Our range of Level 3 assessor courses is very much in demand given a sharp increase in learners interested in starting vocational courses and apprenticeships. However, learners interested in these courses often enquire about which option to pick and what each option involves. In this blog, we will aim to cover all the FAQs relating to the assessor courses.
Option 1 - Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
Our range of Level 3 assessor courses is very much in demand given a sharp increase in learners interested in starting vocational courses and apprenticeships. However, learners interested in these courses often enquire about which option to pick and what each option involves. In this blog, we will aim to cover all the FAQs relating to the assessor courses.
This is the most comprehensive Assessor course, also known as Level 3 CAVA (previously called and still known as TAQA). The course has three units.
Unit 1: Understanding the principles and practices of assessment
Unit 2: Assess occupational competence in the work environment
Unit 3: Assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding
Unit 1 is theory-based and all about your role as an assessor. You will be provided with appropriate guides and textbooks to respond to the tasks. There is only one written assignment that requires you to write around 5,000 words on what is required of you as an assessor. Most learners find this unit very easy and straightforward.
Unit 2 is mainly practical and expects that you assess two learners studying for a work-based course. This is because most vocational courses have a work-based element whereby the learners' skills need to be assessed. However, it does mean that you would need access to two learners to assess their occupational competence.
Unit 3 is very similar to Unit 2 and involves carrying out the same tasks. The only difference is that Unit 3 focuses on vocational skills and knowledge to cover mostly the theoretical part. So in reality, you would not see much difference in completing Units 2 and 3. However, it won’t be wrong to say that doing either of the units should be enough to prepare you as an assessor. This is perhaps why a few learners do not enrol on the full certificate and choose an award instead, as discussed under Options 3 and 4.
Option 2 - Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment (RQF)
This is the most basic type of assessor course and only teaches you the knowledge aspect of assessment. It is excellent for tutors who want to start assessing their learners but do not have access to the learners yet or are simply not in the profession of teaching yet.
As opposed to the three units explained above under option 1, you only do Unit 1 - Understanding the principles and practices of assessment. It’s the same unit that we have explained under the full CAVA (option 1). Unit 1 is theory-based and all about your role as an assessor. You will be provided with appropriate guides and textbooks to respond to the tasks. There is only one written assignment that requires you to write around 5,000 words on what is required of you as an assessor. Most learners find this unit very easy and straightforward.
What you would not be studying in the Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment (RQF) is the actual implementation of the acquired knowledge as an assessor. If you do not have access to the two learners or are not in practice yet, this is great news. Another encouraging thing to know is that you can always convert the Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment (RQF) into a full CAVA when you feel ready and have access to two learners. Additional work and fees would apply.
Option 3 - Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment (RQF)
We discussed above how Unit 2 and 3 are so similar that the whole purpose could have been served by either combining the two units or simply doing either of Unit 2 or 3. This also happens for Option 3, as it contains only Units 1 and 2 (not Unit 3).
Unit 1: Understanding the principles and practices of assessment
Unit 2: Assess occupational competence in the work environment
Unit 1 is theory-based and all about your role as an assessor. You will be provided with appropriate guides and textbooks to respond to the tasks. There is only one written assignment that requires you to write around 5,000 words on what is required of you as an assessor. Most learners find this unit very easy and straightforward.
Unit 2 is mainly practical, and expect that you assess two learners studying for a work-based course. This is because most vocational courses have a work-based element whereby the learners' skills need to be assessed. It does mean, however, that you would need access to two learners so that you can assess their occupational competence.
If you do go for option 3, you will always have the opportunity to do the extra unit (Unit 3) to convert your award into a full CAVA. A bit of extra work and extra fee would apply.
Option 4: Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (RQF)
Option 4 is very similar to option 3 with the same logic and rationale. If you are not assessing workplace competence, you might be looking at Option 1 and wondering why you should have to do Unit 2. The solution for you would be to do just these two units:
Unit 1: Understanding the principles and practices of assessment
Unit 3: Assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding
Unit 1 is theory-based and all about your role as an assessor. You will be provided with appropriate guides and textbooks to respond to the tasks. There is only one written assignment that requires you to write around 5,000 words on what is required of you as an assessor. Most learners find this unit very easy and straightforward.
Unit 3 is largely practical and expects you to assess two learners studying for a primarily theoretical course. Most vocational courses would fall in this category. However, it does mean that you would need access to two learners so that you can assess their vocational knowledge.
If you do go for option 4, you will always have the opportunity to do the extra unit (Unit 2) to convert your award into a full CAVA. A bit of extra work and extra fee would apply.
Some generic points applicable to all
We get dozens of enquiries from assessors every month. They really want to start one of the assessor courses but are reluctant because they are worried about the practical aspect of the course or the type of courses/subjects they teach.
If there is only one rule that you have to remember, it is this - you need to have access to two learners who you could assess to fulfil the requirements of the course. Everything else can be taken care of. Your tutor will provide you with full support and assistance in doing the actual assessments.
As I just said above, everything else can be taken care of if you have access to two learners. That “everything else” includes but is not limited to all of the Following:
1. You only assess learners remotely (especially after Covid-19)
2. You do not assess learners using a wide range of assessment methods
3. You are not already assessing your learners, but are prepared to learn and apply the knowledge
4. You are not a confident assessor
5. You teach a subject where assessment is complex
6. You are an apprenticeship tutor
7. You teach unaccredited courses for now, but wish to start assessing accredited courses
8. You teach a really low level (such as entry level courses) or really high level (such as postgraduate level courses)
We literally have dozens of students assessing a wide range of courses from nursing, dental care, sign language, sports coaching, personal training courses, apprenticeships, management, leadership, accountancy, retail courses and so on. The only thing in common in these learners is that they had access to two learners they could assess. There will be enough tutor support and guidance for you to actually make that happen.
Still not sure which option to pick?
If you are still unsure or on the borderline, close your eyes and pick Option 1. Option 1 is the most comprehensive assessor course, so it’s worth spending a bit of extra time and money to do the full CAVA. Alternatively, get in touch, and we will be happy to discuss your specific needs.
Related Products
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Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (RQF)
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Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment (RQF)
£34.27 – £180.00 Select options -
Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (RQF)
£80.27 – £420.00 Select options
