Level 4 Lead IQA Qualification

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Does A Lead IQA Do?

  A Lead IQA, or Lead Internal Quality Assurer, plays a crucial role in overseeing the internal quality assurance processes within an organisation. As a Lead IQA, you are responsible for managing a team of IQAs and ensuring the quality and consistency of assessment practices across various qualifications and standards. Your role involves providing guidance, support, and training to IQAs, conducting standardisation activities, and reviewing assessment decisions to maintain high standards of quality assurance.

  In addition to managing the internal quality assurance team, a Lead IQA also collaborates with external stakeholders, such as awarding bodies and regulatory authorities, to ensure compliance with the required standards and regulations. You will be involved in the development and implementation of quality assurance policies and procedures, monitoring the effectiveness of assessment practices, and identifying areas for improvement. 

  As a Lead IQA, your expertise and experience are vital in upholding the integrity and credibility of assessment processes and ensuring that learners receive fair and valid qualifications.

  > Confirm Your Eligibility

• What Qualification Do I Need to Be An IQA?

  To embark on a fulfilling career as an Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) professional, obtaining a recognised qualification is essential. The minimum requirement to become an IQA is the Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice. This comprehensive course equips learners with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to effectively carry out IQA activities, ensuring the integrity and quality of assessment processes.

  However, for those aiming to take on more senior roles and advance their career as a centre manager or quality nominee, the Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is the ideal qualification. This advanced program provides in-depth training on leadership, strategic IQA management, and quality improvement. It equips learners with the expertise to lead teams of IQAs, drive organisational excellence, and shape the future of IQA practices. Elevate your career prospects and unlock exciting opportunities by pursuing the Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice.

  > Confirm Your Lead IQA Eligibility

• Is There A Difference Between the IQA Award and Lead IQA?

  The IQA Award and the Lead IQA qualification offer distinct pathways for Assessors in the field of internal quality assurance to become an IQA. The IQA Award provides a comprehensive foundation, equipping learners with essential skills and knowledge to excel as IQAs. It covers areas such as assessment processes, standardisation, and regulations.

  On the other hand, the Lead IQA qualification is an advanced-level IQA qualification that encompasses what is taught within the IQA award. It then delves into leadership and management aspects of internal quality assurance, enabling individuals to drive quality improvement initiatives and assume strategic roles such as a Centre Lead, Quality Manager or Quality Nominee. 

  If you are looking to begin your journey as an IQA, the IQA Award is the ideal qualification for you. However, if you are looking to take charge of internal quality assurance within a training centre or college, the Lead IQA would be the best fit for you.

  > Confirm Your Lead IQA Eligibility

  > Explore the IQA Award Qualification

• How Long Does An Lead IQA Course Take?

  The Lead 4 IQA course offers a set timeframe for completion of up to 2 years. The average duration of the course is typically around 6-8 months, although this can vary depending on the individual’s study commitment. To make steady progress, we recommend dedicating approximately 4 hours of study per week, allowing learners to effectively engage with the Lead IQA course material, participate in interactive learning activities, and master the required knowledge and skills.

  By providing the freedom to set one’s own study pace within the recommended guidelines, learners can tailor their learning experience to accommodate personal schedules and commitments. This approach ensures a successful journey towards attaining the Lead IQA Qualification, enabling learners to gain the expertise needed to excel as a Lead IQA professional.

  The flexibility in study time allows individuals to balance their other responsibilities while still progressing towards their qualification goals, making the Lead 4 IQA course accessible and adaptable to learners’ unique circumstances.

  > Confirm Your Eligibility

• How Much Does An IQA Earn?

  According to Talent, the average yearly pay for a Lead IQA ranges between £27,000 – £38,000 (2023). However, it’s important to note that the salary of a newly qualified Lead IQA can vary depending on several factors, including geographical location, industry sector, and prevailing economic conditions.

  To gain a clearer picture of the earning potential in the field, it is highly recommended to conduct thorough research on job sites such as Indeed, Eat Jobs, EPA Hub, and NVQ Assessor. These platforms offer valuable resources for exploring current job listings and gaining insights into the salary ranges specific to IQA positions.

  It’s worth keeping in mind that salary expectations may differ significantly based on the region or country where the role is based, as well as the demand for IQA professionals in the job market. By referring to these reputable job sites, aspiring Lead IQAs can gather accurate and up-to-date information about the earning potential within their chosen location and industry. This research will provide a realistic understanding of the remuneration available for Lead IQAs and help individuals make informed decisions about their career paths.

  > Confirm Your Eligibility

• What Is The Difference Between An Assessor and IQA?

  The difference between an assessor and an IQA (Internal Quality Assurer) lies in their respective roles within the assessment process. An assessor is primarily responsible for evaluating learners’ performance and determining their competence against set standards. On the other hand, an IQA, who holds the IQA Award or Lead IQA qualification, plays a vital quality assurance role.

  The role of a Lead IQA is crucial in upholding the integrity and consistency of the assessment process. As a Lead IQA, your primary responsibility is to monitor, review, and verify the assessments conducted by assessors. You play a pivotal role in ensuring that assessments are conducted in line with established standards and regulations.

  In essence, while assessors focus on evaluating learners, IQAs with the Lead IQA Qualification oversee and assure the quality of assessments, contributing to the meaningfulness and reliability of the outcomes.

  > Confirm Your Eligibility

• Can I Complete The Lead IQA Course Online?

  Our Lead IQA course is primarily delivered through our user-friendly Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), offering flexibility and convenience for learners. With the VLE, you can access course materials, interactive modules, and video tutorials anytime, anywhere. All you need is a laptop or computer with internet access to dive into the comprehensive content and resources we provide.

  While the majority of the course is delivered online, we also understand the importance of practical observation. As part of your learning journey, you need to attend a one-day face-to-face session for practical observation. Held in our dedicated offices located in London (Fulham), Manchester, Coventry, or Boston (Lincolnshire), these sessions provide hands-on experience conducting internal quality assurance.

  We offer a range of sessions to choose from, ensuring you can find a convenient date and location that suits you best.  This blend of online learning and face-to-face observation ensures a well-rounded and comprehensive learning experience, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as an IQA professional.

  > Confirm Your Eligibility

• Is Your Lead IQA Qualifications Accredited?

  With our Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, you have the freedom to select the accreditation body that best aligns with your preferences. We offer the choice of accreditation by either Pearson Edexcel or SFJ Awards, both esteemed and respected authorities in the education and training sector.

  It’s important to note that while the choice of accreditation may impact the price, the training and value of the certificate remain equal, ensuring a high-quality learning experience regardless of the accreditation selected.

  Both Pearson Edexcel and SFJ Awards maintain rigorous standards and stringent quality assurance processes, guaranteeing that our Level 4 IQA qualification meets the highest industry benchmarks. Regardless of the chosen accreditation, learners can be confident in receiving comprehensive training that equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as Lead IQAs. The certificate obtained, endorsed by either Pearson Edexcel or SFJ Awards, carries significant value and recognition within multiple industries and sectors.

  > Confirm Your Eligibility

• Do You Have To Be An Assessor To Be An IQA?

  To enrol in our Level 4 IQA Qualification, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including holding a recognised assessor qualification such as A1 Assessor, D32/33, or CAVA (Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement). Additionally, candidates should have an up-to-date CV that demonstrates recent experience in assessing learners or apprentices working towards a qualification, ideally within the last couple of years.

  These requirements are in place to ensure that candidates have the necessary foundational knowledge and practical experience in assessing learners’ performance against established standards. By possessing a relevant Assessor qualification, you not only meet the eligibility criteria for the IQA course but also demonstrate your competence and readiness to undertake IQA training with Brooks and Kirk.

  With this qualification, you will be equipped to effectively carry out internal quality assurance activities, contribute to the improvement of assessment practices, and make a meaningful impact in the education and training sector.

  > Confirm Your Eligibility

• Is There A Difference Between An IV and IQA?

  The term “Lead Internal Verifier” (IV) is an alternative and outdated title for the role of Lead Internal Quality Assurer (IQA). In the context of the Lead IQA Qualification, both terms refer to the same position and carry the same responsibilities. While the IV title may have been more commonly used in the past, it has been largely replaced by the term IQA, which accurately reflects the comprehensive nature of the role.

  It is important to recognize that the Lead IV and IQA roles are equivalent and should be treated as such. Professionals in these positions perform identical tasks related to maintaining the quality and integrity of assessment processes. They are responsible for monitoring, reviewing, and verifying assessments, providing guidance and support to assessors, conducting internal verification, and ensuring compliance with standards and regulations.

  By embracing the term IQA and acknowledging the equivalence of the roles, we can uphold a consistent understanding and recognition of the important work undertaken by professionals in this field.

  > Confirm Your Eligibility