What is the Responsibility of an IQA?

If you’re interested in maintaining standards within a teaching and learning organisation, the Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) role might be right for you.

IQAs are vital for ensuring assessments within the education and training sector are fair and consistent — giving everyone the chance to succeed.

In this article, we’ll discuss the responsibilities of an IQA and explore what a typical day might look like for a professional in this field.

What are the responsibilities of an IQA? 

If you choose to become an IQA, you’ll enjoy a variety of responsibilities, including:

Monitoring assessments

IQAs observe assessments and provide feedback to assessors to ensure that they are following the correct procedures and meeting the required standards.

Verifying assessment decisions

IQAs review assessment decisions to ensure that they are fair, consistent and based on sufficient evidence.

Maintaining records

IQAs keep accurate records of assessment activities, including observations, feedback and verification decisions.

Supporting assessors

IQAs provide guidance and support to assessors, helping them to develop their skills and improve their practice.

Liaising with external stakeholders

IQAs communicate with external quality assurance bodies, such as awarding organisations, to ensure that the organisation’s assessment practices meet the required standards.

What does a typical day look like for an IQA? 

A typical day for an IQA might include:

• Conducting observations of assessments to ensure that they are being carried out correctly and fairly
• Reviewing assessment decisions and providing feedback to assessors
• Updating records of assessment activities and verification decisions
• Meeting with assessors to discuss their practice and provide guidance and support
• Communicating with external stakeholders, such as awarding organisations, to ensure that the organisation’s assessment practices meet the required standards
• Attending training and development events to keep up to date with best practices in quality assurance

What skills are suited to the role of an IQA? 

To be successful in the role of an IQA, you’ll need a range of skills and qualities, including:

Attention to detail

IQAs need to be able to spot errors and inconsistencies in assessment practices and documentation.

Communication skills

IQAs need to be able to communicate effectively with assessors, learners and external stakeholders.

Organisational skills

IQAs need to be able to manage their workload effectively and keep accurate records of assessment activities.

Analytical skills

IQAs need to be able to analyse evidence and make informed decisions about the quality of assessments.

Interpersonal skills

IQAs need to be able to build positive relationships with assessors and provide constructive feedback and support.

If you have a passion for education and training and possess these key skills, a career as an IQA could be a rewarding and fulfilling choice.

At CTC Training, we offer a range of qualifications designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as an IQA. Our Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is the perfect starting point for those looking to move into this field.

To learn more about our IQA qualifications and how they can help you take the next step in your career, browse our full list of IQA courses — and start your journey towards becoming a skilled and confident IQA today.