Enhancing Graduate Competitiveness Through Competency Assessor Training: Implications for Certification System Development

Jajang Ikbal Herlianto; Yayah Rahyasih

doi:10.35445/alishlah.v17i4.7940

Enhancing Graduate Competitiveness Through Competency Assessor Training: Implications for Certification System Development

Jajang Ikbal Herlianto, Yayah Rahyasih

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of competency assessor training on the development of a certification system and the enhancement of graduate competitiveness at the Professional Certification Body (LSP) P1 SMKN 1 Ciamis. Strengthening assessor capacity is essential to ensure objective, credible assessments that align vocational graduates’ skills with industry demands. A descriptive quantitative design was used, involving a saturated sample of 30 competency assessors. Data were collected through a validated and reliable questionnaire (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.957), measuring perceptions related to training effectiveness and graduate competitiveness. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis using SPSS. Findings revealed strong, statistically significant correlations between the quality of assessor training and both the alignment of certification standards with industry needs (r = 0.793, p < 0.05) and the improvement in graduate competency test outcomes (r = 0.819, p < 0.05). The regression model confirmed that key training variables significantly predicted graduates’ competitive advantage (Sig. < 0.001). Results confirm that well-designed assessor training programs contribute directly to strengthening certification quality and enhancing graduates’ job readiness. These findings support the need for sustained investment in training to ensure reliable certification outcomes that meet labor market expectations. Competency assessor training plays a critical role in improving vocational certification systems and graduate competitiveness. The study provides empirical evidence for policymakers and educational institutions to enhance training strategies and workforce alignment.

Keywords

competency assessor training; certification system; graduate competitiveness

References

Aljumah, A. (2023). The impact of job training on recruitment and employability skills among graduates. International Journal of Professional Business Review, 8(10), 1–32. https://doi.org/10.26668/businessreview/2023.v8i10.2806

Andrew G.D. Holmes, & M. P. (2021). Competence and competency in higher education, simple terms yet with complex meanings: Theoretical and practical issues for university teachers and assessors implementing Competency-Based Education (CBE). Educational Process International Journal, 10(3), 39–52. https://dx.doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2021.103.3

Badan Nasional Sertifikasi Profesi (BNSP). (2025, Januari 28). BNSP. https://bnsp.go.id/

Hidayati, N. (2023). The role of competency certification in enhancing graduate employability. Journal of Education and Practice, 16(1), 1–18.

Kemdikbud. (2018). Peraturan Menteri Pendidikan Dan Kebudayaan Republik Indonesia Nomor 34 Tahun 2018 Tentang Standar Nasional Pendidikan Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan/Madrasah Aliyah Kejuruan. Jakarta: Kemdikbud.

Kementerian Ketenagakerjaan Republik Indonesia (Kemnaker). (2025, Maret 28). Direktorat Bina Standardisasi Kompetensi dan Program Pelatihan. Kementerian Ketenagakerjaan Republik Indonesia. https://skkni.kemnaker.go.id/tentang-skkni/dokumen

Khan, K., & Ramachandran, S. (2012). Conceptual framework for performance assessment: Competency, competence and performance in the context of assessments in healthcare. Deciphering the terminology. Medical Teacher, 34(11), 920–928. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2012.722707

Lurie, H., & Garrett, R. (2017). Deconstructing competency-based education: An assessment of institutional activity, goals, and challenges in higher education. Competency-Based Education, 2(3), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbe2.1047

Miller, B. T., Camarda, A., Mercier, M., Burkhardt, J.-M., Morisseau, T., Bougrine, S. B., et al. (2023). Creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration: Assessment, certification, and promotion of 21st century skills for the future of work and education. Journal of Intelligence, 11(54), 1–32. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11030054

Prasetyo, A. (2022). Training programs for competency assessors: A key to quality certification. International Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 25(1), 96–112.

Rizki, M. (2022). Impact of certification systems on higher education institutions. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 22(12), 1–52.

Sari, D. (2023). Assessing competency: The importance of trained assessors. Journal of Assessment in Education, 10, 2–18.

Sistermans, I. J. (2020). Integrating competency-based education with a case-based or problem-based learning approach in online health sciences. Asia Pacific Education Review, 21, 683–696. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-020-09658-6

Sugiyono. (2017). Metode penelitian kuantitatif, kualitatif, dan R&D. CV. Alfabeta.

Sulistyawati, W., Wahyudi, & Trinuryono, S. (2022). Analisis (deskriptif kuantitatif) motivasi belajar siswa dengan model learning di masa pandemi COVID 19. Kadikma, 13(1), 68–73.

Sunarya, A., Lutfiani, N., & Pratiwi, D. S. (2020). Analisis sistem sertifikasi profesi untuk pengembangan kompetensi mahasiswa. ADI Bisnis Digital Interdisiplin Jurnal, 1(1), 70–77.

Sutopo, A., Rahman, A., & Mulyana, D. (2024). Design and validation of a competency assessment for electrical power systems in engineering education. Al-Ishlah: Jurnal Pendidikan, 16(4), 4588–4598. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v16i4.5861

Wagenaar, R. (2014). Competences and learning outcomes: A panacea for understanding the (new) role of Higher Education? Tuning Journal for Higher Education, 1(2), 279–302. https://doi.org/10.18543/tjhe-1(2)-2014pp279-302

Wahyuni, S. (2023). Skills and competencies: Preparing graduates for the workforce. Journal of Career Development, 2, 2–10. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v22i0.2692

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v17i4.7940