What is TAQA? The Complete Guide to Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance

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What is TAQA? If you’ve ever looked into teaching, assessing, or quality assurance, you’ve probably come across the term TAQA. But what exactly does it mean? Is it a qualification? A course? Or something else?

The answer is that TAQA isn’t a single course. It’s an umbrella term for a suite of qualifications that cover three areas: Training, Assessment, and Quality Assurance. Employers often use ‘TAQA’ as shorthand in job descriptions, but the qualification you actually need will depend on your role.

This guide explains everything you need to know about TAQA. We’ll cover what it stands for, how the assessor qualifications work, what a TAQA Assessor does, and how you can progress into teaching or quality assurance roles. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the qualification that’s right for you and how Brooks and Kirk can support you on your journey.

What Does TAQA Stand For?

TAQA stands for Training, Assessment, and Quality Assurance. It refers to the different qualifications you can take if you want to teach, assess, or quality assure within further education, work-based learning, or apprenticeships.

  • T = Training – teaching and training qualifications for those who want to deliver learning to adults.
  • A = Assessment – assessor qualifications for people who want to assess learners’ skills and knowledge.
  • QA = Quality Assurance – IQA qualifications for those who monitor and maintain assessment quality.

Originally, the assessor qualifications were known as the A1 Award or D32/D33. These were replaced by the TAQA suite, which is now the recognised standard across the UK. So, when employers ask for ‘TAQA,’ they are usually referring to one of the assessor qualifications, most often the CAVA.

Training Qualifications (T in TAQA)

If you want to teach or train adults in your area of expertise, you’ll need a qualification from the training part of the TAQA suite. These qualifications are ideal for professionals who want to pass on their skills to others, either in colleges, training providers, or workplace environments.

The most popular starting point is the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET). This entry-level teaching qualification is suitable for anyone who wants to deliver training to adults, even if they’ve never taught before. For example, someone working in health and social care might use it to train new staff, or a construction worker might deliver workshops on site safety.

These qualifications used to be part of the ‘Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector’ (PTLLS, CTLLS, DTLLS).

The AET was formerly known as PTLLS. This is the qualification you will need if you are looking at getting into teaching or training adults in your industry. This is a ‘foot in the door’ qualification so to speak, so you don’t need to already be in a teaching role.

Higher-level options include the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET) and Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) if you want to progress further.

TAQA chart of which units are in which qualification.

Assessor Qualifications (A in TAQA)

The assessor qualifications are for people who want to assess learners’ skills, knowledge, and competence. This could be in apprenticeships, NVQs, workplace training, or classroom settings. Learners must be observed and assessed to prove they meet industry standards.

Under the Assessment section of the TAQA acronym, we have four Assessor qualifications. They are CAVA, ACWE, AVRA and UPPA.

Each qualification holds it own purpose, as they all have a different combination of the following three units:

  • Unit 1: Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment
  • Unit 2: Assess Occupational Competence in the Work Environment
  • and finally, Unit 3: Assess Vocational Skills, Knowledge and Understanding

It is only when you take all three units (in the CAVA qualification) that you become a fully qualified Assessor. The other combinations seen in the UPPA, AVRA, and ACWE awards qualify you to do part of the role of a fully trained Assessor.

Assessor Course Descriptions

Each course description below explains what it qualifies you to do.

This award is theory only, and that means it doesn’t qualify you to practice as an assessor. Its purpose is to refresh the knowledge of Assessors who are already qualified. For example, if you currently hold the A1 assessor qualification or the D32/33 assessor qualification. The UPPA course teaches you all about the roles and responsibilities of an Assessor.

This award qualifies you as Assessor in classroom, workshop or virtual learning settings only. It doesn’t qualify the learner to assess in a workplace environment.

On the other hand, we have ACWE which qualifies you to become an Assessor in a workplace setting. But, as you may have guessed it, not in a classroom, workshop or virtual environment.

If you need or want to assess in a learning environment and in the workplace, then the CAVA qualification is for you. This CAVA qualification is the most sought after in the TAQA suite. It qualifies you to become an NVQ Assessor, Apprenticeship Assessor (End-Point Assessor), and an On-Programme Assessor. Often in job descriptions, employers ask their candidates to hold a ‘TAQA qualification’ – 9 times out of 10, this is what they are referring to.

Quality Assurance Qualifications (QA in TAQA)

Finally, under the Quality Assurance section of TAQA, we have the IQA qualifications.

The IQA qualifications are ‘Level 4’ instead of ‘Level 3’. This means they represent a higher level of learning than the Assessor courses. The role of an IQA is a step up from the role of an assessor.

Just like the assessor qualifications, each IQA qualification is made up of a combination of three units:

  • Unit 1: Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of Assessment
  • Unit 2: Internally Assure the Quality of Assessment
  • and finally, Unit 3: Plan, Allocate and Monitor Work in Own Area of Responsibility

IQA Course Descriptions

For those who want to move beyond assessing and into quality assurance, there are three main qualifications:

This is another theory-only course and does not qualify you to become an Internal Quality Assurer. Instead, it’s a great form of professional development for staff already in the industry, and also managers.

This course qualifies you to become an Internal Quality Assurer. This qualification is closest to the old Internal Verifier qualification. As an IQA, you will be conducting quality assurance for assessment and assessment decisions. However, if you are interested in managing the entire quality assurance process, then you will need…

Finally, we have the Lead IQA course. In this qualification, you will cover all three units. The Lead IQA qualifies you not only to quality assure assessments and assessment decisions, but also to manage internal quality procedures and staff. It also qualifies you to coordinate with External Quality Assurers.

NVQAssessor.org wrote a great blog on what you need to know to become an IQA / Lead IQA, if this is a role that interests you.

What is a TAQA Assessor?

A TAQA Assessor is someone who has completed the appropriate assessor qualification (usually the CAVA) and is qualified to assess learners against vocational standards.

Assessors play a vital role by:

  • Observing learners in their workplace or training environment.
  • Checking their knowledge and skills meet industry standards.
  • Giving feedback and supporting learners to complete qualifications.

To become an assessor, you need:

  • Occupational competence – experience or qualifications in your sector (e.g 5+ years in health & social care, or a Level 3 in Business Admin)
  • An assessor qualification – ideally the CAVA if you want to assess in all environments.

A typical day for an assessor might include visiting learners in their workplace, checking that their skills meet the standards for their qualification, and then writing up assessment decisions. Communication and organisation are just as important as technical knowledge, as assessors often liaise with employers, training providers, and learners all at once.

The TAQA Assessor Qualification (CAVA)

The Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) is the main qualification you’ll need to become a fully qualified assessor.

It covers three units:

  1. Knowledge – the theory of assessment (methods, fairness, equality and diversity).
  2. Practical workplace assessment – observing learners in their job role.
  3. Practical learning environment assessment – assessing learners in classroom environments.

This means you will need access to real learners to assess throughout this qualification. Brooks and Kirk can provide this for you at no extra cost.

Most learners complete the CAVA in 3–6 months depending on how much time they can commit each week. With Brooks and Kirk, you can study flexibly online, supported by expert tutors.

Funding can vary. Some learners are sponsored by their employer, while others choose to self-fund. At Brooks and Kirk, we also offer payment plans to make the course more affordable.

Once completed, you’ll be fully qualified to work as an NVQ assessor, apprenticeship assessor, or workplace assessor in your area of expertise.

Benefits of Becoming a Qualified Assessor

There are many advantages to gaining your assessor qualification. First, it gives you career flexibility. Many people use it as a way to move into a new role without leaving their industry. For example, an experienced hairdresser might stop working full-time in the salon and become an assessor for apprentices instead.

The qualification also opens doors across a wide range of sectors. Assessors are in high demand in industries such as health and social care, construction, business administration, education, and hospitality. Because every vocational qualification needs qualified assessors, your skills will always be relevant.

Another benefit is progression. Once you’re qualified as an assessor, you can move into quality assurance roles such as Internal Quality Assurer (IQA), Lead IQA, or even External Quality Assurer (EQA). Many centre managers and training leaders started out as assessors.

Finally, being an assessor gives you the chance to make a real difference. You’ll support learners as they work towards their qualifications, helping them progress in their own careers. For many assessors, this sense of impact and purpose is the most rewarding part of the job.

FAQs About TAQA

Is TAQA still valid?

The name TAQA is still widely used in job descriptions, but what employers usually want is the CAVA assessor qualification.

Do I need TAQA to become an assessor?

You’ll need the CAVA to be a fully qualified assessor.

What’s the difference between TAQA and CAVA?

TAQA is the umbrella suite. CAVA is one of the assessor qualifications within it, and the one most employers mean when they say ‘TAQA.’

Can I study online?

Yes — with Brooks and Kirk, you can study flexibly online at your own pace, with tutor support.

How long does TAQA take to complete?

Most people finish the assessor qualification within 3–6 months. Timescales depend on your availability. With Brooks and Kirk, you will have up to 2 years.

Can I assess without TAQA?

No. To legally and professionally assess learners, you need a recognised qualification such as the CAVA.

Is TAQA recognised internationally?

Commonly, yes. TAQA qualifications are recognised across the UK and in many international contexts, especially where British awarding bodies are respected. At Brooks and Kirk, some of our learners reside as far as the UAE.

How Brooks and Kirk Can Help

At Brooks and Kirk, we’ve specialised in assessor and IQA training for over 28 years. Thousands of learners have gained their qualifications with us, and many have gone on to build successful careers in assessing and quality assurance. Our courses are flexible, online, and designed to fit around your lifestyle. You’ll get:

  • Expert tutor support from experienced assessors.
  • Access to resources, templates, and videos.
  • Practical opportunities to gain confidence in real assessments.
  • Flexible payment plans to make your qualification achievable.

If you’re ready to become a qualified assessor or progress into quality assurance, get in touch today:

What is TAQA?

TAQA isn’t one qualification, it’s a suite. Most people looking for a ‘TAQA Assessor Qualification’ actually need the Level 3 CAVA, which qualifies you to assess learners in both workplace and classroom settings. From there, you can progress into teaching with AET/CET/DET, or into quality assurance with IQA qualifications.

Becoming a qualified assessor gives you flexibility, progression, and the chance to make a real difference to learners. With the right qualification, you’ll open doors to a rewarding career in education and training.

If you want more information about the courses that form TAQA, contact us today. We’ll be more than happy to help answer any questions or queries you have.