Short answer
If you check other assessors’ decisions, you need an IQA qualification: the L4AIQAAPP. If you lead or manage IQAs and assessors, take the L4CLIQAAPP. If you are not in an IQA role yet, start with the theory-only L4AUIQAAPP.
What an IQA actually does
Assessors decide whether individual learners have met the standard. The IQA checks that assessors are making those decisions correctly and consistently. In practice that means:
✓Sampling assessment decisions and portfolios
✓Observing assessors at work and giving feedback
✓Supporting assessors who need guidance
✓Keeping a clear record of IQA activity
✓Working with the awarding organisation’s External Quality Assurer (EQA)
What an IQA actually does all day goes into more detail.
Who the qualification is for
✓People already working as IQAs without a formal qualification
✓People moving into an IQA role
✓Anyone managing a team of assessors
✓Centres delivering regulated qualifications where quality assurance is required
If your role does not involve checking assessment, you do not need it. If it does, or soon will, it is likely to be expected rather than optional.
Is it actually required?
Awarding organisations may require approved centres to have appropriately qualified Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs) in place. For example, Focus Awards requires IQAs to hold or be working towards a recognised IQA qualification and requires trainee IQA decisions to be countersigned by a qualified IQA. Centres must also maintain evidence of internal quality assurance and staff competence.
Ofsted, for its part, considers how effectively providers quality assure and improve their provision and whether leaders have effective oversight of quality.
If you are the person responsible for IQA in your centre, checking what your awarding organisation requires is a compliance question, not a theoretical one.
Which IQA qualification?
L4AUIQAAPP: the theory
The Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is one knowledge unit, answered through scenario-based questions. It suits people preparing for an IQA role. £240 including VAT. View the L4AUIQAAPP
L4AIQAAPP: the practising IQA
The Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice adds the practical unit. You need access to two assessors and their candidates whose work you can sample, and you join a live video call for your observed monitoring activity. £600 including VAT. View the L4AIQAAPP
L4CLIQAAPP: leading IQA
The Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is for people who lead or manage assessors or IQAs. It includes both the above plus a leadership unit, with live calls for your observed IQA activity and a standardisation meeting. £900 including VAT. View the L4CLIQAAPP
Do I need to be an assessor first?
It is recommended but not required. Knowing assessment from the inside makes IQA much easier, which is why most IQAs qualify as assessors first.
What if I am not an IQA yet?
The practical unit needs real IQA activity, so you need access to assessors and their records. If you do not have that yet, start with the L4AUIQAAPP. Upgrade within 12 months and what you paid is credited against the L4AIQAAPP or L4CLIQAAPP.
Assessors judge learners. IQAs make sure those judgements can be trusted.
The case for getting it done
The IQA qualification is not glamorous, but it formalises your practice, strengthens your centre’s position with its awarding organisation and matches your qualifications to the responsibility you already carry. Every course is online with 365 days of access and marking within 24 to 72 hours.
Questions people ask
Which IQA qualification do I need?
The L4AIQAAPP if you carry out IQA, the L4CLIQAAPP if you lead it, the L4AUIQAAPP if you want the theory first.
Do I need an assessor qualification first?
It is recommended but not required.
Can I upgrade later?
Yes. Upgrade within 12 months and what you paid is credited.