Course Handbook

Assessor and IQA

qualifications
 Assessor Award
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Level: 3 Accredited By: Edexcel / TQUK

Unit 1 & 2 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment

Unit 1 & 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement
Units 1, 2 & 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement

Who should take this course?

Anyone who is carrying out an assessing role independently, or alongside teaching.

Course Requirements:
Each unit requires the student to carry out two assessments with two candidates. If the
student is doing both units, the same candidates can be used as long as one assessment is
classroom based and the other is in the workplace.

Assessments in the workplace may include annual reviews and appraisals. Assessments in
the classroom may include diagnostic testing.

Course Delivery:
Online with dedicated tutor support. Students can work through the course at their own
pace, and submit assignments online for assessment and feedback. All materials are
available online and students are required to take part in discussion topics to show
knowledge and understanding.

Course Content:
Unit 1 Understanding the principles and practices of assessment
This is a knowledge unit and requires you to be able to understand the principles of
assessment, the different methods, how to plan assessments, involve others, make
decisions, understand quality assurance, legal and good practice requirements and how to
manage information. The method of assessment of the unit is through written
explanations. Although it is mandatory, this unit alone does not qualify you to assess.
Those who choose to complete this unit only will be those who need to know about
assessment but who are not going to carry out any assessments.

Content: Demonstrate knowledge of different methods of assessment, planning

assessments, involving others, making assessment decisions, understanding quality
assurance as well as legal and good practice requirements, and managing information.
Method of assessment is online assignments.
Unit 2 Assess occupational competence in the work environment
This unit is ideal for those doing NVQ-type qualifications where assessments are carried out
at work with candidates performing their everyday duties. You have to demonstrate that
you can plan an assessment of occupational competence, make decisions, provide records,
and follow legal and good practice requirements. The method of assessment is by
observation of you carrying out an assessment in the workplace, questioning the learner,
discussions with the learner, and examining their work products as well as their learner
statements. If you combine this unit with Unit 1 you will gain an Award in Assessing
Competence in the Work Environment.

Unit 3 Assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding

This unit is aimed at those who carry out assessments in the classroom or other simulated
environments. You have to prepare assessments such as tests, assignments, questions or
projects, carry out these assessments , keep records and follow legal and good practice
requirements. The method of assessment is by observation of you carrying out assessments
of vocational skills outside the work environment. If you combine this unit with Unit 1, you
will gain an Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement

There is no requirement to do more than two units to gain your Assessor Award, but you
need to decide which is the most appropriate pathway for you. If you do not have access to
candidates in a work environment, then you should not do Unit 2. If you are dealing with all
NVQ candidates at work, then you should not do Unit 3. There are some who may find it
useful to do all three units, in which case they will gain a Certificate in Assessing Vocational
Achievement. However, they must be sure they can provide the evidence of assessing at
work and in a classroom environment.
 Introduction to assessor course

Welcome to the assessor course. It may be the first time some of you have participated in
online training, so take a few minutes to find your way around. There is nothing to worry
about, we are always there to help you if you are not sure of something.

The course is divided into three units and you may find it helpful to set a goal for yourself to
complete one unit per month. If you have the time, then you may complete more than one
unit. If you are really busy at work, then it may take a bit longer. However, for all the work
you submit, you will always get feedback from your tutor to motivate you. Some of you may
be covering just two units, which will include Unit 1 and one other.

We shall therefore start by looking at the first unit, Understanding the Principles and
Practices of Assessment. If you click on the unit heading, then it will open up and give you a
dropdown list. Top of the list is Introductions. This introduces you to a Discussion Forum.
You should click on the Add a New Discussion Topic to write a small piece about yourself.
When you are finished, do not forget to press the Post to Forum button at the bottom of the
page otherwise it will not be submitted.

The next five icons on the main menu are the content which will help you answer the
assignment questions. When you have read these, you need to go to the Navigation panel
on the left and click on the item you want. Alternatively, you can look at the panel under the
main black banner on the page, and click on New Assessor to get back to the main menu
again.

You will then see eight assignments listed. These are the tasks you must complete to
achieve this unit. When you click on an assignment, you will be able to read the question.
You should then write up your response, making sure you answer the question fully. Go to
the Add Submission button and click, and this will bring you to a page where you will see a
big blue arrow. Click this to locate and upload your file and then do not forget to press Save
Changes so that your file is submitted.

In Unit 2 or Unit 3 you will find content to help you understand the assessment process and
on providing evidence. When using any pdf files, use the back arrow on your browser to
return to the main menu, otherwise you may find you go out of Moodle completely. The
second last icon on the menu is for uploading your evidence and you can upload up to 10
files here.

If you are wanting to check criteria for these units, then at the bottom of the dropdown list
you will find these. At any time you can contact your tutor by going to the Navigation panel
on the left and scrolling down until you find Participants; this will give you the email address
for your tutor. Good luck with the course, and enjoy.
FAQs on Assessor Course:

How long does it take to complete the course?

On average 3 months it depends on the student.

I dont have access to candidates is there any other way to do assessments, or do you
supply candidates?
MKLC Training does not supply candidates. You may look to do voluntary work to carry out
assessments.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes, we offer an instalment plan if necessary.

Is there a difference between this course and the Assessor Award that is delivered face to
face?
No, this is the same qualification and many have found completing a qualification online
easy as it fits around existing commitments.

Can I do just one unit?

Yes. You can complete Unit 1 but this is just for those who need to know about
assessments, but do not carry them out, e.g. managers or frontline staff giving advice.
 Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)
_____________________________________________

Level: 4 Accredited By: Edexcel / TQUK

Unit 1 & 2 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes & Practices
Units 1, 2 & 3 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes
and Practices

Who should take this course?

Formally known as the Internal Verifier Award or the V1, this qualification is for people who
verify the work of other assessors. The third unit is aimed at those who lead the verification
process and support other verifiers (usually in a larger organisation).

The D34 and V1 qualifications are still valid, but you may wish to do the IQA to show that
you are updating your professional development.

Course Requirements:
For Unit 2 students need to monitor a minimum of two assessors each with a minimum of
two candidates of their own.

Assessment activities may include sampling, observations and standardised meetings.

Course Delivery:
Online with dedicated tutor support. Students can work through the course at their own
pace, and submit assignments online for assessment and feedback. All materials are
available online and students are required to take part in discussion topics to show
knowledge and understanding.

Course Content:
Unit 1 Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of
assessment
This is a knowledge unit and requires you to be able to understand the principles of internal
quality assurance, how to plan quality assurance of assessments, understand techniques
and criteria for monitoring quality assurance, maintaining and improving quality of
assessment, legal and good practice requirements and how to manage information. The
method of assessment of the unit is through written explanations. Although it is
mandatory, this unit alone does not qualify you to internally assure the quality of
assessment. Those who choose to complete this unit only will be those who need to know
about quality assurance but who are not going to practise.

Content: Demonstrate knowledge of principles of internal quality assurance, planning

quality assurance of assessments, understanding techniques and criteria for monitoring
quality assurance, maintaining and improving quality of assessment, as well as legal and
good practice requirements and managing information. Method of assessment is online
assignments.

Unit 2 Internally Assure the Quality of Assessment.

This unit is aimed at all those who will be quality assuring assessment practices. It requires
you to be able to plan internal quality assurance, evaluate, maintain and improve the quality
of assessment, manage information and maintain legal and good practice requirements. It
is designed to show the practical side of carrying out internal quality assurance and works
well with the first unit. Together they form the Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of
Assessment Processes and Practices, which gives 12 credits. The method of assessment for
this unit is entirely through performance and includes observation, examination of products
of work and questioning. Indirect methods are through professional discussion, witness
testimony and reflective accounts. The monitoring must cover a minimum of two assessors
each with a minimum of two candidates of their own.

Unit 3 Plan, Allocate and Monitor Work in Own Area of Responsibility.

This unit is aimed at those who are leading a team of internal quality assurance staff. It is
not suitable for those not already in a position where they can gather the evidence required.
You need to be able to produce a work plan, allocate and agree areas of responsibility,
monitor the progress and quality of work and provide feedback, and then review and amend
work plans. Combined with the other two units, this leads to the Certificate in Leading the
Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices.
FAQs for IQA:

How long does it take to complete the course?

On average 3 months it depends on the student.

Do I need to have completed an Assessor Award before doing the IQA?

It is desirable to already hold an Assessor Award, but it is not essential.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes, we offer an instalment plan if necessary.

Is there a difference between this course and the IQA that is delivered face to face?
No, this is the same qualification and many have found completing a qualification online
easier as it fits around existing commitments.
 MKLC Policies and Codes of Practice

1. Plagiarism

We recognise that you will be referencing a lot of work from websites online and that is good as it
shows you are carrying out research. However, these sources are not your own work and therefore
you need to acknowledge them. If you do not, then you are committing plagiarism, or passing off
someone elses work as your own, and this is illegal. It may result in you not being allowed to
complete your qualification.

You are asked to sign a form stating that this is all your own work and that all sources are properly
referenced.

2. Equality and Diversity

All learners are measured solely on their ability to achieve the outcomes of a learning course.
However, we are aware that some learners may have difficulties which create barriers to learning.
Therefore, we ask you to contact your tutor or the main office to discuss these and how we can help
you overcome them.

3. Data Protection

Your work is kept on a secure intranet site or on our secure Moodle site. All personal details are
kept on password-secured computers and we never pass on your details to a third party.

4. Complaints and Appeals

In the unlikely event that you wish to appeal any decision made by your tutor, please use the
informal approach first and contact your tutor directly. If you are still unhappy with the response,
then a second marker, or internal verifier, will assess the work again and give their decision. Please
contact the main office within one week of any decision from your tutor and we shall arrange for a
second marker, who will give a decision within three days.

If you still feel there are grounds for appeal, then the Principal should be informed in writing and will
arrange for a meeting to discuss the evidence and reasons for any decisions. A final decision will be
made at this meeting and records of the meeting will be made available to the External Verifier or
Examiner.
 5. Malpractice

Malpractice is any conduct or behaviour which gives unfair advantage to a learner or disadvantages
other learners. This could include getting others to do your work for you, or altering results
documents or certificates. In cases where malpractice is suspected, the following process will take
place: Identify, Investigate, Write report, Submit report to Principal. All such reports will be kept on
file and made available to the External Verifier or Examiner to inspect.

6. Verification

We carry out verification sampling on 10% of all the work carried out by experienced assessors.
Where the assessor expresses any concerns about the work of a candidate, then that will be double
marked. Any work that is not up to standard, or which does not meet assessment criteria, will be
referred back to the learner, along with feedback on how to improve. You may submit work twice
but if it is still not up to standard, you may be given the opportunity to complete an alternative
assessment.

7. Attendance and Fees

Although this is an online course, we still keep track of your attendance and this is reviewed on a
monthly basis. We will be contacting you each month should you not be participating. If there is no
contact from you for a period of three months, then we will exclude you from the programme. All
fees remain payable.

Non-payment of fees, where you have broken an agreement to make monthly payments, is also a
reason for exclusion.