A standard operating procedure (SOP) gives you the step-by-step instructions needed to perform specific tasks consistently and efficiently. They are commonly used for procedures with animals and others, like how to operate the local autoclave or lab safety with radioactive substances. It is a to-do list in correct order.

By using Directly Observed Practical Skills (DOPS) protocols, we can objectively assess competence in performing procedures defined by Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in a clear and consistent way. This approach relies on using DOPS forms. These are score sheets with a predefined set of criteria for evaluating the level of competence in executing a SOP. 

ETPLAS offers free access to these DOPS examples on this website. The examples are open for refinement and adaptation to the specific needs of the evaluators and the procedural skills to be evaluated. Please send us you comments and suggestions and other DOPS examples you wish to share. 

The European Commission Education & Training Framework Guidance Document provides two simple examples of DOPS forms to evaluate competence in practical skills, which can be found in its Appendix 3. 

Two sets of DOPS forms can be downloaded from this page. The first set consists of DOPS forms for EU-modules 3.2, 6.2 and 8. The second set includes two different models, each reflecting distinct approaches, which may be complementary, to the evaluation of procedural skills. 

ETPLAS allows free access to these DOPS examples on this website. The examples are open for refinement and adaptation to the specific needs of the evaluators and the procedural skills to be evaluated.

These DOPS sheets allow for an intuitive and practical approach to direct observation and evaluation of procedural skills. However, they are not as comprehensive as Model 2 DOPS shown below, nor do they provide guidance on the level of supervision required for each level of competence of the trainees

The approach of this model is centred on the level of supervision that a trainee requires, having a more detailed description of what level of oversight is required for each supervision level, from “Beginner” to “Competent”. It is a more comprehensive approach, which covers procedure-specific assessment criteria divided into 2-3 items, while also contemplating “professional behaviours”.

The following video, by Lucy Whitfield (ETPLAS Pilot Project WG 4 leader) gives an introduction to DOPS, and details how Model 2 DOPS sheets can be used. 

ETPLAS DOPS forms set 1 were developed by an ETPLAS expert working group chaired by Rafael Frias with members Andreis Costa, Åsa Holmberg, Daniel Kylmann-Hansen, Ivo Tiebosch, Ronald Vlasblom and Lucy Whitfield under The EU Preparatory Action grant programme, entitled: "Promoting alternatives to animal testing through accessible and harmonised education & training" [Grant nr.: 09.200200.A092004/2021/864077/SUB/ENV.B.2].

ETPLAS DOPS forms set 2 were developed by an ETPLAS expert working group chaired by Lucy Whitfield with members Andreia Costa, Eirini Fragiadaki, Rafael Frias, Brian Mphandre and Paul West, as part of The EU Pilot grant programme, entitled: “Promoting alternatives to animal testing through accessible and harmonised education & training” [Grant No. 07.027741/2018/794340/ SUB/ENV.B2].