Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (TAQA, CAVA Assessor Course)
The Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (TAQA Assessor Course) qualification is the NVQ Assessor course that allows you to assess in both a classroom and a workplace environment. With this qualification, you can assess any courses you are occupationally competent. The course has replaced the old A1 Assessor qualification and is also known as CAVA or TAQA. The course is intended for those who assess both occupational competence in the work environment and vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in environments other than the workplace such as workshops, classrooms and training environments.
About this qualification
The Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement is the complete NVQ assessor qualification recognised across all vocational sectors in the UK. Coursetopia encourages naturally occurring evidence from your everyday assessment practice, allowing you to demonstrate your competence in real or simulated assessment environments. We welcome prior learning and existing experience, which can be credited towards your qualification to ensure a smooth and efficient learning journey.
Learners are expected to complete this course within 4 to 12 weeks depending on enrolment date, individual study pace, and combination of units.
Course Structure
To gain the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, learners must achieve a total of 15 credits by completing the three mandatory units below:
| Unit Number | Unit Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understanding the principles and practices of assessment | 3 |
| 2 | Assess occupational competence in the work environment | 6 |
| 3 | Assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding | 6 |
Combined Options
Coursetopia offers bundled course options that enable you to combine the CAVA assessor qualification with related awards, such as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET), Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) qualifications, or teaching awards. Enrolling on bundled courses is highly cost-effective and time-saving, allowing you to build a comprehensive set of education and assessment credentials simultaneously.
Course Delivery and Support
Classroom
Our classroom sessions offer face-to-face instruction led by expert assessors, providing structured guidance and practical workshops in an interactive group setting.
Blended Learning
Blended learning combines online study resources with structured face-to-face workshops or virtual tutorials, delivering flexible learning supported by direct tutor interaction.
Online (Distance Learning)
Our online distance learning route gives you total flexibility to study at your own pace from anywhere. You gain full access to our online portal, digital resources, and ongoing one-to-one tutor support.
How long is this assessor course?
Key Facts
Completion time depends on several factors, including your available study time, access to learners, and prior experience. Learners can expect to complete within 4 to 12 weeks of enrolment.
Entry Requirements
This course is open to anyone who has access to at least two learners to assess. You will need occupational competence in the area you wish to assess, as well as basic numeracy, literacy and IT skills. Learners must also have access to the internet and a word processor.
Assessment
Assessment is completed through a portfolio of evidence using a holistic approach. You will plan assessments, assess learners, give constructive feedback, and engage in standardisation. Your portfolio must include evidence of assessing both occupational competence in the workplace and vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in other training environments.
What can I do after completion?
Once qualified, you will be a certified NVQ assessor capable of assessing in workplace and classroom settings. After completion, you can go on to complete IQA (Internal Quality Assurance) qualifications or other learning and development courses to advance your career.
How This Fits with the Other Assessor Qualifications
| Qualification | Price | Credits | GLH | Assessment environment | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment | £190 | 3 | 24 | Knowledge only - does not qualify you as an assessor | 3 to 28 days |
| Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement | £330 | 9 | 54 | Classroom or workshop (simulated) only | 2 to 10 weeks |
| Assessing Competence in the Work Environment | £330 | 9 | 54 | Workplace only | 2 to 10 weeks |
| Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, TAQA/CAVA (this course) | £350 | 15 | Not stated | Workplace and classroom | 4 to 12 weeks |
This certificate's three units are the same content sold separately above: Unit 1 matches Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment, Unit 2 matches Assessing Competence in the Work Environment, and Unit 3 matches Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement. Taking this certificate instead of the two narrower Level 3 Awards costs £350 rather than £330 x 2 (with the foundation unit shared between them), and gets you both environments in one qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this certificate combine the other two Level 3 Awards?
Yes, essentially. Its three units match, unit for unit, the content of Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment, Assessing Competence in the Work Environment, and Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement. If you've already completed one of those separately, contact us to check whether that can count towards this certificate rather than being repeated.
Do I need to assess in both a workplace and a classroom to complete this?
Yes. Units 2 and 3 require you to gather evidence of assessing occupational competence in a workplace setting and vocational skills in a classroom or training environment respectively, so you'll need access to learners in both settings to complete the full certificate.
What does TAQA or CAVA actually mean?
Neither is a specific qualification in its own right. TAQA is a term mainly used by City and Guilds to describe their assessor and IQA qualifications, and CAVA is used the same way by other awarding bodies. When people say "TAQA" or "CAVA" they usually mean this qualification, the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement.
Does it matter whether I choose classroom, blended, or online delivery?
The price is the same across all three, so the choice comes down to how you'd prefer the theory and tutor support delivered, in person, a mix, or fully online, rather than what you're assessed on. The practical requirement to assess real learners in both a workplace and a classroom or training environment applies whichever delivery mode you choose.
Enrolment (Costs and Signing up)
To enrol on the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, select your preferred booking option below to proceed through our secure online enrolment process.
Full cost £350. Instalments: deposit £185, one monthly instalment of £185.
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