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Online · Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment
Understand assessment. Before you commit to assessing.
No candidates to assess yet? No workplace access? This is the assessor qualification you can get done first — the principles and practice of planning and decision-making behind every assessment, done entirely online.
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Since 2012
Specialists in training teachers, trainers, assessors and IQAs
5000+ learners
Teachers, Trainers, Assessors and IQAs trained so far
45+ years
Combined training experience
Approved Centre
Recognised by multiple Ofqual-Approved Awarding Organisations
Since May 2012, nearly 30 people qualify with us every month - You could be next!
The part that stalls people
The other assessor qualifications need learners/candidates. This one does not.
The L3AACWE, L3AAVRA and L3CAVA requires you to assess real candidates against a real qualification, with observed practice. Without workplace access or candidates you cannot begin it. This qualification is the knowledge unit that sits inside it and you can complete it entirely on your own.
5 main reasons people choose us
Full course access from the day you enrol
No 8-week countdown clocks. No panic – a full year to work at the pace your life allows.
Money-Back Guarantee – No Questions Asked
Enrol, log in, start Unit 1. If it is not for you, tell us within 14 days. Swift refund – only the PayPal charges are deducted.
Regulated and recognised
Issued by Y Awards (previously YMCA Awards), on the RQF. Regulated by Ofqual, CCEA and Qualifications Wales and recognised across the FE and skills sector. No small print.
Check the L3AUPPA on the Ofqual Register (GOV.UK)Marking turnaround
Assessment Submissions marked within 24 to 72 hours – Most providers take 14 to 21 days. You’ll get feedback while the work is still fresh in your head.
Start any day of the year. No cohort dates. No waiting lists.
Pay and enrol – You don't have to wait for days. We invite you to the online course within 10-15 minutes on a weekday (9 am to 5 pm). Exceptions: Weekends and public holidays
Other reasons they love us for
#1 – See yourself here
Is L3AUPPA right for you?
You may be new to assessment and testing the water. You may be heading for the full assessor award without any candidates yet. Or your employer may be qualifying a team. Start with the right qualification for your next step.
1: New To Assessment
Learn what assessment is, how it is planned and how decisions are made, before you take on the responsibility of assessing anyone.
2: No Candidates, No Problem
Nothing in this qualification needs a workplace, a candidate or an observed assessment. You complete all of it independently.
3: Honest Advice Before Enrolling
If you already have candidates to assess, L3AACWE, L3AAVRA or L3CAVA is probably the better course. We will tell you that before you pay, not after.
Trusted by professionals working in the following industries
#2 – Enjoy the learning
Small lessons. Useful, lasting skills.
Imagine a spare 15 minutes becoming a step forward. Your course combines different ways to learn, practise and make sense of assessment.
1: 5-15 Minute Bite-Sized, Achievable Learning
Manageable lessons fit around shifts, school runs and the gap between your everyday commitments.
2: Templates You Will Actually Use
Print and keep assessment plans, feedback records, review forms and decision templates ready for when you start assessing.
3: Theory Brought To Life
Narrators, assessors, candidates and multi-character dialogues work through real UK assessment situations, from rail and retail to healthcare and hospitality – examples from more than 35 industries in the UK.
4: Watch, Read, Listen – Designed For VARK Learners
Professional video and audio, illustrated dialogues, written notes, PDFs, activities and interactive quizzes work together throughout the unit, so you learn the way that suits you.
VisualSketch notes, diagrams and infographics.
AuditoryNarrated lessons and recorded dialogues.
Read-WriteWritten notes, PDFs and handouts.
KinaestheticActivities, quizzes and scenario tasks.
Want to see the course from the inside?
Fifteen minutes on a video meeting. We will walk you through a unit, the assessment and the tutor process.
#3 – Feel at home online
Your next lesson. Always within reach.
Open your course and know where to go. A clear contents panel, visible progress and simple access help you focus on learning.
1: No Passwords To Remember
Simple access and one-click navigation through lessons, resources and assessments.
2: Your Progress, Always Visible
See what you have completed and what is next, without keeping a separate checklist.
3: Learning In Your Pocket
Desktop, laptop, tablet or phone. Your progress syncs and the mobile app brings learning with you.
#4 – You have people beside you
“What if I get stuck?”
Ask us. A real person who understands assessing will help you take the next step.
1: Replies Within 24 Hours
Email questions answered within 24 hours, so you can keep moving.
2: Real Human Support
Email and telephone support, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, throughout your course.
3: Live Help When Needed
Webinars, group Q&A sessions and drop-in calls give you space to talk things through.
4: Practising FE Professionals
Qualified assessors and IQAs who currently work in FE, with 45+ years of combined teaching, assessing and quality assurance experience.
14-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
No Questions Asked
If you enrol, start Unit 1, read the material, watch the videos, look at the assessments and decide within the first 14 days it isn't right for you – inform us and we'll issue a refund.
No exit interview, no awkward conversation, no excuses from our end, nobody to argue with.
The only risk of enrolling is staying exactly where you are.
Or call us on 01908 736 777 and ask us to explain it in plain terms
#5 – Build confidence, step by step
You're allowed to learn.
Haven't written an assignment for years? You do not need to arrive knowing everything. Clear guidance, practical resources and useful feedback help you develop.
1: Prepare – Know What Is Expected
Work through one unit and its eight learning outcomes.
2: Answer – Scenario-Based Questions
Short written answers to realistic assessment scenarios. No lengthy assignments and no practical observations to arrange.
3: Improve – Two Free Resubmissions
If an answer does not yet meet the assessment criteria, two further attempts are included at no extra cost.
#6 – Make room for real life
Your life doesn't stop. Your learning can fit.
1: Study Around Real Life
Keep your shifts, family commitments and existing training responsibilities. Learn online at a pace that works within your course access period.
2: Extensions When Life Happens
Illness, bereavement, work pressure or a new baby can change your plans. Paid extensions are available if you need more than a year, so you can protect the progress you have made.
365
days of course access
Start with one lesson. Build a rhythm that works for you.
#7 – A clear investment
Everything you need.
£120 including 20% VAT
Covers registration, the full unit, marking, two free resubmissions per assessment and your certificate. No interest, no fees.
Employers — we invoice you. Pay by Bank Transfer. Request an Invoice
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1: What’s included in your £120?
✓365 days access to our LMS (Learning Management System)
✓Awarding Organisation Registration
✓Videos, audio guides and printable resources
✓Two theory resubmissions per assessment
✓£120 credited against L3AACWE/L3AAVRA/L3CAVA if you upgrade within 12 months
✓Ongoing email, telephone and live support by the tutor
✓Digital Certificate
✓No surprise charges at checkout!
2: Employer Funding
We can invoice your employer directly, enrol your people together and report progress. There is no minimum booking number. Visit our Corporate page
3: Certificates Issued Fast
You should receive your certificate within 2-3 weeks of successfully completing all course requirements.
Employers: qualifying a whole team?
Send us your finance contact and we will invoice directly, enrol your people in one batch and report progress back to you. Multiple-booking discounts apply: 5% for 3 to 4 bookings, 10% for 5 or more. There is no minimum number of seats. Visit our Corporate page
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#8 – Experience you can trust
Training Teachers, Assessors and IQAs. Since 2012.
More than 5,000 learners have trusted us with their teaching, assessing and IQA qualifications. This is our specialism.
1: Qualified, Practising Trainers
45+ years of combined experience, with qualifications across teaching, assessing and internal quality assurance, including QTLS, DET/DTLLS, CELTA and assessor/IQA awards.
2: Founder-Led And Accountable
Independent and founder-led. You can escalate concerns personally to the directors and speak to people responsible for your experience.
3: Direct Claims Status
Allows us to claim and procure your certificates within 2-3 weeks of course completion. No more waiting for months.
We have also worked with TQUK | AIM Awards | City & Guilds | Edexcel (Pearson) in the past.
4: Support Beyond Completion
Keep in touch as you take your next steps. Completing the qualification does not mean the conversation ends.
5: References When You Need Them
After successful completion, employer references are available on request to support your next application.
#9 – People who started here
Thousands started where you are.
What learners say after completing the L3AUPPA and our other assessor courses: clear structure, quick answers and feedback that helped them pass.
100% genuine. Feedback supplied from our Google or Facebook Reviews, LMS, Emails, etc.
No learner names, ratings or career outcomes have been invented.
#10 – Look beyond the certificate
Imagine where this could lead.
Assessment theory first. The practical assessor award when the candidates arrive.
1: Your experience
You know your industry and want to move into assessing.
2: L3AUPPA
Understand the principles, planning and practice of assessment.
3: Find candidates
Get workplace access or candidates to assess in your own subject area.
4: Step up to CAVA
Complete the practical units and qualify as an assessor.
5: Your £120 Comes Off The CAVA Fee
Upgrade to L3CAVA within 12 months of completing this Award and the full £120 you paid is deducted from your L3CAVA fee. We will help you choose a route that matches your experience and entry requirements.
Before you pay – read this bit
Four qualifications. Which one do you need?
This Award teaches you how assessment works. It does not qualify you to assess candidates for a qualification. If you have candidates and workplace access now, buy L3CAVA instead – it costs more, but you would otherwise pay twice.
1: Nothing Is Wasted If You Upgrade
The unit in this Award is the knowledge unit inside L3CAVA. Complete it here, upgrade within 12 months and the full £120 comes off your L3CAVA fee.
2: Ask Us First
Fifteen minutes on the phone will settle it. If L3CAVA is the qualification you actually need, we will say so before you enrol on this one.
What you will study
One mandatory unit, 3 credits, 30 hours total qualification time. Unit reference D/601/5313, qualification number 600/0357/1.
Unit 1: Understanding the principles and practices of assessment
3 creditsD/601/5313 · knowledge unitLearning outcomesHide the learning outcomes
Unit 1: Understanding the principles and practices of assessment
3 creditsEntry requirements
You are aged 19 or over
You have a basic to intermediate command of the English language – you will be writing responses to scenario-based assessments
You have a basic working knowledge of how to use a computer (clicking items, downloading and uploading documents, etc.)
You are comfortable with technology and enjoy learning on a screen – reading, researching and watching videos
You are self-motivated and can study independently with some tutor support
You are comfortable working without regular face-to-face contact
In-house and class based
Would you rather have this taught in a room?
This page describes the online course. We also deliver it class based at your own site for groups of six or more, with the taught part face to face and the rest finished online. Class based delivery is only available as a corporate booking.
Before you ask on the call
Questions people actually ask
Pick a topic to open its answers
Who should do this course?
It is a knowledge qualification about assessment, for people who need to understand it rather than practise it yet. It suits:
- Anyone new to assessment who wants the theory before taking it on
- People heading towards the assessor award who do not have candidates or workplace access yet
- Managers and supervisors responsible for an assessment team
- Employers qualifying a group of staff in one batch - see our Corporate page
Who enrols on this course?
Three groups make up most of our intake.
✓New to assessment
Testing the water before taking on the responsibility of assessing anyone.
✓Assessors-to-be
Heading for L3CAVA but without candidates or workplace access yet.
✓Employers buying seats
Qualifying an internal team in one batch, invoiced on your terms. No minimum numbers required. Visit our Corporate page
Who is this course 'NOT' for?
- You already have candidates to assess and workplace access – buy L3CAVA instead
- You need to be a qualified assessor for a job now
- You are aged under 19
- You do not have a basic to intermediate command of the English language
- You are not comfortable with technology or do not enjoy learning on a screen
- You struggle to motivate yourself or find it difficult to study without constant support
What will I be able to do by the end?
On successful completion of the course, you will understand:
- The principles, requirements and key concepts of assessment and the responsibilities of the assessor
- The strengths and limitations of a range of assessment methods for different learners
- How to plan assessment, including a holistic approach and how to manage risk in planning
- How to involve learners and others, including peer and self-assessment
- How to judge evidence and make decisions that are valid, reliable and fair
- Quality assurance and standardisation of the assessment process and what to do in a dispute
- How to manage assessment information and how feedback and questioning contribute
- Legal and good practice requirements, including confidentiality, equality and diversity, technology and CPD
Is the L3AUPPA recognised?
Yes. It is Ofqual-regulated and accepted by employers across the UK. British qualifications are well regarded internationally and Ofqual-regulated qualifications are accepted by many employers and organisations outside the UK. Recognition overseas is decided by each country or employer, so check with them if you plan to work abroad. Check it on the Ofqual Register (GOV.UK)
What comes after this Award?
Learners typically progress to:
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (L3CAVA)
- Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment
- Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement
- Level 3 Award in Education and Training (L3AET)
Upgrade to L3CAVA with us within 12 months of completing this Award and the full £120 you paid is deducted from your L3CAVA fee.
Do I need candidates or a workplace?
No. That is the main reason people choose this course. There is nothing to observe, no candidate evidence to gather and no employer sign-off required. You can complete it entirely on your own.
Do you support learners with dyslexia or other needs?
Yes. Tell us what helps you and we will make reasonable adjustments. See our Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments Policy.
How do the assessments work?
Scenario-based written questions with short answers, submitted through the online course. No lengthy theory assignments, no portfolio of candidate evidence and no practical observations. Your tutor marks submissions within 24 to 72 hours and two further attempts per assessment are included at no extra cost.
How fast is my work marked?
Within 24 to 72 hours, often the next day. Weekends and public holidays are not counted. Most providers take 2 to 3 weeks.
Can I fail?
Each assessment is a Pass or a Refer. A Refer comes with clear pointers to put it right, and you get three attempts at each one.
Can I use work from an earlier course?
Often, yes, if it still meets today's criteria. Tell us what you have before you enrol and we will check it. See our Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
How soon can I start?
Today. On weekdays (9 am to 5 pm) your course invitation arrives within 10 to 15 minutes; book at the weekend or on a public holiday and it arrives by the next working day. Receive your invite, fill your application form, upload your photo ID and begin.
Can I start at a later date after making the payment?
Yes, by all means. We allow you to start within 30 days of receiving the invite. Beyond that, a re-invite fee of £60 including VAT applies.
How long does it actually take?
It is a 30-hour qualification. Learners working full-time often finish within a week. Most part-time learners finish in two to four weeks. You have 365 days and there is no penalty for using them.
Can I study on my phone?
Yes. Desktop, laptop, tablet or phone, and your progress syncs. For writing and uploading assessments, a laptop or computer is easiest.
What support will I get?
A named tutor from start to finish. Email or phone us Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and we reply to emails within 24 hours. Live calls are there when you need them.
What if I need more than 365 days?
Most learners finish well inside the year. If life gets in the way, extend 30 days at a time for an Extension fee of £125 + VAT.
What are the benefits of online learning?
- Powerful visual cues and experiential exercises that make learning better & faster
- Always available – a course that is as close as a computer with an internet connection
- Control the learning environment – you set your own pace and schedule
- Allows flexibility – with no set class times, you decide when to complete your assessments and learning
- A cheaper course than traditional college courses – with no hotel/housing, meal plans or travel expenses to worry about
- No interruptions in your job/career if you are currently busy working/teaching
- No need to take a leave of absence in order to go back to college
- No need to go to the classroom course over a number of days
- No need to worry about the teacher's absences or the effects of other learners (good or bad)
- A controlled positive social atmosphere – no bullying or leg pulling
- Saves you time, energy and money as well!!!
Can I talk to someone before I enrol?
Of course. Book a free 15-minute call and we will walk you through a unit, the assessment and how your tutor helps, or call us on 01908 736 777.
Exactly what's included in the package
As a learner, you will get…
✓Full access to the online course via our LMS – video lessons, reading materials, infographics and scenario-based activities across all eight learning outcomes
✓A dedicated Course Tutor for content guidance, to mark your work and to answer administrative queries
✓Written feedback on your assessments within 24 to 72 hours
✓Up to 3 submission attempts per assessment
✓Downloadable and printable assessment templates, plans, feedback records and review forms
✓Registration with Y Awards (previously YMCA Awards) and your digital certificate on completion
✓Email, telephone and live support, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
✓365 days of course access from the day you enrol
✓Your £120 credited against L3AACWE/L3AAVRA/L3CAVA if you upgrade within 12 months
Exactly, what do I 'NOT' get in the package?
As a learner, you will NOT get…
✗A qualification that lets you assess candidates towards a qualification – that is L3CAVA
✗A classroom-based or face-to-face learning experience – this course is delivered entirely online
✗Guaranteed availability of your tutor without a pre-booked appointment
✗Unlimited submission attempts – assessments are limited to 3 attempts
✗An open-ended course registration – you have 365 days to complete, with extensions available subject to a fee
✗A printed certificate as standard – your certificate is issued digitally
✗Any requirement or opportunity, to assess real candidates as part of this Award
Are there any hidden charges?
None. £120 including VAT covers registration, the full unit, marking, two free resubmissions per assessment and your certificate.
How do I pay?
Securely through PayPal at checkout, by card or PayPal account: in full, in 3 or in 30 days. Employers can request an invoice and pay by Bank Transfer.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, through PayPal. You can pay in full, split the cost into three interest-free payments of £40.00, £40.00, £40.00 or pay in 30 days at no extra cost. Employers are invoiced and pay by Bank Transfer.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes: 5% off for 3 to 4 learners and 10% off for 5 or more. Train a Team
What if I start and decide it's not for me?
You're fully protected by our 14-day no-quibble money-back guarantee. If you enrol, start the unit, read the material, watch the videos, look at the assessments and decide within the first 14 days it isn't right for you – email us and we'll issue a full refund. No exit interview, no awkward conversation, no excuses from our end, nobody to argue with. The only risk of enrolling is staying exactly where you are.
Can I pass my place to someone else?
Yes. A transfer or substitution is £50 + VAT. Just ask us.
Does this make me a qualified assessor?
No and we would rather say so plainly. This Award is about understanding assessment. It carries no requirement to assess anyone and no observed practice, so it does not qualify you to assess candidates towards a qualification. For that you need the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (L3CAVA). This Award contains the knowledge unit that sits inside it, so nothing is wasted if you upgrade.
What does the certificate say?
Y Awards (previously YMCA Awards) Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment. There is no mention of the mode of study on the certificate, so class-based and online learners receive the same certificate.
Who issues my certificate?
Y Awards (previously YMCA Awards), an Ofqual-approved awarding organisation. We claim it for you directly, so there is no long wait.
Can I get a reference afterwards?
Yes. Once you complete, we are happy to provide a reference for your next application.
Can I get a printed certificate?
Your digital certificate is free. If you would like a printed or duplicate copy, it is £45 + VAT.
Your next step
Tell us what you want to do.
Take the Course Quiz and it will tell you which qualification fits in about 57 seconds. If you would rather talk it through, Book a Call – we will point you at the right qualification or tell you honestly if we cannot help.
Or call us on 01908 736 777
14-Day Money-Back Guarantee – No Questions Asked
Refund less PayPal’s processing charge