Human Resources Development of Korea has been practicing performance evaluation for occupational qualification licences in environmental sectors that include water, air, and wastes management, but not soil. The purpose of the study was to improve overall quality of the national qualification test in the soil sector to better train applicants based on National Competency Standards (NCS), which is designed to emphasize site-specific conditions and knowledge. This study systematically analysed the current licence test in the soil sector with respect to qualification units, performance criteria, knowledge, techniques, and attitude as described in NCS. Furthermore, test evaluation was conducted to examine the validity of the revised licence test. The test results indicated the revised test method would bring positive outcomes to the related industry. Upon the reviews and amendments by the field experts, the result of this study could serve as a framework to the development of more robust and reliable licence test.

Keywords: National technical qualification certifications;Engineer of soil environment;NCS;Evaluation method;