Assessor Qualifications
Here you will find all you need to know about the Level 3 Assessor Qualifications, including why the Level 3 Assessor Certificate (or CAVA) is the recommended qualification and whether the older A1 and D32/3 qualifications are still valid.
What are the Assessor Qualifications?
There are four, nationally-recognised Level 3 Assessor qualifications aimed at people who work in, or are planning to undertake roles in, assessment. The qualifications cover how to plan, prepare, conduct and gather evidence for assessment:
1. Level 3 Award in Understanding Principles and Practice (Theory only)
A theory-only Award aimed at those beginning an Assessor role and those who need to know about assessment practice but who are not practising, such as those who wish to become Assessors, quality assurance staff or managers.
2. Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (Training only)
For Assessors who assess knowledge and/or skills in training environments (simulated environments, training workshops and classrooms) using the following assessment methods: test of skills, oral questioning, written questions, case studies, assignments, projects and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
3. Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment (Work Only)
For Assessors who assess competence in a work environment, which requires the use of the following assessment methods: observation, examining work products or outputs, oral questioning, discussion, use of witness testimony, learner statements and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
4. Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (Work & Training)
For Assessors who may use all of the above assessment methods in a wide range of settings, both work and training environments.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT ASSESSOR QUALIFICATION?
ATDirect recommends the Level 3 Assessor ‘Certificate’ (the fourth qualification in the list above) as it’s the only Assessor qualification that enables you to assess in both work and training environments using a full range of assessment methods. It is the most comprehensive qualification and therefore maximises your employment flexibility.
The Assessor ‘Awards’ qualify you to assess in either a work or training environment, or, in the case of the Understanding Principles and Practice Award, provides a theory-only introduction to assessing.
WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE ASSESSOR QUALIFICATION?
The Level 3 Assessor Certificate comprises 3 units of competence:
- Understand principles and practice
- Assess occupational competence in the work environment
- Assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding
All 3 units are mandatory and have to be fully completed to be awarded the qualification.
Learn more about ATDirect’s Level 3 Assessor Certificate Course
You can study online or attend a scheduled course or we offer in-house training (for groups only)
WHAT OTHER QUALITIES/SKILLS DO I NEED TO BE AN ASSESSOR?
The Assessor qualifications cover the skills, knowledge and understanding you need to assess others. To operate as an Assessor, you will need to combine your qualification with your work experience and a knowledge of the National Occupational Standards in the subject area you wish to assess.
So, in summary, you will need the following 3 key things:
- An Assessor qualification – either the Level 3 Assessor ‘Award’ (specifically for assessing either in a work or a training environment), or the Level 3 Assessor ‘Certificate’ (for assessing both a work and a training environment.)
- A thorough knowledge of the National Occupational Standards or qualification subject area you wish to assess.
- Sufficient and credible work experience in the occupation at or above the level you wish to assess.
In addition, you will need good communication skills and the ability to handle basic report writing and some administration.
Pete Crossley
National Youth Agency
Adele & Lorraine
Eden SkinCare Clinic
Charanjit Gill
Childcare Skills Tutor
Steliana Babara
Construction Sector
HOW DO I GAIN AN ASSESSOR QUALIFICATION?
To gain an Assessor qualification, you need to undertake a course of study with an Approved Training Provider. ATDirect are a market-leading provider, approved by NCFE, and have 12 years’ specialist experience in delivering the Assessor qualifications.
For more on ATDirect Assessor courses including in-house and online courses, course duration, and costs please visit here.
Visit here for a full Course Price List.
To book, call us on 0800 246 5574 or email us.
WHAT ARE THE A1, D32/3 & TAQA QUALIFICATIONS?
Here’s a bit of history to the Assessor qualifications:
In 2010, the qualifications set out above replaced older D32/33/34 and A1/A2 Assessor and Verifier qualifications. The new qualifications are known as the TAQA (Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance) qualifications, and include qualifications for Internal and External Verifiers as well as Assessors.
One of the key differences is that the new qualifications contain a much stronger knowledge base than previously and this is evidenced by the mandatory knowledge unit in each of the qualifications. The new qualifications also cover assessment practice in both training environments (classrooms, workshops and virtual learning environments) and the workplace.
There is no mandatory requirement to requalify to the new TAQA units, however, if you achieved your Assessor qualifications as either the D32 or A1 units prior to 2010, and have not been regularly assessing since then, you may find that prospective employers will require you to have evidenced Continuous Professional Development (CPD) or undertaken refresher training to maintain your knowledge in the field of Assessment and the new frameworks.
For more on Updating your A1 Qualification, visit here.
