A crucial step in the development of Nigeria’s Social Standards certification program was achieved at the Workshop on the Finalization of Professional Competency-Based Questions (PCQs) and Certification Framework. Held from August 20th to 23rd, 2024, at Jemmyland Hotel in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, the workshop brought together key stakeholders from the SPESSE project to finalize the framework and competency questions that will play a pivotal role in certifying professionals in social standards.
The main objectives of the workshop were to review and finalise the Social Standards Certification Framework, to complete the Professional Competency-Based Questions (PCQs), and to establish the Verification Protocol for the certification process. Additionally, the workshop provided a platform for testing the newly developed online Certification Portal.
A major outcome of the workshop was the completion of the certification framework and the development of 1,234 PCQs that will be used to assess candidates during the certification examination. These questions were meticulously designed to evaluate the professional competence of candidates in the social standards field. The workshop also successfully reviewed and adopted the Verification Protocol, ensuring that the certification process maintains high standards of integrity and transparency.
The test-run of the Certification Portal marked another significant milestone, demonstrating its readiness for use in the official certification process. As a result of the workshop, leaders from the Centres of Excellence were tasked with submitting lists of their graduates to the Social Standards Node, facilitating the upcoming certification efforts. The successful conclusion of this workshop is a key step in standardizing social standards practices in Nigeria and providing a formal mechanism for certifying professionals in the field. With the completion of the PCQs and the Certification Framework, the SPESSE project is well-positioned to launch a robust certification system that will enhance the quality of social