Which of the following constitutes a valid sign-off?

• A. Observation by a trainee's peer and noting the date.
• B. A completed checklist with no observation.
• C. Self-approval by the trainee.
• D. Observation by a qualified supervisor or designated examiner demonstrating performance to standard, with date and status recorded.

Answer: (D)

Signing off a PQS element means the trainee has demonstrated the required performance to the standard. The valid sign-off comes from someone who is qualified to evaluate that skill—typically a supervisor or designated examiner—who can observe the trainee performing and confirm they met the standard. The record must include the date of the observation and the status (pass/fail) so the qualification history is traceable.

Observations by a trainee's peer do not provide the necessary authority or impartiality; they cannot certify competency. A completed checklist without any observation doesn’t verify actual performance. Self-approval by the trainee lacks independent verification and is not an acceptable sign-off.

Therefore, the valid sign-off is an observation by a qualified supervisor or designated examiner showing performance to standard, with the date and status recorded.