What Is Assessment?

When you first start looking at wanting to become an Assessor, you’ll definitely have some questions! But don’t worry; we’re here to help and answer any questions you have. In this blog, we’ll explore what is assessment, why it is important, and how it benefits both learners and employers. We’ll also look at how to become an assessor. So, what is assessment?

What Is Assessment?

Assessment is the process of measuring a learner’s knowledge, skills, and competence to ensure they meet the required standards. It’s used in education, vocational training, and the workplace to check progress, highlight areas for improvement, and confirm if someone is ready to achieve a qualification or move forward in their career.

In simple terms, assessment answers the question: ‘does this person have the skills and knowledge they need?’

Assessments can take different forms depending on the setting. In schools and colleges, learners might complete written exams or coursework. In vocational training or workplace settings, assessment often involves practical demonstrations or portfolio-based evidence.

There are two main types of assessment. These are formative and summative assessments. Formative assessment is an assessment for learning. This takes place throughout the course or training and helps learners understand their progress and improve before their final assessment.

A summative assessment is an assessment of learning. This is a final evaluation to determine whether a learner meets the required standards. It often leads to a qualification or certification.

Both types of assessment are essential for ensuring learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen field.

Why Is Assessment Important?

Assessment is a key part of learning and development. It ensures that individuals have the right skills, knowledge and understanding to succeed in their field. Whether in education, vocational training, or the workplace, assessments help learners progress, support career development, and maintain high industry standards.

Assessment helps learners understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Giving them regular feedback allows them to build on their strengths while focusing on other areas. This makes learning more effective and helps learners’ confidence grow. It also maintains consistency and quality in education and training. This is by ensuring that all learners are assessed fairly and consistently. By following set criteria, assessors can maintain high standards across different industries and training programmes.

How to Become an Assessor

Becoming an assessor is a great career choice for those who enjoy helping others develop their skills and achieve their qualifications. Assessors play a key role in education and training by assessing learners’ knowledge and abilities to ensure they’re doing it to the standards set. If you’re interested in becoming an assessor, here’s what you need to know.

Complete the CAVA Course

To become a fully qualified assessor, you need the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, or CAVA. This is the only qualification that allows you to assess learners in both workplace and classroom-based settings.

The course is broken up into three units. The first one covers the principles and practices of assessment, so it’s all theory-based. The second unit is a practical session where you observe two learners in their workplace. The final unit is where you assess vocational knowledge and skills in a learning environment.

Benefits of Becoming an Assessor

Choosing a career as an assessor comes with many benefits. Many assessors work remotely, set their schedules, or work freelance. This makes it a great career for those looking for a better work-life balance. It can also provide career progression. You could move into roles such as Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) or a trainer, opening up further career opportunities.

It can also bring job security. As the sector is growing in demand, there will be a need for assessors across multiple industries!

Ready to Become an Assessor?

If you’re passionate about education and want a rewarding career with great opportunities, becoming an assessor could be the perfect path for you. If you have any questions, our team of expert assessors are here to help. You can email the team at training@brooksandkirk.ac.uk or give us a ring on 01205 805 155 and we’d be happy to help you start your journey!