Overview
The Level 3 (CAVA) Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement qualification is for those who assess, or want to assess, vocational skills and occupational competence in the workplace and training environments. The official certification title is the Qualifi Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement. It is a regulated Level 3 certificate and is worth 15 credits. Qualifi confirms that the qualification builds competence in assessing people’s performance in the workplace and people’s vocational skills, knowledge and understanding outside the job.
This CAVA course includes: Principles and techniques of assessment. Assessing occupational competence in the work environment. Assessing vocational skills, knowledge and understanding. It is especially useful for those entering assessor roles in colleges, training providers, apprenticeships, workplace learning and vocational education.
The CAVA assessor qualification contains three mandatory units, 150 Total Qualification Time hours and 84 Guided Learning Hours. It blends understanding of assessment with practical evidence to assist you in showing that you can make fair, consistent and evidence-based assessment decisions.
Benefits of Doing a level 3 certificate in assessing vocational achievement
- Flexible and Self-Pace Studies: Complete the theoretical and planning components of the course through online means around your existing work and personal commitments.
- Full CAVA Assessor Status: Obtain the complete, nationally recognised assessor qualification (formerly called A1 / TAQA) to assess NVQs, apprenticeship, and vocational courses.
- Dual Environment Assessment Skills: Qualify to assess both in the workplace and classroom/simulated training environments.
- Career Advancement: An opportunity to work as an accredited Assessor or Internal Verifier pathway candidate or as a Vocational Trainer in various fields.
- Exam-Free Evaluation: Progress through a combination of practical assessment tasks, the development of a portfolio and the collection of evidence without experiencing the stress of a written exam.
Why Choose This CAVA Assessor Course?
This CAVA assessor course is suitable for people who want a recognised route into vocational assessment. It develops both assessment knowledge and practical competence, rather than focusing only on theory.
You learn how to plan assessments, use appropriate assessment methods, judge evidence, assess occupational competence and provide constructive feedback. Practical assessment evidence is required within the qualification, so the course is particularly relevant to people who have access to vocational candidates or workplace assessment opportunities.
Units you'll study
3 units · 15 credits
Entry requirements
- Designed for learners aged 19 years and above.
- Prior Learning: No formal prior qualifications are required but it is desirable to have Level 2 qualification or experience in the industry.
- Center Assessment: Entry based on an initial center interview, individual capability of meeting program demands.
- Industry Experience: For mature applicants who have significant practical experience in their sector may be considered subject to interview.
Not sure you qualify? . It's free.
Study & assessment
- 24/7 access to the online learning portal
- Tutor support: academic questions answered within 48 hours
- Assignments marked with feedback in 5 to 7 working days
- 18 months of portal access from enrolment
- Learner support team, Mon–Fri, 09:00–17:30 (UK time)
How you're assessed
- Assessment is Portfolio based, combining both theoretical and practical evaluations:
- Knowledge Portfolio: Written assignments, professional conversations, and reflective accounts related to assessment principles and practices.
- Practical Observations: Firsthand observation of the learner facilitating real assessments with candidates in a work environment and in a classroom/vocational environment.
- Evidence Gathering: Development of assessment plan, record of evidence, and candidate assessment file.
Average completion timeframe (Course Duration)
- Total Qualification Time (TQT): 150 Hours (Guided Learning + Independent Study).
- Typical Duration: 3 to 6 months (Can be completed sooner depending on access to candidates for practical assessment observations and individual learning pace).
Qualification
- Course level
- 3
- Same level as A levels
- Awarding body
- QUALIFI Qualifications
- Regulated by Ofqual
- Credits
- 15
- on the RQF
Careers & progression
- Professional Assessor Roles: Work as a qualified Vocational Assessor, NVQ Assessor, Apprenticeship Assessor in a college or private training provider, or under a corporate HR Department.
- Further Academic Progression: Progression into Qualifi Level 4 Qualifications, e.g., Level 4 Award/Certificate in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes & Practice (IQA), or into higher levels of Education & Training qualifications.
Fees & payment plans
Questions about this course
What is a CAVA qualification?
A CAVA qualification is commonly used to refer to the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement. It is designed for people who assess occupational competence in workplace settings and vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in training environments. The Qualifi qualification is regulated at Level 3 and carries 15 credits. Qualifi
Who is the Level 3 CAVA course suitable for?
The Level 3 CAVA course is suitable for people who want to become vocational assessors or develop existing assessment responsibilities. It may be relevant to those working in training providers, colleges, apprenticeships, workplace learning or vocational education.
What skills will I develop during the CAVA assessor course?
Yes. The theory and learning elements can be studied online through Inspire College of Learning. However, practical assessment evidence is still required to demonstrate your competence as an assessor.
Can I study the CAVA qualification online?
Yes. The theory and learning elements can be studied online through Inspire College of Learning. However, practical assessment evidence is still required to demonstrate your competence as an assessor.
What can I do after completing the CAVA qualification?
After completing the CAVA qualification, you may progress into vocational assessment responsibilities or continue to higher-level qualifications in areas such as internal quality assurance, education and training, or assessment practice.
