What is an A1 Assessor Qualification?

The A1 assessor qualification has been replaced with the TAQA awards. The A1 qualification, along with the D32/D33 units which came before it, no longer exist. If you wish to become an assessor, we recommend updating to the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA).

If you’re interested in becoming an assessor and are looking for the A1 assessor qualification, you should instead take a look at the various TAQA qualifications. In this article, we’ll explain what these qualifications are, what they allow you to do and how you can enrol today.

What is an A1 Assessor Qualification?

The A1 Assessor qualification, introduced in late 2002, was formerly known as the Level 3 Award in Assessing Candidates Using a Range of Methods. It served as the successor to the D32 and D33 units, providing a single-unit qualification focused on assessing candidates. However, the modern education landscape has since transitioned to the TAQA qualifications for a broader approach to training and assessment.

What is TAQA?

TAQA stands for Training, Assessing and Quality Assurance. It replaced the A1 assessor award but is not a qualification in itself. Instead, it comprises a few different assessor and quality assurance qualifications:

• Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment
• Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment
• Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
• Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement
• Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
• Level 4 Certificate in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice

What are the differences between the assessor qualifications?

The TAQA assessor qualifications are all very similar, the biggest difference being where you can assess.

The Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment is simply a knowledge-based unit for assessors to sharpen their skills. It is a good starting point for anyone that doesn’t have the ability to assess learners and complete the competency units in the other assessment qualifications.

Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment enables you to assess students at their place of work but not in a learning environment. This qualification requires you to build a portfolio of assessment evidence from two learners while in an assessment role.

The Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement enables you to assess students in a training environment such as a workshop or classroom, but not in their place of work.This qualification requires you to build a portfolio of assessment evidence from two learners while in an assessment role.

The Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement enables you to assess students in a training environment and their place of work. This is the most popular of the TAQA awards. This qualification requires you to build a portfolio of assessment evidence from both training and workplace assessments. It can only be completed if you are in an assessment role.

How do you obtain the assessor qualifications?

The TAQA qualifications are simple to achieve. You can enrol on a course from anywhere in the world, starting today. 

With CTC Training, you’ll get access to our 24/7 student portal, allowing you to view course content and upload assessment at any time that suits you. 

The CAVA takes approximately 90 hours to complete and you have up to 12 months to complete it. You can choose to spread those 90 hours over all twelve months or just a few weeks. 

The only entry requirements for enrolling on these courses are:

• A minimum of level 2 (or equivalent) in literacy and numeracy
• Be over the age of 18

What can I do with the TAQA qualifications?

The TAQA qualifications are your route to becoming a qualified assessor. Provided you have the relevant vocational competence, you’ll be able to help learners acquire their desired qualifications by providing them with guidance and support, and by gathering evidence and performing assessments.

Start your journey to becoming a qualified assessor today. CTC Training offers a variety of online learning courses that you can fit around your lifestyle. Enrol on a course and you’ll be able to view course content and upload assessments at any time of day, any day of the week. Plus, we’ll assign you a named tutor who will offer help and advice at any time on your course should you need it.

Unlock your potential today. Take a look through our website to view our courses or contact our team for more information.