Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (IQA Course)
The Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (IQA Course) has replaced the old D34 and V1 qualifications. This course is aimed at candidates who are in charge of internal quality assurance of an organisation involved in learning and development. Coursetopia encourages candidates to submit naturally occurring evidence from their work environment. We welcome other evidence such as prior learning and do not just rely on assignments. Candidates who have already achieved the Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice can upgrade their qualification to be recognised as an Internal Quality Assurer at a discount. The course has a 90 hours guided learning requirement. You are usually expected to complete this course within 2 to 12 weeks depending on your enrolment.
Course Structure
| Unit Number | Unit Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment | 6 |
| 2 | Internally assure the quality of assessment | 6 |
Course Delivery and Support
Classroom (Face-to-face Classes or Workshops)
Classroom-based delivery provides direct face-to-face interaction with our experienced quality assurance tutors. Learners attend scheduled sessions or workshops where they engage in practical activities, group discussions, and peer review exercises under direct supervision.
Blended Learning
Blended learning combines the flexibility of self-paced online study with structured face-to-face or virtual classroom support. You complete theoretical coursework online through our dedicated learning portal while attending practical workshops for guidance on internal quality assurance sampling and feedback.
Online (Distance Learning)
Online distance learning offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace from anywhere. You receive full access to comprehensive learning resources, assignment guides, and dedicated one-to-one tutor support via email, phone, and web portal.
What is the purpose of Internal Quality Assurance?
The purpose of Internal Quality Assurance in learning and development is to ensure standards are maintained or improved. In a typical educational establishment, dedicated internal quality assurance staff ensure their organisation is compliant to awarding body, Ofqual, and at times Ofsted requirements. They ensure compliance with other regulators such as organisations providing funding. Organisations are audited to ensure they meet the needs of learners, staff and other stakeholders such as employers. They ensure rights of learners such as accessing appeals, complaints and reasonable adjustment procedures. Rights of assessors include being supported and provided guidance regarding standards (standardisation) and continuous professional development. Rights under equality, confidentiality, safeguarding, welfare are paramount. Good internal quality assurance ensures learners and staff are treated fairly. All stakeholders such as employers and parents should be included. The training in place has to provide learners the maximum opportunities to succeed. Both structures and practice should not disadvantage learners. Internal quality assurance also helps with identifying problems and opportunities where improvement might be required such as staff development. As a result, it helps with improving the integrity of qualifications, courses, trainers and educational providers. Quality assurance also makes it easy to streamline roles, responsibility, ownership and accountability.
How long is this Internal Verifier Qualification course?
Key Facts
The duration of this Internal Verifier Qualification course depends on several factors, including your existing experience, dedication, and the speed at which you gather portfolio evidence. You are usually expected to complete this course within 2 to 10 weeks, depending on your enrolment and study schedule.
Entry Requirements
This course is open to anyone who has quality assurance duties within a learning and development environment. Candidates are expected to have access to at least two assessors whose work they can internally assure. You should possess basic numeracy, literacy, and IT skills, along with access to the internet and a word processor. Coursetopia might be able to provide placement support where needed. Candidates should be committed and serious about achieving their qualification.
Assessment
Assessment is conducted via a portfolio of evidence using a holistic approach. For the theoretical component, candidates answer 3 questions. For the practical element, candidates must support at least two assessors and demonstrate evidence of sampling assessment evidence, giving feedback, conducting standardisation, and promoting continuous professional development.
What can I do after completion?
After completion, you can practice as a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (Internal Verifier). You can also go on to complete the Level 4 Award in the internal quality assurance of assessment processes and practice or any other learning and development courses to further advance your qualifications.
How This Fits with the Other Quality Assurance Qualifications
| Qualification | Price | Credits | GLH | Practical requirement | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice | £190 | 6 | 45 | Knowledge only - no requirement to supervise assessors | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, IQA Award (this course) | £395 (£250 if you already hold the Understanding IQA Award) | 12 | 90 | Access to at least two assessors to supervise | 2 to 10 weeks |
| Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (Certificate) | £490 | 17 | 115 | Team leader status, plus access to at least two assessors | 3 to 15 weeks |
This course's Unit 1 is the same content as Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, sold separately above, that's why holding it already unlocks the £250 upgrade price instead of the full £395. If you're managing the wider IQA process rather than supervising assessors directly yourself, the Leading IQA Certificate goes further than this course does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this course replace the old D34 and V1 qualifications?
Yes, this is the current Level 4 qualification that replaced the older D34 and V1 internal verifier awards. If you hold one of those, it remains a legitimate qualification, but this is the current standard for anyone starting out today.
What's the upgrade price for, and do I qualify?
If you already hold the Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice award, its content is the same as Unit 1 of this course, so you can take this course at the reduced £250 upgrade price instead of the standard £395.
Does completing this also qualify me in external quality assurance?
No. This course qualifies you as an internal quality assurer, sampling and supervising your own organisation's assessors. External quality assurance is a separate process carried out by awarding bodies, and our related Understanding External Quality Assurance award is knowledge-only, it doesn't qualify you to practise as an external verifier either.
What's the difference between this and the Leading IQA Certificate?
This IQA Award qualifies you to carry out internal quality assurance yourself, sampling and supervising assessors. The Leading IQA Certificate is aimed at those managing that process more broadly, overseeing the IQA function itself, and expects team leader status in addition to access to assessors.
Enrolment (Costs and Signing up)
Enrolling on the Level 4 IQA course is quick and simple. We offer competitive pricing with options for upfront payment or manageable monthly instalments.
Standard Course Fee: Full cost £395. Instalments: deposit £215, one monthly instalment of £215.
Upgrade (for those who already hold the Understanding IQA Award): Full cost £250. Instalments: deposit £150, one monthly instalment of £150.
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