Coverage maps
A coverage map is the document that connects a course or credential to the framework. It states which statements are taught, which are assessed, at what weighting, by what method, and what has been left out and why.
Without it, an alignment claim cannot be checked by anyone. Every conformance tier above self-declaration requires one.
| Awarding bodies | Required for any conformance tier above self-declaration, and published alongside the credential specification. |
| Training providers | Produced by mapping a course; the same document supports both the alignment claim and the gap report. |
| Employers | Read to establish what a candidate's certificate actually verified, statement by statement. |
| Individuals | Read before paying, to check the course reaches the level it advertises. |
A coverage map is a public document. If you are not prepared to publish it, you are not making a claim we can list.
Every field, and what makes it valid
| Field | Form | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| credential_name | text | As it appears on the certificate issued to the learner, not a marketing variant. |
| owner | text | The legal entity accountable for the credential. Not a brand, not a delivery partner. |
| credential_version | semver or date | Changes whenever the assessed content changes. A new coverage map is required per version. |
| framework_version | version | The framework release mapped against. Pin it; do not write “latest”. |
| extensions | list of code + version | Every extension referenced, each with its own version. Empty is a valid answer, blank is not. |
| target_level | L1–L4 | The level claimed. |
| statement_rows | id + coverage + weighting | One row per referenced statement. Coverage is taught, assessed or both. |
| assessment_method | text, per statement group | The method used for each group of assessed statements. “Varies” is not a method. |
| assessed_count | count + proportion | How many referenced statements are assessed, as a proportion of the referenced set. |
| exclusions | id + rationale | Any statement in the referenced sets not covered, each with a stated reason. |
| pass_mark | number + method | The pass mark and how it was determined. A round number with no method stated is a finding. |
| validity_period | duration + requirement | How long the credential is valid and what recertification requires. |
| issued | date + version + signatory | Date, coverage map version, and the named person who signed it. A role title alone is not a signatory. |
Four rules for a valid map
Weightings sum to 100
Across assessed statements, weightings sum to exactly 100. Taught-only statements carry no weighting.
Every exclusion carries a rationale
A statement in a referenced set that is not covered must be listed with a reason.
Taught is not assessed
The two claims are distinct and may not be blurred. A credential may teach a statement without assessing it.
One framework version per map
A map is written against a single framework release and named extension versions.
A coverage map, filled in
This credential is fictional and is not listed. Every statement identifier links to its statement page, so you can check whether the mapping is defensible.
Certificate in AI Output Evaluation
Fictional awarding body, used for illustration only
| Statement | Coverage | Weighting | Assessment method |
|---|---|---|---|
| D6.L1.01 | TAUGHT | — | Not assessed; prerequisite framing in module 1 |
| D6.L1.03 | TAUGHT | — | Not assessed; prerequisite framing in module 1 |
| D6.L2.01 | BOTH | 20 | Practical: evaluate three supplied outputs against a stated purpose |
| D6.L2.02 | BOTH | 20 | Practical: as above, with a written justification |
| D6.L2.03 | BOTH | 15 | Written short-answer, 4 items drawn from indicators |
| D6.L2.04 | ASSESSED | 15 | Written short-answer, 4 items drawn from indicators |
| D6.L2.05 | BOTH | 20 | Portfolio: one evaluation record from the learner's own work |
| D6.L2.06 | BOTH | 10 | Portfolio: as above, reporting section |
Six questions to ask of any map you are shown
A coverage map can be complete, valid, and still describe a weak credential. These questions separate the two.
A map may reference thirty statements and assess six. The assessed proportion per domain is the size of the claim.
Weighting is where a credential reveals its priorities.
Multiple choice cannot reach a Judgement or Practice statement.
Every excluded statement falling in one area usually means that area is not taught at all.
A stated method, panel and date can be argued with. A round number with no method behind it cannot.
A map against a superseded release may describe statements that have since been deprecated.