IQA Award VS Lead IQA
Internal Quality Assurance is a bit of a hot topic at the moment, which is why we have been putting together some blogs all about the different options available to you. If you have started to research whether becoming an IQA is for you, you will have probably come across the following qualifications:
- 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 (also known as the Lead IQA qualification)
Although the two sound very similar, there is actually quite a big difference between these two qualifications. We are going to explore this in detail for you.
IQA Award
This is the equivalent qualification to the old Internal Verifiers qualification (if you can remember back that far!). It comprises of two units, one which gives you an understanding into the principles and practices of IQA, and the other where you internally assure the quality of assessment.
Once completing this qualification, you will be able to carry out the following:
- Plan the internal quality assurance of assessment
- Maintain good practices when internally monitoring and maintaining the quality of assessment
- Manage information relevant to the IQA
- Evaluation, maintain and improve the quality of assessment
The main thing to be aware of with this course is that you will not be able to be the centre lead or quality nominee. That is where the Level 4 Certificate comes in.
Lead IQA
This is the most highly regarded of all the IQA qualifications and comprises of three units in total. The first two units are the same as in the IQA Award, but the final unit will give you the knowledge and skills to plan, allocate and monitor work in your own area of responsibility.
The way this qualification is delivered is also slightly different to the award as there is a mixture of online study and one or two practical training days. On these days you will be observing experienced Assessors and learners, giving them guidance and support.
Once you have completed the lead IQA, you will be able to do everything the award allows you, as well as:
- Produce a work plan for your own area of responsibility
- Allocate and agree responsibilities with team members
- Monitor the progress and quality of work in your own area of responsibility, and provide feedback
- Review and amend plans of work for your own area of responsibility, and communicate these changes
So there you have it, the main differences between the IQA Award and the Lead IQA qualification. If you would like any further information on either of these courses or the journey of how to become an Internal Quality Assurer, feel free to contact us today on 01205 805155.