What is the Difference Between an Assessor and an IQA?

When it comes to professional development and training, understanding the roles of an assessor and an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) is crucial. These positions are pivotal in ensuring the quality of training standards across various organisations.

In this article, we explore the differences between each role, comparing their responsibilities, pathways to becoming one, required qualifications and salary expectations.

What is an IQA?

An Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) maintains the quality of training and assessments within an organisation. They ensure that the training and assessment processes are consistent, fair and meet the required standards. The IQA is responsible for monitoring and improving the quality of assessors’ work, providing constructive feedback and ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies.

What is an Assessor?

An assessor, on the other hand, is directly involved in evaluating their learners’ performance and competence in a specific subject area. They work closely with learners, guiding them through their course, providing feedback and ultimately deciding if they have met the required standards to pass the course.

What are the Main Differences?

The primary difference lies in their focus and level of responsibility. Assessors are hands-on with learners, directly influencing their learning journey, while IQAs ensure the overall quality and integrity of the assessment process. Both roles are integral to the success of training within an organisation, but they require different skills, qualifications and offer different career paths.

What Does the Job Entail?

Assessor

An assessor’s job involves working directly with learners, evaluating their work, providing feedback, and making judgements on their competence. They need to be knowledgeable in their subject area and skilled in delivering constructive feedback.

IQA

An IQA, meanwhile, works more behind the scenes. Their focus is on ensuring the quality and consistency of assessments across the board. They review assessors’ decisions, provide feedback to improve teaching and assessment methods, and ensure that all regulatory requirements are met.

How to Become an Assessor

To become an assessor, you typically need a relevant qualification in the subject you wish to assess and a formal assessor qualification, like the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement.

How to Become an IQA

Becoming an IQA requires additional qualifications, usually a Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, along with substantial experience in assessment.

Salary Expectations

Assessor

Salaries for assessors can vary widely based on the subject area, but they typically range between £25,000 and £38,950 per year, with an overall average of £29,995.

IQA

The average salary for an IQA is reported to be around £30,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at £27,000 and the most experienced workers earning up to £39,000. 

Whether you’re inclined towards the hands-on role of an assessor or the strategic position of an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA), both paths offer rewarding careers in the world of professional development. Take the first step in your journey towards becoming an Assessor or an IQA today!