Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment
The Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment is a knowledge-based qualification intended for those who wish to gain an understanding of the principles and practices of assessment without any requirement to practise. It is ideal for candidates or managers who just want to understand the work of an NVQ Assessor.
About this qualification
This course is the foundation unit for all assessor qualifications. It does not qualify you as an assessor but provides the theoretical knowledge and understanding that underpins assessment practice. The course has a 24 hours guided learning requirement and you are usually expected to complete within 3 to 28 days depending on your enrolment.
Course Structure
To gain this qualification, learners must complete the following units:
| Unit Number | Unit Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment | 3 |
Course Delivery and Support
Online (Distance Learning)
Our online distance learning option allows you to complete this course at your own pace from the comfort of your home or workplace. You will be assigned a dedicated personal tutor who will provide expert guidance, constructive feedback, and individual support throughout your course. All learning materials, assignment templates, and study guides are accessible 24/7 via our online learning portal.
Blended Learning
Blended learning combines the flexibility of independent online study with targeted face-to-face or live virtual workshops. This option allows you to work through theory assignments in your own time while benefiting from interactive practical sessions.
How long is this course?
Key Facts
Completion time depends on your personal commitment, the quality of your evidence, and your ability to study. We expect learners to complete the course within 3 to 28 days.
Entry Requirements
This course is open to anyone. You will be expected to have basic numeracy, literacy and IT skills in line with national occupational skills for assessors. You are also expected to be committed and serious about achieving the qualification. All learners should have access to the internet and a word processor.
Assessment
The course is assessed by a portfolio of evidence. You will normally be expected to complete written assignments to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of assessment.
What can I do after completion?
You can go on to complete the Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, the full assessor qualifications (Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement or Assessing Competence in the Work Environment), or any other learning and development courses.
How This Fits with the Other Assessor Qualifications
| Qualification | Price | Credits | GLH | Assessment environment | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment (this course) | £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) | 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) | £350 | 15 | Not stated | Workplace and classroom | 4 to 12 weeks |
This course is the knowledge-only foundation unit built into all three full assessor qualifications above, it doesn't make you a qualified assessor on its own. Take it standalone if you want the theory now without yet meeting a full qualification's practical requirement (occupational competence and access to at least two learners to assess), or go straight into one of the three full qualifications, which include this same unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this course qualify me as an assessor?
No. This is a knowledge-based qualification that provides the theoretical understanding underpinning assessment practice, but it doesn't certify you as an assessor. For that, you'll need one of the three full assessor qualifications: Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement, Assessing Competence in the Work Environment, or the Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (TAQA/CAVA).
Do I need to take this before the full assessor qualifications?
Not as a separate purchase if you're going straight for a full qualification: this unit is built into all three of them, so you'll cover this content either way. Taking it standalone mainly suits people who want the underpinning knowledge now without yet meeting a full qualification's practical requirement.
How is this course assessed?
Through a portfolio of evidence, using written assignments that demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of assessment principles and practice. There's no practical assessing requirement for this course.
What can I do after completing this course?
You can progress to a full assessor qualification, since this course's unit is already built into each of them. Which one to choose depends on where you'll be assessing: classroom or workshop, workplace only, or both.
Enrolment (Costs and Signing up)
Our course fees are fully inclusive and cover awarding body registration, dedicated tutor support, tutorial guidance, access to online learning resources, portfolio assessments, quality assurance and certification. There are no hidden fees. Payment is required within 5 days of booking.
Online / Distance Learning
Full cost: £190. Instalments: deposit £110, one monthly instalment of £110.
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