Can I Complete the CAVA Course Whilst Working Full Time?

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Yes — you can complete the CAVA course whilst working full time. In fact, most of our students do exactly that. The course is built specifically for working professionals. So you don’t need to take time off, attend a classroom, or put your career on hold to qualify.

This guide explains how you can complete the CAVA course around a full-time job. We’ll cover how much time you’ll realistically need each week, and how to fit the practical elements in without disrupting your working life.

How Is the CAVA Course Designed for Working Professionals?

The CAVA — Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement — has no fixed timetable, no classroom attendance, and no set start dates. Because of this, you have complete control over when and how you complete the CAVA course.

At Brooks and Kirk, the course is fully online. So you can work through your materials in the evenings, at weekends, or during your lunch break. There’s no requirement to log in at specific times. As a result, your job and your studies don’t need to compete for the same hours.

How Many Hours Does It Take to Complete the CAVA Course?

Young woman lying on a bed, propped on her elbow, looking at a laptop screen at home in a cozy bedroom.

The qualification guidance set by Ofqual suggests around 150 hours of study in total. That sounds like a lot. However, spread over several weeks, it’s very manageable alongside full-time work.

Here’s how that breaks down in practice:

  • A couple of hours a day — most learners complete the CAVA course in around 8-12 weeks
  • 4–5 hours a week — a more realistic pace for many working learners, completing in around 6–8 months
  • 2–3 hours a week — still achievable, typically taking 9–12 months

So there’s no single “correct” pace. You’ll have up to 2 years to complete, so there is plenty of time available.

What Does Studying Actually Involve?

The CAVA course covers three units. Each one fits into a working life in a slightly different way.

  • Unit 1 — Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment – This is the theory unit. You’ll work through written materials, complete assignments, and build your understanding of assessment methods, principles, and legislation. This part is entirely self-study. So you can fit it in whenever you have a spare hour — no scheduling required.
  • Unit 2 — Assessing Occupational Competence in the Work Environment – This unit involves observing two learners in their workplace and assessing their practical skills. So this part needs a little more planning, since you’ll need to arrange specific times for observations.
  • Unit 3 — Assessing Vocational Skills, Knowledge, and Understanding – This covers assessing learners in a classroom or training environment, alongside written knowledge evidence. Like Unit 1, you can complete much of this flexibly around your existing commitments.

For the practical elements in Units 2 and 3, Brooks and Kirk gives you access to learners to assess. So you don’t need to find your own learners or rely on your current employer to complete the CAVA course. This removes one of the biggest practical barriers people face when balancing study with full-time work.

Tips for Completing the CAVA Course Around a Full-Time Job

  • Set a realistic, regular slot. Even just 30–45 minutes a few evenings a week adds up significantly over a few months. Consistency matters more than long, infrequent study sessions.
  • Use natural pauses in your day. Lunch breaks, commutes if you’re not driving, or quiet periods at work can all be used for reading materials or planning your next assignment.
  • Plan your observations in advance. Units 2 and 3 require specific time slots for observing learners. So book these in early rather than leaving them until the last minute. This avoids a last-minute scramble near your deadline.
  • Don’t aim for perfection in week one. Many learners try to front-load their studying and burn out quickly. Instead, pace yourself sensibly. The course is designed to be completed over months, not days.
  • Use your tutor support. At Brooks and Kirk, dedicated tutors are available throughout your course. So if you’re stuck on an assignment or unsure about pacing, ask. It’s far more efficient than struggling alone in your limited free time.

What If I Have a Demanding Job or Irregular Hours?

You can still complete the CAVA course even with a demanding schedule, shift work, or unpredictable hours. There’s no requirement to study at fixed times.

If your job involves shift patterns, you can adjust your study pace around your rota rather than a Monday-to-Friday routine. If you travel for work, you can access materials online wherever you have an internet connection. So the flexibility built into the course accommodates almost any working pattern.

The only part that needs some advance planning is arranging your practical assessments. However, Brooks and Kirk provides learner access. So this scheduling sits largely within your control rather than depending on someone else’s availability.

How Long Do I Have to Complete the CAVA Course?

At Brooks and Kirk, you’ll have up to 2 years to complete. So whether you complete the CAVA course in 12 weeks or 12 months, the choice is entirely yours.

This matters for working learners because life doesn’t always go to plan. A busy period at work, a family commitment, or simply needing a break doesn’t put your qualification at risk. You pick the course back up whenever you’re ready to continue.

Is It Worth Completing the CAVA Course Alongside Full-Time Work?

For most people, yes. The qualification leads to a clear pay increase and genuine career opportunities. So studying alongside your current job — rather than leaving it to study full time — means you keep earning while you train. For a full breakdown of the financial case, see our guide on whether the CAVA qualification is worth it.

Many learners use the CAVA as a stepping stone while still in their current role. Once qualified, they either move into an assessor position, take on assessing alongside their existing job, or build up freelance work gradually. So you don’t need to choose between security and progress. Completing the CAVA course is designed to let you have both.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re ready to begin, you can enrol and complete the CAVA course at your own pace. It fits around your job, not the other way around.

At Brooks and Kirk, the course costs £795 in full, or £895 on instalments starting with a £50 deposit. For the full cost breakdown, see our CAVA qualification cost guide.

Enrol on the CAVA qualification here.

If you have questions about how to complete the CAVA course around your job, our team is happy to talk it through. Email us at training@brooksandkirk.ac.uk or call 01205 805 155.