Posted by: CTC Training

If you’re interested in becoming a qualified assessor, you’ll need a suitable assessor qualification. You’ve probably heard the various acronyms — CAVA and TAQA being two of the most common — but what exactly do they mean? And how do they differ? In this article, we answer these questions and more so that you can find the right course for you.

Difference between a TAQA & CAVA

What is TAQA?

Contrary to popular belief, TAQA is not a qualification itself. TAQA stands for Training, Assessing and Quality Assurance and is a collection of various assessor and quality assurance qualifications. These include:

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

One of these — the Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement — is the full name for the CAVA award. To look at it another way, the CAVA award is just one qualification among various qualifications that make up the Training, Assessing and Quality Assurance qualifications — TAQA.

What is CAVA?

You’ve probably heard of the CAVA because it is the most popular type of assessor qualification. It is usually favoured because it is the most comprehensive of the assessor qualifications. Unlike the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment and the Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement, the CAVA provides learners with the knowledge and skills needed to assess learners both at their workplace and in a learning environment.

The CAVA qualification teaches how to scrutinise and monitor the vocational skills of the learner. You’ll be taught about different assessment methods, as well as all the fundamentals of quality assurance. You’ll also learn about assessing learners using various evidence materials, including portfolios, witness testimony, direct observation and more.

After completing the course and gaining occupation competence, you’ll also be qualified to carry out assessments for learners doing an NVQ or apprenticeship.

At CTC Training, you can earn the CAVA qualification and many other TAQA qualifications on a schedule that suits you. Simply enrol on a course and you’ll gain access to our 24/7 student portal, where you can view course content and upload assessments at your leisure. You’ll also be assigned a named tutor on the course who will offer advice and guidance at any time should you need it.

Enrol today and start your journey to becoming a qualified assessor.