BTEC International Level 3 Engineering

Unit 36: Programmable Logic Controllers — assessment criteria

BTEC International Level 3 Unit 36 (Programmable Logic Controllers) — 60 Guided Learning Hours.

Internal / Optional60 GLH13 criteria
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Assessment criteria

Reproduced verbatim from the Pearson specification — the same grid the assignment brief carries. A unit grade is the highest band where all criteria in that band (and every band below it) are met.

Pass

6 criteria
A.P1Explain the features and functions of the technology found in two contrasting industrial PLC systems.
B.P2Explain, using example programs, how PLC instructions including timers and counters are used to control system outputs.
C.P3Design a PLC system to solve an engineering problem
C.P4Build and test a functional PLC system safely to solve an engineering problem.
D.P5Explain how health and safety, Programmable Logic Control system and general engineering skills were effectively applied during the development of a system.
D.P6Explain how relevant behaviours were effectively applied during the development of an industrial PLC system.

Merit

4 criteria
A.M1Analyse the suitability of the technology found in two contrasting industrial PLC systems.
B.M2Discuss accurately, using example programs, how PLC instructions including timers and counters are used to control system outputs.
C.M3Develop a functional, annotated PLC system safely that operates as intended.
D.M4Recommend improvements to the development of an industrial PLC system and to the relevant behaviours applied

Distinction

3 criteria
A.D1Evaluate using language that is technically correct and a high standard, the suitability of the technology found in two contrasting industrial PLC systems, suggesting improvements where possible.
B.D2Critically analyse, using example programs, how PLC instructions including timers and counters are used to efficiently control system outputs.
CD.D3Optimise a functional, fully annotated and efficient PLC system safely that operates as intended, whilst recommending improvements and applying relevant behaviours and general engineering skills to a professional standard.

Command verbs in this unit

The verb decides the depth expected — that is what separates Pass from Merit and Distinction work on the same learning aim.

ExplainDesignBuildAnalyseDiscussDevelopRecommendEvaluateCriticallyOptimise
Pearson's ladder runs Identify → Describe → Explain → Compare / Analyse → Evaluate / Justify / Assess. A Merit or Distinction criterion on the same aim always implies the Pass beneath it: an “evaluate” answer that never first “explains” fails, however polished it reads. Hover a verb for what it demands.

How checkb.tech checks this unit

Upload a learner's submission and checkb.tech reads it against exactly these criteria, reporting each one as met, partly met, or not met — with the evidence that informed the verdict cited, so every call is auditable.

The check runs against the official Pearson documents for this unit, and identical evidence always produces an identical result — the same script gets the same verdict every time.

It never awards a grade. You stay the assessor: confirm, dismiss, or act on every criterion before your assessment decision is final.

Verification & Quality Tools for Unit 36

Free Lead IV and assessor utilities configured for Pearson BTEC International specifications.

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Criteria and aim text reproduced for teacher reference from the official Pearson qualification documentation (Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications). BTEC is a registered trademark of Pearson Education Limited. checkb.tech is an independent tool — not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Pearson. It never awards a grade; the teacher stays the assessor.