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Online · Y Awards (previously YMCA Awards) Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
The complete assessor qualification.
You already know your trade to standard. The L3CAVA is what employers and awarding organisations ask for before you sign off anyone else’s. The full assessor qualification — workplace competence and vocational skills alike — studied online while you assess your own candidates.
14-Day Money-Back Guarantee – No Questions AskedRefund less PayPal’s processing charge
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
You know the job. This proves you can judge it.
Awarding organisations will not approve you as an assessor without a recognised assessor qualification, however long you have worked in the trade. It is the box on the centre approval form.
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 L3CAVA 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 L3CAVA right for you?
You may already supervise and sign off work informally. You may be moving from delivering training into assessing it. Or your employer may need qualified assessors before a centre approval visit.
1: Turn Occupational Expertise Into Assessing
Build on the trade knowledge you already have and add the qualification centres and employers ask for by name.
2: Built Around Real Candidates
Plan, carry out and record real assessments with your own candidates, in the workplace and in the training environment.
3: Honest Advice Before Enrolling
Only assessing knowledge or only in the workplace? We will point you to the single-unit L3AUPPA or L3AACWE instead of selling you the full certificate.
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 teaching.
1: 5-15 Minute Bite-Sized, Achievable Learning
Manageable lessons fit around shifts, school runs and the gap between your everyday commitments.
2: Your Professional Toolkit
Print handouts and keep assessment plans, observation records, feedback forms and candidate record sheets for your portfolio and future practice.
3: Theory Brought To Life
Narrators, mentors and multi-character dialogues work through real assessment decisions, from construction and healthcare to beauty, fitness and hospitality.
4: Watch, Read, Listen – Designed For VARK Learners
Professional video and audio, filmed assessment practice, written notes, PDFs, activities and interactive quizzes work together in every 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 your recorded assessments.
Want to see the course from the inside?
Fifteen minutes on a video meeting. We will walk you through the three units, the evidence you need to gather 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 assesses and quality assures for a living 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 Assessors
Qualified assessors and IQAs working in FE and industry, 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 all three units and use the included templates to plan your assessments, observation records and feedback.
2: Assess – Eight Assessments Across Two Units
Four assessments per practical unit. Record three of each set on video; the fourth in each unit is observed live and remotely by your tutor.
3: Improve Theory – Two Free Resubmissions
If a theory assessment does not yet meet the criteria, two further attempts are included at no extra cost.
4: Improve Practice – Resubmissions Included
Any of your eight practical assessments can be resubmitted once, at no extra cost, if it does not yet meet the criteria.
#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.
£600 (inc. 20% VAT)
Covers Y Awards (previously YMCA Awards) registration, all three units, marking written submissions, one live remote observation, theory or practical resubmissions and your digital certificate. No interest, no fees.
Employers — we invoice you. Pay by Bank Transfer. Request an Invoice
Refund less PayPal’s processing charge
1: What’s included in your £600?
✓365 days access to our LMS (Learning Management System)
✓Y Awards (previously YMCA Awards) registration
✓Videos, audio guides, professional templates and printable resources
✓Two theory resubmissions per assessment
✓One free resubmission of any practical assessment
✓One live remote observation (out of the 2 practical units) – no travel costs
✓£120 or £360 deducted if you have completed L3AUPPA, L3AACWE or L3AAVRA with us
✓Ongoing email, telephone and live support by the tutor
✓Digital Certificate – The full assessor qualification, workplace and classroom
✓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
Refund less PayPal’s processing charge
#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 L3CAVA and our single-unit assessor awards: excellent support and a structure that is easy to follow.
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.
Make assessment decisions that stand up to scrutiny, with more structure and confidence.
1: Your experience
You know your occupation to standard and others look to you for judgement.
2: L3CAVA
Learn to plan, carry out and record assessments in both environments.
3: Assess
Assess NVQs, competence-based portfolios and vocational programmes.
4: Keep progressing
Move on to the Level 4 IQA awards or add the L3AET.
5: Progression Costs You Less
Complete the L3CAVA with us and progress to eligible further qualifications, including the Level 4 IQA awards and the L4CET, at a reduced rate. 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?
L3CAVA is the complete assessor qualification. It covers assessing occupational competence in a live work environment and assessing vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in a classroom, training room or workshop. If you assess in only one of those settings, the single Award is enough – and if you assess in both, this is the qualification employers and awarding organisations ask for by name.
1: The Complete Assessor Qualification
Three units, both practical routes and one certificate. You are qualified to assess wherever the assessment happens.
2: Both Routes, One Enrolment
Covering both settings in a single course, with one registration, one tutor and one set of resources.
3: Asked For By Name
Employers and awarding organisations name L3CAVA when they approve assessors. It is the qualification that removes the question.
What you will study
Three mandatory units, 15 credits, 150 hours total qualification time, as set by Y Awards (previously YMCA Awards).
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 creditsUnit 2: Assess occupational competence in the work environment
6 creditsH/601/5314 · practical unitLearning outcomesHide the learning outcomes
Unit 2: Assess occupational competence in the work environment
6 creditsUnit 3: Assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding
6 creditsF/601/5319 · practical unitLearning outcomesHide the learning outcomes
Unit 3: Assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding
6 creditsEntry requirements
You are aged 19 or over
You have access to two candidates on a work-based training programme whom you can assess in the workplace
You have access to two learners on a vocationally related programme whom you can assess in a classroom, training room or workshop
The same two people can cover both settings, where their programme allows it
You can record assessments on video and join live video calls for the two observed assessments
You arrange permission from your candidates, learners and employer to record assessments
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 self-motivated and can study independently with some tutor support
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 the complete assessor qualification, for people who assess in both a live work environment and a training environment. It suits:
- Assessors covering both workplace competence and classroom or workshop achievement
- Tutors, supervisors and mentors required to hold the full assessor qualification
- Staff on apprenticeship and vocational programmes moving into an assessor role
- Employers qualifying an internal assessment team in one batch - see our Corporate page
Who enrols on this course?
Three groups make up most of our intake.
✓Assessors working in both settings
Assessing competence on the job and skills in a training room and needing one qualification for both.
✓Tutors, supervisors and mentors
Already delivering and checking work and required to hold the full assessor qualification.
✓Employers buying seats
Qualifying an internal assessment team in one batch, invoiced on your terms. No minimum numbers required. Visit our Corporate page
Who is this course 'NOT' for?
- You assess in only one setting – a single Award costs less and is enough
- You do not have candidates or learners to assess
- You cannot record assessments or cannot get permission to
- You are aged under 19
- You do not have a basic to intermediate command of the English language
- 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
- Plan assessments using observation, products of work, questioning, discussion, witness testimony and recognition of prior learning
- Prepare and manage assessments using skills tests, oral and written questions, assignments, projects and case studies
- Communicate the purpose, requirements and process of assessment to candidates and learners
- Make and record valid, fair and reliable assessment decisions against specified criteria
- Give feedback that affirms achievement and identifies next steps
- Maintain assessment records, confidentiality and standardisation procedures
- Apply legal and good practice requirements, including health, safety, welfare, equality and diversity
Is the L3CAVA 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 Certificate?
Learners typically progress to:
- Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
- Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (IQA)
- Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
- Level 3 Award in Education and Training (L3AET)
Do I need candidates and learners before I enrol?
Yes. You need access to two candidates on a work-based programme whom you can assess in the workplace and two learners on a vocationally related programme whom you can assess in a classroom, training room or workshop. The same two people can cover both settings where their programme allows it. If you are not there yet, start with a single Award and upgrade later – the fee is credited.
Do I need permission to record?
Yes and you arrange it. Your candidates and learners need to consent to being recorded and your employer needs to be content with filming at work and in the training room. It is worth settling both before you enrol – it is the one thing that most often delays a start.
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?
Unit 1 is assessed by scenario-based written questions with short answers. Units 2 and 3 are assessed on your eight real assessments – six recorded, two observed live and remotely. Your tutor marks submissions within 24 to 72 hours. Two further attempts per theory assessment are included and any of the eight practical assessments can be resubmitted once, at no extra cost.
How many assessments do I have to carry out?
Eight in total: four for Unit 2 (occupational competence in the work environment) and four for Unit 3 (vocational skills, knowledge and understanding). Two assessments per person in each unit.
How does the observation work?
Three of the four assessments in each practical unit are submitted as video recordings. The fourth in each unit is observed live and remotely by your tutor on a video call – two live observations in total. Nobody has to travel and no visitor comes on site. You or a colleague can film the recordings, as long as both you and the person you are assessing are clearly audible.
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 theory assessment and two at each practical one.
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 150-hour qualification. Unit 1 is usually finished in two to four weeks. The practical units depend on your candidates and your timetable, so most learners finish everything in three to four months, depending on candidate availability. 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!!!
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 three units
✓A dedicated Course Tutor for content guidance, to mark your work and to answer administrative queries
✓Two live remote observations, one per practical unit, included in the fee with no travel costs
✓Written feedback on your assessments within 24 to 72 hours
✓Assessment plans, observation records, question banks, feedback forms and decision templates for your own eight assessments
✓Two further attempts per theory assessment and one free resubmission of any practical assessment
✓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
Exactly, what do I 'NOT' get in the package?
As a learner, you will NOT get…
✗Candidates or learners to assess – you must have access to them yourself
✗Permission to film at work or in the training room – you arrange consent yourself
✗A classroom-based or face-to-face learning experience – this course is delivered entirely online
✗An assessor visiting your workplace – your two observations are carried out live and remotely
✗Guaranteed availability of your tutor without a pre-booked appointment
✗Unlimited submission attempts – theory assessments are limited to 3 attempts and each practical assessment to 2
✗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
Are there any hidden charges?
None. £600 including VAT covers registration, all three units, marking, your live remote observations, resubmissions 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 £200.00, £200.00, £200.00 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
I have already done L3AUPPA, L3AACWE or L3AAVRA with you. Do I get credit?
Yes. Upgrade within 12 months of completing it and the full fee you paid is deducted from your L3CAVA fee – £120 for L3AUPPA, £360 for L3AACWE or L3AAVRA. The units you have already achieved carry across, so you only complete what is outstanding.
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 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 – 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.
What am I qualified to assess at the end?
Both routes. Occupational competence in a live work environment and vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in a classroom, training room or workshop. That is the difference between L3CAVA and the two single Awards, which each cover one setting only.
What does the certificate say?
Y Awards (previously YMCA Awards) Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement. 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 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