Which Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Course?
There are currently three different internal quality assurance qualifications awarded and certified by United Kingdom (UK) awarding bodies. All the qualifications are pitched at level 4 and is made up of different combination of units. They however all have unit one in common as the foundation. This is the theory unit which does not have the requirement to practice. These IQA qualifications have replaced the old V1, D35 Verifier Awards. The following illustration shows the three qualifications and the units that make them up.
The Units
The different IQA Qualifications (Courses)
The following illustrations show the three IQA qualifications and the units that make them up.
Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
Please note the Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is just a knowledge-based qualification, which does not lead to a qualification as an internal verifier. The unit that makes up the qualification is however mandatory when completing any of the internal verifier qualifications.
Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
This course has two units and leads to a qualification as an Internal Quality Assurer. This is the course that has directly replaced the Old V1.
Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
This is the IV Course that is designed for those who want to qualify as lead internal verifier. The lead Internal Quality Assurer course comes with three units.
Which is the best Internal Quality Assurance Qualification?
Some people ask which is the best IQA qualification. This generally depends on your job role and structure of your organisation. Usually, the Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is the best qualification as it is equivalent to the Old V1 and D35 awards. This qualification makes you a qualified quality assurer, the same role which others refer to as Internal Verifier or Moderator. However, depending on your awarding body or employer you might be required to complete the Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (Lead Internal Verifier) qualification instead. This qualification requires you to demonstrate how you lead a team and manage IQA activities.