Gain the regulated qualification needed to assess vocational learners confidently & professionally

Are you ready to move beyond teaching or demonstrating skills and become a qualified vocational assessor?

The Focus Awards Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement is designed for people who assess learners’ practical competence, skills, knowledge and understanding.

Often referred to as the CAVA qualification, it covers assessment in both:

• a real working environment, where learners demonstrate occupational competence;
• a classroom, workshop, salon, clinic or other training environment, where learners demonstrate vocational skills, knowledge and understanding.

You will learn how to plan fair and effective assessments, select suitable assessment methods, make reliable assessment decisions, give constructive feedback and maintain accurate records.

This is a regulated Focus Awards qualification. There is no CPD stage or interim CPD certificate.

Who this qualification is for

This qualification may be suitable for you if you:

• want to become a qualified vocational assessor;
• are a trainer who also needs to assess learners’ practical competence;
• work within a college, academy, training centre or workplace training programme;
• assess learners completing regulated vocational qualifications;
• currently support or observe learners but do not yet hold an assessor qualification;
• want to assess both practical performance and underpinning knowledge;
• already assess informally and want to formalise your competence;
• want to progress towards an internal quality-assurance role.

The qualification can be used across many vocational sectors.

Jane Bryan Beauty Training particularly supports assessors working in beauty, aesthetics, massage, holistic therapies and related practical industries.

Is this the right assessor qualification?

There are several Level 3 assessor qualifications. The correct one depends on where and what you intend to assess.

This certificate is the most comprehensive Level 3 assessor pathway because it covers both:

Assessing occupational competence in the workplace

This means assessing a learner performing genuine work activities in a real working environment.

For example, you may observe a learner carrying out a treatment with a client in a salon, clinic or other professional workplace.

Assessing vocational skills, knowledge and understanding

This means assessing practical skills or underpinning knowledge in a learning environment such as:

• a classroom;
• a workshop;
• a training salon;
• a practical training room;
• another appropriate education or training setting.

If you only intend to assess in one of these settings, a smaller assessor award may be sufficient.

Please contact us before enrolling if you are unsure which assessor qualification you require. We would rather recommend the correct qualification than enrol you on a broader course than you need.

What will this qualification enable you to do?

Once you have successfully completed the qualification, you should be able to:

• plan assessments around qualification requirements;
• agree assessment arrangements with learners;
• choose appropriate assessment methods;
• assess practical occupational competence;
• assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding;
• gather valid and sufficient evidence;
• make fair and consistent assessment decisions;
• judge evidence against assessment criteria;
• involve learners appropriately in the assessment process;
• give clear and constructive feedback;
• identify when further evidence is needed;
• maintain accurate assessment records;
• work with tutors, assessors and internal quality assurers;
• follow legal, ethical and organisational requirements;
• reflect on and improve your assessment practice.

Holding the qualification does not automatically qualify you to assess every vocational subject.

You must also have appropriate occupational competence, qualifications and current industry experience in the subject you intend to assess.

The difference between teaching and assessing

Teaching and assessment are connected, but they are not the same role.

A trainer helps learners develop knowledge and skills.

An assessor determines whether the learner has produced sufficient evidence to meet the required assessment criteria.

As an assessor, you must be able to:

• remain objective;
• assess against set standards rather than personal preference;
• distinguish between coaching and assessment;
• collect appropriate evidence;
• make defensible decisions;
• provide useful feedback without completing the learner’s work for them;
• maintain professional boundaries;
• contribute to internal quality assurance.

You may therefore need both a teaching qualification and an assessor qualification, depending on your role.

What you will learn

The qualification contains three mandatory units.

Unit One: Understanding the principles and practices of assessment

This unit provides the underpinning knowledge needed to work as an assessor.

You will develop your understanding of:

• the purpose of assessment;
• the key principles and requirements of assessment;
• different types of assessment;
• initial, diagnostic, formative and summative assessment;
• assessment planning;
• assessment methods;
• valid, authentic, current, sufficient and reliable evidence;
• involving learners and other people in assessment;
• making fair assessment decisions;
• giving constructive feedback;
• quality assurance of assessment;
• managing assessment information;
• confidentiality and data protection;
• equality, diversity and inclusion;
• legal and professional requirements;
• reflective practice and continuing professional development.

This unit is theory-based and will normally be evidenced through written assignments and supporting portfolio work.

Unit Two: Assess occupational competence in the work environment

This unit requires you to demonstrate that you can assess a learner’s competence while they carry out genuine occupational activities in a real workplace.

You will learn how to:

• identify the relevant occupational and qualification standards;
• plan workplace assessments;
• agree assessment arrangements with learners;
• manage health, safety and welfare;
• use direct observation appropriately;
• use questioning and other supporting methods;
• collect evidence of occupational competence;
• judge whether evidence meets the required standard;
• make fair and consistent assessment decisions;
• provide feedback;
• maintain assessment records;
• work with other people involved in the assessment process;
• follow legal and organisational requirements.

Simulation cannot replace genuine workplace evidence where the qualification requires occupational competence to be assessed in the work environment.

Unit Three: Assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding

This unit covers assessment outside the learner’s normal workplace.

This could take place in a classroom, workshop, training salon, practical training room or another suitable learning environment.

You will learn how to:

• prepare assessment plans;
• select appropriate assessment methods;
• assess practical vocational skills;
• assess underpinning knowledge and understanding;
• use questioning effectively;
• assess written work and learner products;
• use professional discussion where appropriate;
• review evidence from other people;
• make and record assessment decisions;
• give clear feedback;
• maintain legal and professional standards.

Together, the three units demonstrate that you can assess learners across the full range of vocational learning.

Access to learners is essential

This is not a theory-only qualification.

To complete the practical units, you must have access to at least two learners who are working towards a vocational qualification or structured programme of learning.

You must be able to assess:

• occupational competence in a genuine working environment;
• vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in a suitable training or learning environment.

Your learners must be completing activities that allow you to gather genuine assessment evidence against clear criteria or standards.

Before enrolling, we will need to establish:

• who you intend to assess;
• which qualification or programme they are completing;
• where the assessments will take place;
• whether you have access to a real working environment;
• whether there are sufficient assessment opportunities;
• who will support or oversee the assessment process where required.

If you do not currently have access to suitable learners, please contact us before booking.

What assessment methods will you use?

During the qualification, you will need to demonstrate that you understand and can select from a range of assessment methods.

These may include:

• direct observation;
• oral questioning;
• written questioning;
• professional discussion;
• examination of learner work products;
• witness testimony;
• learner statements or reflective accounts;
• assignments or projects;
• recognition of prior learning.

Not every method is suitable for every assessment.

An important part of becoming an assessor is learning how to select methods that are appropriate, fair and capable of producing valid evidence.

Your assessor will explain which methods must be demonstrated within your portfolio and how these should be evidenced.

Your assessment practice

You will carry out a series of planned assessments with your learners.

The process will normally include:

1. Reviewing the qualification requirements or assessment criteria.
2. Identifying appropriate assessment opportunities.
3. Agreeing an assessment plan with the learner.
4. Selecting suitable assessment methods.
5. Carrying out the assessment.
6. Gathering and reviewing evidence.
7. Making an assessment decision.
8. Giving feedback to the learner.
9. Recording the outcome.
10. Reviewing next steps.

You will need to demonstrate that you can carry out this process consistently, not merely describe it in theory.

How the qualification is delivered

The qualification is completed through a combination of:

• guided home study;
• written assignments;
• tutor support;
• practical assessment activity with your own learners;
• observation of your assessment practice;
• development of a portfolio of evidence.

There is no fixed classroom-based practical training day unless this has been specifically arranged with your centre.

You will need access to:

• a computer or suitable device;
• Microsoft Word or an equivalent programme;
• email and internet access;
• at least two suitable vocational learners;
• a genuine workplace assessment setting;
• a suitable classroom, workshop or training setting;
• the relevant qualification specifications or assessment criteria;
• suitable opportunities to plan and conduct assessments.

How you will be assessed

The qualification is internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence.

Your portfolio must demonstrate that you have met all learning outcomes and assessment criteria across the three mandatory units.

Evidence may include:

• written assignments;
• assessment plans;
• records of learner agreements;
• observation reports;
• completed assessment documentation;
• learner feedback records;
• professional discussions;
• oral and written questioning;
• work products;
• witness testimony;
• reflective accounts;
• action plans;
• evidence of your assessor observing your assessment practice.

You must demonstrate both:

• your knowledge and understanding of assessment;
• your practical ability to assess learners competently.

The qualification will only be awarded once all required evidence has been successfully assessed and internally quality assured.

Observation of your assessment practice

Your own assessor will need to observe you carrying out assessment activities.

This is not a microteaching session.

You will be observed assessing learners, making assessment decisions and providing feedback.

The observation may examine how effectively you:

• prepare for the assessment;
• explain the process to the learner;
• involve the learner in planning;
• select and use assessment methods;
• gather evidence;
• make decisions against agreed criteria;
• communicate professionally;
• provide feedback;
• maintain health, safety and confidentiality;
• complete assessment records;
• identify appropriate next steps.

The exact observation arrangements will be agreed with your tutor or assessor.

The assignment and portfolio process

You will receive guidance explaining the evidence required for each unit.

Your written work will cover areas such as:

• assessment principles;
• assessment planning;
• assessment methods;
• learner involvement;
• making decisions;
• feedback;
• quality assurance;
• legal and professional requirements;
• information management;
• inclusive assessment practice.

Your practical portfolio will show how you applied these principles when assessing real learners.

Your assessor will review your work and provide feedback.

Where evidence does not yet meet the required standard, you may be asked to:

• expand a written answer;
• provide a clearer explanation;
• correct or improve an assessment document;
• gather further learner evidence;
• carry out an additional assessment activity;
• provide further evidence of consistent practice.

This is a normal part of completing a regulated competency-based qualification.

Tutor and assessor support

You will be allocated a tutor or assessor who will guide you through the qualification.

Your tutor or assessor will:

• explain the qualification requirements;
• help confirm whether your learners and assessment settings are suitable;
• provide guidance on the written assignments;
• help you understand the evidence requirements;
• review your assessment plans;
• observe your assessment practice;
• provide feedback on your portfolio;
• identify corrections or additional evidence required;
• support you in preparing for quality assurance;
• guide you towards completion of the qualification.

Your tutor cannot provide answers for you or create assessment evidence on your behalf.

You will need to take responsibility for completing your assignments, arranging access to learners and gathering genuine evidence.

Qualification details

Qualification: Focus Awards Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (RQF)

Common abbreviation: CAVA

Qualification number: 601/6104/8

Qualification level: Level 3

Credit value: 15 credits

Guided learning hours: 84 hours

Total qualification time: 150 hours

Minimum learner age: 19

Formal entry requirements: None specified by Focus Awards

Although there are no formal qualification entry requirements, you must have suitable vocational knowledge and access to appropriate learners and assessment opportunities.

Mandatory units

You must complete all three mandatory units.

Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment

Unit reference: D/601/5313
Level: 3
Credit value: 3
Guided learning hours: 24

Assess Occupational Competence in the Work Environment

Unit reference: H/601/5314
Level: 3
Credit value: 6
Guided learning hours: 30

Assess Vocational Skills, Knowledge and Understanding

Unit reference: F/601/5319
Level: 3
Credit value: 6
Guided learning hours: 30

Course fee

The total course fee is £650.  This includes a £150 booking and registration fee.

VAT may apply depending on the Jane Bryan Beauty Training centre through which you enrol, as not all centres are VAT registered.

Your training centre will confirm:

• the total amount payable;
• whether VAT applies;
• the payment arrangements;
• the tutor and assessment support included;
• how observations will be arranged;
• the course completion timescale.

What this qualification does not include

This is a regulated assessor qualification.

It does not include:

• a CPD stage;
• an interim CPD certificate;
• a practical beauty or treatment qualification;
• a teaching qualification;
• an internal quality-assurance qualification;
• microteaching;
• guaranteed access to learners;
• automatic approval to assess every vocational subject.

You must already have appropriate occupational competence in the subject area you intend to assess.

Do you also need a teaching qualification?

An assessor qualification confirms your ability to assess learners.

It does not, by itself, qualify you as a teacher or trainer.

You may also require a teaching qualification if your role includes:

• planning and delivering courses;
• teaching theory;
• demonstrating practical skills;
• developing learning resources;
• managing groups of learners;
• delivering structured learning programmes.

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training may be a suitable starting point if you also need an introductory teaching qualification.

The requirements will depend on your employer, training centre, awarding organisation and intended role.

Do you also need occupational experience?

Yes.

An assessor must understand the occupational area being assessed.

For example, an assessor judging a learner’s facial-treatment competence should have suitable facial-treatment qualifications, current knowledge and sufficient practical experience.

The assessor qualification teaches you how to assess.

It does not provide the vocational competence needed in the subject itself.

The organisation you work for may set minimum requirements for:

• occupational qualifications;
• industry experience;
• current professional practice;
• continuing professional development;
• assessor standardisation;
• insurance;
• quality-assurance arrangements.

Progression opportunities

After completing this qualification and gaining assessment experience, you may wish to progress to internal quality assurance.

Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice

This qualification is suitable for experienced assessors who want to carry out internal quality assurance of assessment decisions.

You will normally need access to assessors and assessment activity.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a CPD course?

No.

This is a regulated Focus Awards qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.

There is no CPD stage or interim CPD certificate.

Is this the CAVA qualification?

Yes.

The Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement is commonly known as CAVA.

Do I need to be a teacher first?

Not necessarily.

Teaching and assessment are separate roles.

However, you must have appropriate occupational knowledge and competence in the subject you intend to assess.

Do I need access to learners?

Yes.

You must have access to at least two suitable vocational learners so that you can demonstrate practical assessment competence.

You must be able to assess genuine occupational competence in a work environment and vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in a suitable learning environment.

Can simulated assessment be used?

Simulation cannot replace genuine workplace assessment where occupational competence must be assessed in a real work environment.

Your tutor will confirm whether any particular evidence may be simulated under the relevant qualification requirements.

Do I need to complete a microteach?

No.

Microteaching is associated with teaching qualifications such as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training.

For this qualification, you will be observed carrying out assessment activity with vocational learners.

How is the course assessed?

You will complete written assignments and build a practical portfolio of evidence.

Your own assessment practice will also be observed.

How many learners must I assess?

You will normally need access to at least two learners.

The learners and assessment opportunities must be suitable for meeting the requirements of both practical assessment units.

Do I have to use seven assessment methods?

You will study a range of assessment methods and must demonstrate appropriate assessment practice within your portfolio.

Your assessor will explain the specific evidence and range of methods required for your programme.

The important point is not to use every method for the sake of it, but to select methods that are valid and appropriate for the evidence being assessed.

Can I assess learners online?

Some knowledge and vocational assessment activity may be possible remotely, depending on the qualification and evidence requirements.

However, workplace competence must be assessed in a genuine work environment, and direct observation may be required.

Your proposed arrangements must be agreed with your assessor in advance.

Will this qualify me to assess beauty and aesthetics courses?

It provides the assessor qualification, but you must also hold appropriate qualifications and demonstrate occupational competence in the treatments or subjects you assess.

The final decision rests with the training centre, awarding organisation and any applicable regulatory or insurance requirements.

Will I receive tutor support?

Yes.

Your tutor or assessor will guide you through the written work, practical evidence, assessment planning and observation process.

How long will the qualification take?

The qualification has 84 guided learning hours and 150 total qualification hours.

The actual completion time will depend on:

• your previous knowledge;
• your access to suitable learners;
• the availability of genuine assessment opportunities;
• how quickly you complete the written assignments;
• the quality of your portfolio evidence;
• whether corrections or further assessments are required;
• the timing of observations and quality assurance.

Your tutor will explain the expected timescale and course deadline when you enrol.

Can I complete the theory before finding learners?

You may be able to begin the theory work, but you cannot complete the full qualification without suitable learners and practical assessment opportunities.

We strongly recommend confirming access to learners before enrolling.

Is this the same as an IQA qualification?

No.

An assessor judges learner evidence.

An internal quality assurer monitors and quality assures the work and decisions of assessors.

You would normally complete an assessor qualification and gain suitable experience before progressing into practical IQA work.

Is this the right qualification for you?

This qualification may be appropriate if you:

• want to become a qualified vocational assessor;
• need to assess both workplace competence and vocational knowledge or skills;
• have appropriate industry qualifications and experience;
• have access to at least two suitable learners;
• can assess in a genuine workplace;
• are prepared to complete written assignments and a practical portfolio;
• want a regulated qualification rather than an attendance certificate.

It may not be appropriate if you:

• only want to understand assessment theory;
• do not have access to learners;
• do not have occupational competence in the subject;
• only intend to teach and do not need to assess;
• only assess in one type of environment and could complete a smaller assessor award.

Please contact us before enrolling if you are unsure.