Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance, IQA (RQF)

This distance learning qualification is intended for those who maintain quality of assessment from within an organisation or assessment centre.

Learners undertaking this qualification will be able to understand the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment and be able to internally assure the quality of assessment.

This qualification covers the following areas:

• the underpinning knowledge and understanding of the principles of and practices of internal quality assurance
• the planning of quality assurance
• evaluation of the quality of assessment; maintenance and improvement of the quality of assessment; managing information relating to the quality of assessment and maintaining robust and legal quality assurance practice.

The qualification is designed to provide candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills to internally quality-assure assessment decisions. It is aimed at those who are already qualified assessors and have responsibility for internal quality assurance within an assessment centre/organisation.

Its primary purpose is to confirm the learner’s occupational competence as an internal quality-assurer of work-based qualifications. As a work-related, competence-based qualification, it provides confirmation to employers and industry managers that the learner has the skills and knowledge needed to meet the nationally-recognised standard to carry out the role.

Achieving the qualification demonstrates the learner’s competence in monitoring assessment processes and decisions within an organisation in addition to helping to maintain and improve the quality of assessment within the work environment.

The qualification is competence-based and is assessed, primarily, by observation of the learner’s performance when carrying out monitoring activities; inspection of related work products; and professional discussion to confirm the learner’s knowledge and understanding of the principles. Other supporting methods of assessment may also be used.

Learners may find a portfolio of evidence helpful for retention and access purposes. This would detail what they have completed at work — through a variety of evidence such as observation, professional discussion, and witness testimony — and supporting documentary evidence. This can be in hard copy or electronic format.

Learners who achieve this qualification can use it to gain employment and to progress in the industry or to demonstrate formal recognition of their knowledge and skills if already employed.

Content

As this is a knowledge- and competence-based qualification, candidates will be acquiring the knowledge and skills required through on-the-job experience or in a learning environment.

To achieve the whole qualification verifier-candidates need to complete two mandatory units (12 credits):

• FD4A 63: Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of Assessment
• FD4C 63: Internally Assure the Quality of Assessment

Assessments

Your tutor will conduct a detailed personalised 1:1 initial assessment/interview with you before you begin your Level 4 IQA course. During this interview you will discuss and agree:

• Personal Development Plan
• Skillscan to examine your current work-based evidence already being produced during your regular work activities
• Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Transfers and/or Exemptions that can be claimed

Unit 1: Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of Assessment

6 x short essay-style assignments

Assignments can be presented in the format of tables

Work documents can be used in conjunction with theory assignments e.g. IQA reports, policies, procedures, verification records etc

Unit 2: Internally Assure the Quality of Assessment

Work documents including:

1 x internal quality assurance plan,

General quality assurance / verification evidence,

IQA observation feedback and report

Evidence of management of all IQA data and standardisation.

You will also need to complete one observation with at least one of the assessors. This can be done via video recording, live observation via Zoom or we can authorise a suitably qualified colleague to complete this on our behalf.

Wherever possible we will work with you to fulfil the assessment criteria using your existing work evidence.

• For individuals who are currently practicing as internal quality assurers or a professional development qualification for managers, HR or quality assurance personnel
• For individuals who are carrying out quality assurance in most learning environments including FE, Adult Continuing Learning, Employers and Third Sector
• For individuals who are carrying out quality assurance in all occupational sectors
• For individuals working in accredited learning OR non accredited learning (where people may assess performance but do not assess for a qualification); the NQF and the RQF
• For individuals who have already achieved some Education & Training or Learning & Development units that can be carried forward into this qualification
• For individuals who have completed some introduction to training qualifications

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification.

Internal verifier, quality assurance

Certificate of completion

Digital certificate - Included

Certificate of completion

Hard copy certificate - Included