Description

This completely online assessor course accredited by TQUK and Pearson (Edexcel) leads to the TAQA Assessor Award or Certificate (CAVA) qualification at Level 3. It consists of learning outcomes and assessment criteria from the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and awards RQF Credits.

The qualification units form part of the Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance (TAQA) suite of qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland; separate standards are available in Scotland.

Qualification Routes

The assessor qualifications are made up of a combination of units according to job role. The knowledge unit, which is a requirement of all three qualification routes, can be undertaken whether the candidate is in an assessors job role or not. For those working in an assessors role there are then one or two performance units depending on the requirements of their job role.

Your choice of qualification will depend upon your role and what you will be quality assuring:

Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment (3 Credits)

Unit to be taken:

Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment

Demonstrate knowledge of different methods of assessment, planning assessments, involving others, making assessment decisions, understanding quality assurance as well as legal and good practice requirements, and managing information.  Method of assessment is online assignments (questions & answers).

There are no formal entry requirements and you can continue onto units 2 & 3 of the TAQA qualification and become a fully qualified assessor.

The course is delivered online and there is no classroom attendance required.  Method of assessment is online assignments (questions & answers). The course is self-paced and you have up to 12 months to complete, but depending on your experience, the course is likely to take you between 10 and 20 hours.

Price £310 excluding VAT

Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment (9 Credits)

Units to be taken:

Unit 1 Understanding the principles and practices of assessment 3 Credits

Unit 2 Assess Occupational Competence in the Work Environment 6 Credits

The qualification is ideal for those carrying out NVQ-type qualifications, where assessments are carried out at work with candidates performing everyday duties.  Method of assessment is via observation of candidate carrying out an assessment in the workplace, questioning the learner, discussions with the learner, and examining learner statements and their work products.

The course is delivered online and there is no classroom attendance required.  The course is self-paced and you have up to 12 months to complete.

Important Note about Assessing Occupational Competence There must be evidence of the trainee assessor carrying out at least two assessments of two learner’s occupational competence (four assessments in total), observed by an IQA. The IQA can be an IQA from the trainee assessor’s organisation or an IQA from our partner who can observe virtually using an application such as Skype or Zoom. The occupational competence being observed must not be in assessment itself. In other words, evidence for this unit must not come from the trainee assessing another trainee assessor who, in turn, is assessing someone else. In gathering evidence for the TAQA qualifications an unqualified assessor is not allowed to assess competence of another unqualified assessor.

Price: Standard £475 excluding VAT

Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (9 Credits)

Units to be taken:

Unit 1 Understanding the principles and practices of assessment 3 Credits

Unit 3 Assess Vocational Skills, Knowledge and Understanding 6 Credits

These units are for assessors who carry out assessment of vocational skills, knowledge and understanding using the following assessment methods: assessments in simulated environments, skills tests, oral and written questions, assignments, projects, case studies and RPL. This could take place in classrooms, training workshops, or other learning environments.

There are four learning outcomes in the performance unit:

• prepare assessments of vocational, skills, knowledge and understanding
• carry out assessments of vocational, skills, knowledge and understanding  provide required information following the assessment of vocational, skills, knowledge and understanding
• maintain legal and good practice requirements when assessing vocational, skills, knowledge and understanding

Important Note about Assessing Occupational Competence There must be evidence of the trainee assessor carrying out at least two assessments of two learner’s occupational competence (four assessments in total), observed by an IQA. The IQA can be an IQA from the trainee assessor’s organisation or an IQA from our partner who can observe virtually using an application such as Skype or Zoom. This occupational competence must not be in assessment itself. In other words, evidence for this unit must not come from the trainee assessing another trainee assessor who, in turn, is assessing someone else. In gathering evidence for the TAQA qualifications an unqualified assessor is not allowed to assess competence of another unqualified assessor.

Price: Standard £475 excluding VAT

Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (15 Credits)

Units to be taken:

This qualification is aimed at those who carry out assessments in the classroom or in other training environments.  Candidates need to prepare and carry out assessments such as tests, assignments or projects, keep records and follow legal and good practice requirements.  Method of assessment is by observation.

Unit 1 Understanding the principles and practices of assessment 3 Credits

Unit 2 Assess Occupational Competence in the Work Environment 6 Credits

Unit 3 Assess Vocational Skills, Knowledge and Understanding 6 Credits

Important Note about Assessing Occupational Competence There must be evidence of the trainee assessor carrying out at least two assessments of two learner’s occupational competence (four assessments in total), observed by an IQA. The IQA can be an IQA from the trainee assessor’s organisation or an IQA from our partner who can observe virtually using an application such as Skype or Zoom. This occupational competence must not be in assessment itself. In other words, evidence for this unit must not come from the trainee assessing another trainee assessor who, in turn, is assessing someone else. In gathering evidence for the TAQA qualifications an unqualified assessor is not allowed to assess competence of another unqualified assessor.

Price: Standard £525 excluding VAT

Course Format

Each learner is required to create a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates that all learning outcomes have been met. The main pieces of evidence for the portfolio include assessor observations; witness testimonies; work sheets; product evidence; assignments/ projects/ reports; professional discussions; question and answers; recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Learners will be assessed and mentored by an experienced and highly qualified TAQA trainer. They will assist learners to assemble their portfolio and prepare for assessment. In addition the learners will have access to a range of learning materials; webinars; email and telephone support throughout their TAQA programme together with resources as required.

Remote observations are possible by virtual means i.e via webcam, however video evidence is not accepted, it must be live. You will need to explain why a direct observation was not possible.

There are no tests or exams, instead you will be supported to build a portfolio of evidence including examples of your candidates work, assessment plans, feedback, questions about assessing and professional discussions with your assessor. You will have a personal tutor who guides you through the course, providing feedback at every stage.

The online course is completed entirely at your own pace.

Entry Requirements

The TAQA qualifications are open to people carrying out assessments and quality assurance in most learning environments including FE, Adult Continuing Learning, Employers and Third Sector. They are designed for anyone assessing and carrying out quality assurance in all occupational sectors, accredited learning, non-accredited learning (e.g. where performance is being assessed by the learner is not undertaking a qualification) and qualifications on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

This qualification is open to candidates at any age, of either gender and there are no entry barriers on the grounds of race, creed or academic attainment in learning. These qualifications are designed for learners aged 19 and above. There are not any specific prior learning requirements for these qualifications though learners may find it helpful if they have achieved a level 2 qualification.

Testimonial

‘I took this course so that I could become a qualified assessor, as it is a key aspect in my role as lecturer. The course was very good, very efficient, and all work was via Moodle. The tutor was excellent, very prompt in feedback and with guidance – highly recommended!’ Gulam B