Level 3 Award in assessing vocationally related achievement  (QCF assessors course) 

About the course (Assessor Qualification A1)

The level 3 award in assessing vocationally related achievement qualification is suitable for learners aged 19 and above. This qualification is intended for those who assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in environments other than the work environment (for example a workshop, classroom or other training environment).

Course Structure

The aim of this course is to assess the candidate assessor’s performance in assessing vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in environments other than the workplace. For example assessments carried out in workshops, classrooms or other training environments. The level 3 awards in assessing vocationally related achievement is made up of two mandatory units.

Assessment

• Trainee assessors are expected to demonstrate knowledge of assessment. They will also be expected to carry out a minimum four assessments that examine the skills , knowledge and understanding of your two candidates

• It is possible to combine both the theory and practical requirements of the course at the same time depending on your needs. We however usually give trainee-assessors up to three weeks to complete the unit questions that come with unit one

• You are free to use any other appropriate additional assessment methods

Their allocated assessor will support the trainee during their assessor journey with their own two candidates

Entry requirement

• You need to demonstrate competency in order to enrol for this course. Competency is demonstrated by having qualifications or experience in the subject area you want to assess.

• You need to be working within an educational environment and have access to two learners who you need to assess using a range of methods such as observation, questioning, and observation of work products. The learners who you will be assessing do not need to be enrolled on a formal qualification but a learning programme with a clear assessment criteria and opportunities to assess using a range of assessment methods including those highlighted above. This could be learners on a course or workers on an in-house course that has a clear structure, learning outcomes and can be assessed by prior learning, observation of practice and work products, questioning and discussions.

How is the course delivered?

• At the start of the programme, you will an induction workshop where you will learn about the theory and under-pinning knowledge of working as an assessor. The induction is also for the purpose of letting you know how the course will be assessed and an opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss about your needs.

How long is the course?

• The A1 assessor course has a 54-guided learning hours requirement. This means that you are expected to demonstrate that staff from Focus Professionals has supported you for at least 54 hours.

• You are usually expected to complete the course within 6 weeks from enrolment. We however give you an additional 4 weeks if you fail to complete during the normal duration, which stretches the time period to a maximum 10 weeks!

What next?

• Successful completion of this course entitles you to become a qualified NVQ assessor in assessing in a vocationally related achievement environment.

• Your job (A1 assessor) would be to help make sure that trainees meet all the occupational standards needed to achieve their qualification. Many jobs combine some teaching or training duties with the assessment work.

• With experience, you could also work as an internal or external verifier, carrying out quality assurance checks on the work of assessors and training centres, to make sure assessment processes are being carried out properly.

Your tasks will depend on the type of assessments you carry out but could include:

• Planning and delivering vocational training programmes and workshops

• Observing and assessing candidates in their workplace

• Examining candidates’ portfolios of evidence

• Questioning candidates about how they would deal with non-standard situations

• Providing feedback and offering advice if the standards are not met

• Signing off the award when all the requirements have been met

• Keeping records of candidates’ progress

• Attending meetings with other assessors

• Working closely with training staff and candidates’ managers.

Course

Start date: Any Monday

Course time: Times may change subject to demand

• Assessor qualification A1 level 3: Tuesday 5 pm to 7 pm.

• If the advertised dates do not suit your availability it may be possible to arrange an alternative suitable date.

Class size: Max 15 (average class size 10)

Minimum age: 19

Duration 

• A1 assessor level 3: 10 weeks

Fees

• A1 assessor level 3: £450