How can you get recognized for your assessment expertise?

1 Build your portfolio

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your assessment expertise is to build a portfolio of your assessment projects and achievements. A portfolio can include examples of your assessment plans, methods, tools, data, results, and feedback. You can also highlight your contributions to assessment-related publications, presentations, workshops, or committees. A portfolio can help you showcase your assessment skills, document your professional growth, and provide evidence of your impact and value. You can use online platforms, such as ePortfolio, LinkedIn, or Google Sites, to create and share your portfolio with your target audience.

2 Seek certification

Another way to get recognized for your assessment expertise is to seek certification from reputable organizations or associations that offer assessment-related credentials. Certification can help you validate your assessment skills, enhance your credibility, and differentiate yourself from other professionals. For example, you can pursue the Assessment Certification Program (ACP) offered by the Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education (AALHE), which provides three levels of certification based on your assessment experience and competencies. You can also explore other certification options, such as the Certificate in Principles and Practices of Online Teaching and Learning (PPOTL) offered by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), which covers topics such as assessment design, feedback, and analytics.

3 Join professional networks

A third way to get recognized for your assessment expertise is to join professional networks that connect you with other assessment experts and opportunities. Professional networks can help you expand your knowledge, exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and access resources and support. You can join online communities, such as the Assessment Network (ANet) or the Higher Education Assessment Forum (HEAF), where you can participate in discussions, webinars, podcasts, or blogs related to assessment. You can also attend conferences, events, or workshops organized by assessment associations, such as AALHE, the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA), or the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), where you can showcase your work, learn from best practices, and network with peers and leaders.

5 Keep learning and improving

A fifth way to get recognized for your assessment expertise is to keep learning and improving your assessment skills and knowledge. Assessment is a dynamic and evolving field that requires continuous professional development and reflection. You can keep learning and improving by engaging in self-assessment, peer review, or mentoring. You can also enroll in courses, programs, or webinars that offer relevant and updated assessment content and strategies. For example, you can enroll in the Assessment Literacy Course offered by AALHE, which covers the fundamentals of assessment in higher education. You can also explore other learning opportunities, such as the Assessment Commons, which offers a curated collection of assessment resources and tools.