Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)

Demonstrate your competency through a structured compilation of real-world evidence. Get formally assessed and certified against National Occupational Standards.

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Understanding PoE

What is a Portfolio of Evidence?

A Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) is a structured compilation of materials that demonstrates your competency against National Occupational Standards (NOS). It is the cornerstone of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, enabling experienced professionals to gain formal certification based on demonstrated real-world skills.

Global RPL Practice

Across the world — from Australia's RPL framework to the UK's NVQ system, South Africa's SAQA, and UNESCO's guidelines — the Portfolio of Evidence is the universal mechanism for assessing prior learning.

In Kenya, PoE assessments are governed by the TVET CDACC (Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council) under TVETA (Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority) regulations, and aligned to the KNQF (Kenya National Qualifications Framework).

Regulatory Framework

  • CDACC

    Develops occupational standards, assesses competencies, and certifies qualifications

  • TVETA

    Regulates and quality-assures TVET training and assessment in Kenya

  • KNQF

    Aligns qualifications to national levels (1–8), ensuring comparability and recognition

Why Submit a PoE?

  • Gain formal, nationally recognized certification for skills you already have
  • Demonstrate competency based on real work experience, not just classroom learning
  • Comprehensive and fair assessment through the CDACC SACV rubric
  • Earn KNQF-aligned qualifications recognized across Kenya and internationally
  • Quality assured by TVETA-accredited assessors and moderators

Key Insight

A PoE is not a resume or CV. It is a structured, evidence-based compilation that directly maps your demonstrated skills and knowledge to specific occupational competency standards. Each piece of evidence is evaluated against the CDACC SACV framework to determine whether you meet the required standard.

Target Audience

Who Needs a Portfolio of Evidence?

If you have skills and experience but lack formal certification, a PoE is your pathway to recognition.

Experienced Professionals

Skilled workers seeking formal certification for competencies gained through years of practice.

RPL Applicants

Individuals applying through Recognition of Prior Learning who need to prove their competency against NOS.

Informal Sector Workers

Artisans, craftsmen, and workers with informal skills seeking formal recognition and certification.

Career Changers

Professionals transitioning between industries who need to demonstrate transferable skills.

The RPL Connection

How PoE Connects to RPL

The Portfolio of Evidence is the critical component of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. It provides the tangible proof that assessors evaluate to determine whether you meet the required competency standards.

Step 1

Apply

Submit your RPL application for assessment

Step 2

Assessment

Initial assessment of your eligibility and skills gap analysis

Step 3

PoE Compilation

Gather and organize evidence into your portfolio

Step 4

Evaluation

CDACC-accredited assessor evaluates your PoE against SACV

Step 5

Certification

Receive your KNQF-aligned national qualification

PoE as the Bridge

The PoE bridges the gap between your informal learning and formal certification. While the RPL application initiates the process, it is your PoE that provides the substantive evidence that assessors evaluate.

Without a well-compiled PoE, the RPL process cannot proceed to evaluation. The portfolio transforms your lived experience into assessable, verifiable evidence mapped to specific occupational standards.

Advice for Applicants

  • Start collecting evidence early — even before applying
  • Map each evidence item to specific competency standards
  • Include diverse evidence types (direct, indirect, supplementary)
  • Ensure all evidence meets the SACV criteria
  • Organize your portfolio logically with clear cross-references
  • Seek guidance from an RPL advisor or assessor
Evidence Types

What Goes Into a PoE?

A strong portfolio includes multiple types of evidence, each serving a distinct purpose in demonstrating your competency.

Direct Evidence

First-hand proof of your competency that you personally produced or demonstrated.

  • Work samples & projects
  • Technical reports
  • Photographic/video evidence
  • Live demonstrations
  • Products you created

Indirect Evidence

Corroborating evidence from third parties that validates your competency claims.

  • Witness testimonies
  • Supervisor references
  • Performance appraisals
  • Client testimonials
  • Team/peer feedback

Supplementary Evidence

Supporting documentation that reinforces your evidence and provides context.

  • Certificates & diplomas
  • Training records
  • Reflective journals
  • Professional development logs
  • Industry awards & recognitions
Assessment Framework

CDACC SACV Assessment Framework

Every piece of evidence in your portfolio is evaluated against four rigorous criteria defined by the TVET CDACC. These criteria ensure your evidence is robust, credible, and relevant.

S

Sufficiency

Is there enough evidence to demonstrate competency across all required performance criteria? The evidence must cover the full breadth and depth of the standard.

A

Authenticity

Is the evidence genuine and directly attributed to the learner presenting the portfolio? It must be your own work, verifiable and original.

C

Currency

Is the evidence recent and reflective of current industry practices and standards? Typically, evidence should be within the last 3–5 years.

V

Validity

Does the evidence directly relate to the specific competency or performance criterion being assessed? It must clearly map to the NOS requirements.

The Process

How to Compile Your PoE

Follow these steps to build a strong, well-organized portfolio that meets CDACC standards.

Step 1

Identify Competency Standards

Review the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for your trade or profession. Understand the specific performance criteria, knowledge requirements, and evidence expectations for each competency unit.

Step 2

Conduct a Self-Assessment

Map your existing skills, knowledge, and experience against the NOS requirements. Identify gaps where you have strong evidence and areas where you may need to gather additional proof.

Step 3

Gather & Organize Evidence

Collect direct, indirect, and supplementary evidence. Ensure each piece clearly demonstrates a specific competency. Organize materials logically — by competency unit or evidence type.

Step 4

Cross-Reference to SACV

Review every evidence item against the Sufficiency, Authenticity, Currency, and Validity criteria. Remove weak evidence and strengthen any gaps. Add reflective annotations where needed.

Step 5

Submit for Assessment

Submit your completed portfolio through the platform. A CDACC-accredited assessor will evaluate your PoE, and a moderator will verify the assessment decision for quality assurance.

Qualification Levels

KNQF Qualification Levels

Your PoE can lead to certification at any KNQF level, depending on the competency standards you demonstrate.

1

KNQF Level 1

Artisan

2

KNQF Level 2

Craft Certificate

3

KNQF Level 3

Craft Certificate

4

KNQF Level 4

Diploma

5

KNQF Level 5

Higher Diploma

6

KNQF Level 6

Bachelor's Degree

7

KNQF Level 7

Master's Degree

8

KNQF Level 8

Doctorate

Ready to Get Certified?

Your skills deserve formal recognition. Start your RPL journey today and earn a nationally recognized KNQF qualification through the Portfolio of Evidence process.

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