Assessor Qualifications in the UK
If you are based in the UK and looking to become an Assessor, then you are probably aware that there are several different Assessor Training Courses you can take. If you are assessing learners in the workplace, then there are two qualifications to consider:
This involves two units. One of which is a knowledge unit, and the other which requires assessments to be carried out in non-workplace environments.
This includes three units. One is a knowledge unit; one requires assessment to be conducted in the workplace; then the final unit where assessments need to be conducted in a non-workplace environment.
As well as these two qualifications, certain training centres may accept the following qualifications:
- L&D9D or L&D9DI (Scotland)
- A1 award or A2 award plus CPD (in line with the current L&D9 Standard)
- D32 and/or D33 plus CPD (in line with the current L&D9 Standard)
For those assessing in-company units not awarded by an awarding body, CPD is a recommendation as opposed to an actual requirement.
Assessing Non-Workplace Qualifications
If you are assessing qualifications that don’t require candidates to display workplace competence, such as National Qualifications (NQs), Higher National Units / Certificates / Diplomas, VRQs or Professional Development Awards (PDAs) then the two main qualifications that are accepted are:
- Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (AVRA)
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)
Centres may also accept Assessors who have the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment (ACWE).
Internally Verifying NVQ Units
When it comes to internally verifying NVQ units that are based on the assessments of workplace competence, assessed in the candidates workplace, there are two main qualifications that you should hold one of:
- Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
- Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (the Lead IQA qualification)
These qualifications are also the only ones which will be accepted by training centres, as well as internal-verifier candidates.
Internally Verifying Non-Workplace Qualifications
If you are internally verifying non-workplace qualifications, such as National Qualifications (NQs), SQA Awards, National Certificates, Higher National Units or Vocationally Related Qualifications, there are a few verifier qualifications that you can take:
- TQFE/SE plus CPD (in line with current L&D11 Standard)
- Conduct the Internal Verification Process
- Internally Verify the Assessment Process plus CPD (in line with current L&D11 Standard)
- Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
- Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
Within England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Assessor qualification requirements are the same and CAVA is the main qualification required in order to become a fully qualified Assessor. If you are in Wales and wanting to become an Assessor, employers usually look for people with experience, or those who are currently working in the relevant sector. Supervisory or management experience in the relevant field is required, and the main qualification required is the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement.
If you would like any further information about any of the Assessor qualifications we have included, please give us a call on 01205 805155.
Steve is a Chartered Manager and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.
He provides Educational Consultancy to the 19+ sector as well as being an Assessor, IQA, EPA and Digital Marketing Professional. When not doing any of these he finds time, every now and then, to write blogs and articles.