Creating Marking Scheme Spreadsheets
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for creating marking scheme spreadsheets from scratch using the CIS template structure. Understanding this process is essential for developing comprehensive assessment frameworks that align with WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS).
Overview
The CIS marking scheme spreadsheet follows a structured three-level hierarchy:
- WSOS Sections - Top-level occupational standards with percentage weightings
- Criteria - Main assessment categories (A, B, C, etc.) linked to WSOS sections
- Sub-criteria & Aspects - Detailed assessment elements with scoring rubrics
Download the official CIS marking scheme template from the CIS Import Data section before beginning. This ensures compatibility with the CIS import system.
Additional Resource: Download Complete Template Reference (PDF) - Full template layout with detailed annotations.
Sheet Structure
The marking scheme spreadsheet contains three main sections on a single sheet:
First section: Skill and WSOS Overview
1. Skill Name - Enter the skill number and the full name of the skill (e.g., "17. Web Technologies")
2. Section - Sequential numbering of the WSOS section (1, 2, 3...). They must match the WSOS section numbers in the WSOS section.
3. WSOS - The descriptor of each WSOS section (e.g., "Safety and Health Requirements")
4. WSOS Marks - Percentage weightings for each WSOS section (must total 100%). These are matching the ones defined in the WSOS section.
5. Aspect Marks - Marks allocated to each aspect within the WSOS section from current marking scheme. These are automatically calculated based on the criteria assignments in the 3rd section.
6. Variation - Difference between WSOS percentage and the currently assigned total marks
Second section: Module Criteria Overview
1. Criteria ID - Letter designation for each module (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I) 2. Name - Descriptive title for each assessment criterion (e.g., "Module A - Speed Test Projects") 3. Mark - Total points allocated to the module (e.g., 36.00 points for Module A). These marks are automatically calculated based on the each aspect marks assigned in the marks section (3rd section).
Third section: Detailed Assessment Structure
This section contains the detailed assessment structure, including sub-criteria and aspects for each main criterion. It is the most complex part of the marking scheme and requires careful planning and the exact structure to ensure compatibility with the CIS import system.
1. Sub Criterion ID - Alphanumeric identifier for each sub-criterion (e.g., A1, A2, B1). This is the unique identifier used throughout the marking scheme and it will correspond to the MODULE A, first sub-criterion. |The B1, B2, etc. are the sub-criteria for the MODULE B, and so on. There must be no duplicate IDs across the entire marking scheme and must have the format as a single letter followed by a number (e.g., A1, B1, C1). AA1 or A1A are not valid IDs and will cause import errors.
2. Sub Criterion Name or Description - Descriptive name for the sub-criterion (e.g., "A1 - Speed Test Projects"). This should clearly define the scope of assessment for that sub-criterion.
3. Day of Marking - Numeric value indicating the day of assessment (1-4). This will be used for the marking team scheduling and must match the competition days defined in the CIS system. The row must be empty after this value.
4. Aspect Type - The aspect type must be on the next row after the sub-criterion description. This indicates whether the aspect is a objective (M-Measurement) or subjective (J-Judgement) assessment.
5. Aspect Description - Descriptive name for the aspect being assessed (e.g., "Page load time under 3 seconds"). This should clearly define the specific assessment element.
6. Extra Aspect Description - Additional clarifications or requirements for the aspect (e.g., "Must load within 3 seconds using local network only"). This can include specific measurement criteria or judgement guidelines. Brings clarity over ambiguos requirements or informa if there are deduction marks available (e.g. "0.25 marks deduction for each second over 3 seconds").
7. WSOS Section - Links the aspect to the corresponding WSOS section (1-7). This is used to map the aspect to the relevant occupational standard that will be calculated into first section of the marking scheme. This must match the WSOS section numbers defined in the first section.
8. Max Mark - Maximum points available for the aspect (e.g., 0.50 for a measurement aspect). This is the score that can be awarded for successful completion of the aspect.
9.Sub-criterion Id - This is the unique identifier for the sub-criterion, which must match the Sub Criterion ID in the first column. It is used to link the aspect to its parent sub-criterion. In this example we have A3 as judgement marks.
10. Sub-criterion Name - This is the name of the sub-criterion that the aspect belongs to, similar with the sub-criterion ID defined for measurement aspect (A1 or A2).
11. Day of Marking - This is the day of marking for the aspect used to schedule the assessment.
12. Aspect Type - Indicates whether the aspect is a measurement (M) or judgement (J). This must match the type defined in the sub-criterion ID.
13. Aspect Description - Descriptive name for the aspect being assessed (e.g., "Overall design quality and user experience"). This should clearly define the specific marking element.
14/15. Judgement Scoring Rubric - This section provides the marking rubric for judgement aspects. It must include a detailed description for each marking level (0-3) to ensure consistent marking. The rubric should clearly define the expectations for each marking level, allowing markers to consistently evaluate performance. For example:
- 0 - Does not meet standards; not implemented or completely inadequate
- 1 - Partially meets standards; significant issues or omissions remain
- 2 - Mostly meets standards; minor issues or inconsistencies present
- 3 - Fully meets standards; implementation is complete, correct, and in line with expectations
The judgement marking rubric must be provided for each judgement aspect. The rubric should clearly define the expectations for each mark level (the standards), allowing markers to consistently evaluate performance. A well written and defined rubric is essential for understanding the expectations and ensuring fair marking across all competitors.
16. WSOS Section - Links the judgement aspect to the corresponding WSOS section (1-7). It must be only one per sub-criterion and must match the WSOS section numbers defined in the first section.
17. Max Mark - Maximum points available for the judgement aspect (e.g., 2.00 for a judgement aspect). This is the score that can be awarded for successful completion of the judgement aspect.
18. Empty Rows - These rows are not needed for the marking scheme but will make the marking scheme easier to read and maintain. They are used to separate sub-criteria and aspects visually in order to not overlap with the next sub-criterion or aspect. They are not required for the marking scheme to function correctly, but they are highly recommended to improve readability and maintainability of the marking scheme.
19. Total Marks - This is the total marks for the module and they are automatically calculated based on the maximum marks assigned to each aspect. These are automatically copied into the second section of the marking scheme spreadsheet (Module Criteria Overview).
The Total Marks of the marking scheme are automatically calculated at the end of the spreadsheet, summing all the maximum marks assigned to each module across all sub-criteria. This total must be at 100.00 marks, which is the total marks for the competition. If the total marks do not match 100.00, the import will fail and you will need to adjust the maximum marks assigned to each aspect or sub-criterion.
Building Your Marking Scheme
Step 1: Define WSOS Sections
- Download the template and open in Excel
- Enter skill name (1*)
- Complete numbers of WSOS sections, associate with current skill (2*)
- Define WSOS sections as they are deined in the skill technical handbook. (3*)
- Assign WSOS percentage weithings as they are defined in the skill technical handbook (4*)
- The (5*) & (6*) will be automatically calculated based on the criteria and aspects defined in the third section of the marking scheme.
Ensure WSOS percentages total exactly 100%. The system will flag discrepancies during import.
Step 2: Define Modules Sections
- Define the main criteria of how many modules you have in your skill (A, B, C, etc.) (1*)
- Define the descriptive names for each module (e.g. Design Implementation, Front End Development, Back End Development, etc.) (2*)
- The total marks for each module will be automatically calculated based on the aspects defined in the third section of the marking scheme. (3*)
Step 3: Develop the Sub-criteria and Aspects (Marks Section)
- For each module, define sub-criteria (A1, A2, A3, for module A; B1, B2, B3, for module B; etc.) with unique IDs (1* and 9*)
- Provide descriptive names for each sub-criterion (2* and 10*). Make sure they are clear and specific to the assessment area.
- Assign the day of marking for each sub-criterion (3* and 11*).
- Define the aspect type (M for Measurement, J for Judgement) (4* and 12*)
- Provide a clear description for each aspect being assessed (5* and 13*)
- Add any additional clarifications or requirements for the aspect (6* and 15*)
- Assign the WSOS section number for each aspect (7* and 16*). This must match the WSOS section numbers defined in the first section.
- Set the maximum marks for each aspect (8* and 17*).
- For judgement aspects, provide a detailed scoring rubric that defines expectations for each score level (0-3) (14*). This is essential for consistent marking and must be provided for each judgement aspect.
- Maintain empty rows between sub-criteria for readability (18*). This is optional but recommended to improve the readability of the marking scheme.
- The total marks for each sub-criterion will be automatically calculated based on the maximum marks assigned to each aspect. This will be displayed in the last column of the sub-criteria section (19*).
- Ensure the total marks for each module are correctly calculated and match the expected total marks for the competition (100.00). This will be displayed in the second section of the marking scheme.
- The total marks for the marking scheme will be automatically calculated at the end of the spreadsheet, summing all the maximum marks assigned to each module across all sub-criteria. This total must be at 100.00 marks, which is the total marks for the competition.
Write specific, measurable descriptions for each score level. Avoid vague terms like "good" or "poor" - instead describe specific observable behaviors or outcomes.
Step 6: Maintain Structure Patterns
Critical Rules:
- Empty Row Separation: Insert empty rows between sub-criteria (optional but recommended)
- No Data Overlap: Ensure "Must be empty - no data overlapping" rows remain empty
- Sequential Numbering: Maintain logical progression (A1, A2, A3...)
- Consistent Formatting: Follow the template column structure exactly
Validation and Testing
Pre-Import Checklist
WSOS Section:
- All WSOS sections are defined
- WSOS percentages total 100%
- WSOS section names match skill technical handbook
- Aspect marks are correctly calculated
- WSOS sections are correctly linked to criteria
Criteria Section:
- All criteria are defined with unique IDs
- Criteria names are descriptive and match skill requirements
- Total marks for each criterion are correctly calculated
- Criteria are correctly linked to WSOS sections
Marks Section:
- All sub-criteria have unique IDs
- Sub-criterion names are clear and specific
- Day of marking is assigned for each sub-criterion
- Aspect types (M/J) are correctly assigned
- Aspect descriptions are clear and specific
- Extra aspect descriptions provide necessary clarifications
- WSOS section mappings are correct (1-n)
- Max marks for each aspect are correctly assigned
- Judgement scoring rubrics are complete for all judgements
- Total marks for each sub-criterion are correctly calculated
- Total marks for the marking scheme sum to 100.00
- Empty rows are properly maintained for readability
- No overlapping data in "must be empty" rows
Common Validation Errors
Import Failures:- Overlapping data in "must be empty" rows
- Missing or duplicate sub-criterion IDs
- Incomplete scoring rubrics for judgements
- WSOS percentages not totaling 100%
- Incorrect WSOS section mappings
- Invalid aspect types (must be M or J)
- Inconsistent aspect naming patterns
- Missing WSOS section mappings
Testing Process
- Save the completed spreadsheet in Excel format (.xlsx)
- Use CIS Import function to test compatibility
- Review import logs for any errors or warnings
- Validate calculations ensure totals match expectations
- Test with sample data to verify assessment workflows
Always keep a backup of your original spreadsheet before importing. This allows easy corrections if validation issues arise.
For diffrent competitions or skills, you can create multiple marking scheme variants by duplicating the template and modifying the WSOS sections, criteria, and aspects as needed. This allows for flexibility in assessment design while maintaining the core structure.