Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocational Achievement

Course Code

Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance (TAQA)

Course Type

Course Duration

Up to 1 year/flexible

Location

Central Campus

Start Date

29 September, 2025
Female lecturers in library

This qualification is for individuals who want to become qualified assessors in a vocational setting. It is suitable for teachers, trainers, workplace supervisors, or subject experts involved in assessing learners working toward qualifications such as apprenticeships, or other accredited vocational programmes.

Applicants must:

  • Hold a Level 3 qualification in the subject or vocational area they intend to assess
  • Have, or be working at Level 2 in English and maths
  • Possess good IT skills, as coursework and portfolio work are submitted digitally
  • Be working in a suitable assessment environment or have access to an appropriate placement
  • Have at least two learners to assess, each working toward at least two units
  • Hold or apply for an enhanced DBS check, required for working with learners in a placement setting

Without appropriate access to learners and a real assessment context, it will not be possible to complete the course requirements.

Is This the Right Course for Me?

This course is for individuals who are confident in their vocational subject area and are ready to take on or formalise an assessor role. You must be able to plan and carry out assessments, track learner progress, provide feedback, and meet the awarding body standards.

You’ll need to be proactive in securing or maintaining a placement and have the time and commitment to support learners and complete your own coursework. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a professional approach to assessment are essential.

 

Course summary:

  • Understand the principles and practices of assessment
  • Develop skills to plan, deliver, and evaluate assessments in work-based and learning settings
  • Learn how to assess both competence and underpinning knowledge
  • Build a professional portfolio of assessment evidence and practice
  • There will be a series of evening theory lessons and these will be face to face and online. Outside of these students will be supported flexibly through 1:1 tutorials and observations.
  • Students will be observed on placement/in their work environment.

Placement Requirement

A key component of the qualification is the completion of a placement if you are not currently working in an assessor’s role.  You will need a mentor whilst on placement but you will also be observed by your lecturer on your placement.

  • Learners are responsible for securing their own placements in order to start the course.
  • You will need to hold an enhanced DBS certificate before beginning your placement

Your placement must be supervised by a mentor who will be a qualified assessor and meet the standards required by the awarding body.

Modules:

  • Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment
  • Assessing Occupational Competence in the Work Environment
  • Assessing Vocational Skills, Knowledge and Understanding

Course delivery:

Lessons will take place Tuesday 6-9PM.

 

Learners will benefit from tutor-led workshops, peer support, and other enrichment content exploring internal quality assurance, digital assessment tools, and inclusive practice. Students will visit the FabLab to explore innovative technology in assessment and experience guest lecturers when available. These experiences help contextualise your work and strengthen your role as a professional assessor.

Assessment is through:

  • Written assignments and evidence-based tasks and work products
  • Direct observation of assessment practice
  • A detailed portfolio of evidence, showing how you have assessed two learners each across two units
  • Tutor feedback and professional discussion

Successful learners may progress to:

  • Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (IQA)
  • Roles as an assessor in further education, apprenticeship delivery, or workplace training
  • Additional qualifications in teaching and training, such as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training or L5/6 Certificate in Education.

Course Details

Qualification

Exam Board

Study Mode

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