PISA are based upon well-grounded research traditions and internationally-validated concepts, like a world curriculum for mathematics. VET-LSA cannot draw on comparable concepts concerning the structure and development of vocational expertise in different occupational fields. Thus, the focus of VET-LSA must be, in a first cycle, on the development of valid test instruments in selected vocational areas.

International large-scale assessments of adults, such as IALS or PIAAC differ from VET-LSA regarding the following aspects:


  • VET-LSA is focused on young adults enrolled in VET programmes and shortly after entering the labour market; IALS and PIAAC are targeted on adults during their entire adult life.
  • VET-LSA is focused on the measurement of domain-specific competences in selected vocational areas; IALS and PIAAC are concentrated on generic competences for successful participation in today’s economy and society (literacy concept).