NVQ Assessor
What is the work like?
NVQ assessors support and assess people working towards National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), making sure that they meet the occupational standards needed to achieve the NVQ.
As an NVQ assessor you would:
- plan and deliver NVQ training programmes and workshops
- observe candidates in their workplace
- examine candidates' portfolios of evidence
- question candidates to assess how they would deal with non-standard situations
- provide feedback and offer advice if the standards are not met
- sign off the NVQ when all the requirements have been met
- keep records of candidates' progress, according to the requirements of the NVQ awarding bodies
- attend meetings with other assessors
- work closely with training staff and candidates' line managers.
You could assess NVQs as part of a wider role within an organisation's training department, or as part of your main job, for example in retail or care work.
Internal and external verifiers carry out quality checks on the work of NVQ assessors and training centres, to make sure the assessment process is carried out properly.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You should have experience, knowledge and skill in the occupational sector you will be assessing. It would also be useful if you have qualifications in your chosen area, especially NVQs at level 3 or above.
To be an assessor you would need to get the following assessment qualifications:
- Level 3 Award in Assessing Candidates Using a Range of Methods – A1
- Level 3 Award in Assessing Candidates' Performance through Observation – A2.
To be an internal verifier you would need:
- an assessment qualification (A1/A2)
- experience of assessing in the same, or similar, occupational area to the one you will be verifying
- Level 4 Award in Conducting Internal Quality Assurance of the Assessment Process – V1.
To be an external assessor you would need:
- an assessor qualification (A1/A2)
- V1 internal assessor qualification
- Level 4 Award in Conducting External Quality Assurance of the Assessment Process – V2.
You can complete assessor and verifier qualifications at colleges and training centres. You would need access to at least two NVQ candidates to assess.
The qualifications listed above have replaced the previous assessment qualifications D32 and D33, the internal verification qualification D34 and the external verification qualification D35.
What further training and development can I do?
As a new assessor, you can apply for associate membership of the Institute of Assessors and Internal Verifiers (IAV). With 12 months' experience, you can apply for full membership and be listed on the IAV National Register.
Depending on the industry, you may be expected to complete periods of continuing professional development to keep your own knowledge up to date. The IAV offers training and seminars to help you with this. See the IAV website for details.
You may find it useful to complete training qualifications, such as:
- Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Certificate in Training Practice (CTP) – see the CIPD website for details
- NVQ levels 3, 4 and 5 in Learning and Development.
You could also develop your career by completing further education teaching qualifications. See the Further Education Teacher profile and the Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) website for details.
The lifelong learning sector is introducing new qualifications for people who teach and co-ordinate in the sector. Although these qualifications are not essential for NVQ assessors, they could increase your chances of finding work by developing your skills. Contact LLUK for details.
Where can I go for more information?
151 The BroadwayLondon
SW19 1JQ
Tel: 020 8612 6200
47 Vaughan Way
Leicester
LE1 4SG
Tel: 0116 251 7979
St Andrew’s House
18-20 St Andrew Street
London
EC4A 3AY
Information and Advice Service: 020 7936 5798
Email: advice@lluk.org
Wirral
CH62 7WB
Tel: 0151 334 8215
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
NVQ assessors and verifiers can earn from £16,000 to £25,000 or more a year.
Some assessors are employed on a sessional basis, and are paid an hourly rate.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work between 37 and 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may need to work evenings and weekends to fit in with your candidates' shift patterns.
You would usually be based in an office or training centre, but would need to travel to assess candidates in their workplace.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent communication skills, to explain the occupational standards and give feedback
- the ability to motivate and encourage people
- an interest in helping people develop
- patience and tact
- the ability to relate to people at all levels
- the ability to write reports and keep accurate written records.
What opportunities are there?
You could work as an assessor or verifier in all occupational areas where NVQ qualifications exist – examples include construction, care, catering, engineering, retail and hairdressing.
You could be employed by a training provider or college, or as an in-house assessor if you work for a large company whose staff complete NVQs.
With experience, you may have the opportunity to progress to NVQ centre manager. With relevant qualifications you could move into further education teaching or training management.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
Institute of Assessors and Internal Verifiers (job vacancies page)
fejobs.com
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