TRAIN THE TRAINER: WHO IS QUALIFIED TO QUALIFY OTHERS?

TRAIN THE TRAINER: WHO IS QUALIFIED TO QUALIFY OTHERS? Leadership, Independent Judgement and Examination Governance in International Vocational Qualification Systems This conceptual research paper examines the relationship between examiner competence, independent professional judgement, institutional accountability and the credibility of vocational qualification decisions. Drawing on German Train the Trainer (Ausbildung der Ausbilder, AdA/AEVO) standards, international vocational education statistics and the German–UAE examination context, the study explores how assessment authority is established, exercised and held accountable. The paper incorporates the professional perspective of Dr. Birgit Maria Kemphues, appointed Chair of the AdA Examination Board in the United Arab Emirates by the German Emirati Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK). It examines the distinction between formal authority and evidence-based professional judgement, proposing a conceptual framework for assessment leadership, procedural fairness and qualification governance. The research also establishes a conceptual connection between examination governance and high-stakes boardroom decision-making, particularly independent assessment, decision authority and accountability. Research contribution: A conceptual framework and research propositions for investigating the quality and governance of professional qualification decisions in international vocational education systems. Author: Dr. Birgit Maria KemphuesDOI: 10.5281/zenodo.23876236Research area: Vocational Education, Leadership, Governance and Decision-Making.