What is Internal Quality Assurer (IQA)?
An Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) is an individual or a team of individuals responsible for the assessment process and practices of training and assessment organizations. An assessment can be conducted to assess a qualification, a learning programme, or workplace competence. In a way, we can say that the journey of a learner is monitored through assessment process to make sure if all the parts have been evaluated in agreement of the policies and procedures of the training centre.
If you are considering playing the role of an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) or thinking to be a freelancer we have all the answers for your questions. Other than this you may also be asked to conduct an IQA for a training centre after achieving the Level 4 IQA Course.
Is it a fully accredited course?
Yes the course is a fully accredited course, means it is an Ofqual Regulated Qualification (RQF). Ofqual is the authority which controls and recognizes British examination boards offering GCSEs and GCE A levels while it is the Joint Council for Qualifications which regulates administration of actual GCSE and A Level examinations.
What does the IQA qualification involve?
There are 2 units in the current Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice. The course consists of one written assignment followed by a portfolio of practical evidence.
These 2 units are:
- Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment (6 Credits)
- Internally assure the quality of assessments (6 Credits)
This set of unit is completely knowledge based and doesn’t give you enough information to be an IQA. You will have to complete Unit 2 to achieve the complete qualification.
Unit 1 of theoretical Assignment: There is no official word count for this unit and you can write as much as needed to put in the information but the suggested word count for this unit is 3000 words. The assignments can be written in the form of first person or the third person and can be passed easily in the first or second submission by the most of the candidates.
Unit 2: The Unit 2 involves understanding the role and responsibilities of an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA). The key IQA documents like an IQA sample plan, observation and meeting plan will also be explained to you in this unit.
How many guided hours are required to complete the course?
The course is covered in 90 Guided Learning Hours (GLC).
How long does a learner take to complete the course?
Although, there are no official time limitations set to complete the course and the learner can take as much time as he wants to complete it yet an average candidate completes the course in a three to four months time.
Does this qualification need to be renewed after a certain time?
No, the qualification stays with you for life long and you don’t need a renewal after completing the course.
Does this course have recognition outside UK also?
Actually, it’s a fact that UK qualifications are highly sought after internationally but the Level 4 IQA is a UK based course.
What are the requirements for the course?
For this course the candidate must be at least 19 year old and the basic IT skills can be an add o advantage for him while completing the assignment and portfolio. Apart from this, the candidate needs to have access to any two colleagues or people who have access to learners while working within a teaching or assessing role.
How long does it to receive the certificate after completing the course?
Usually, it may take from 10-15 days to process the certificate once the candidate has completed the course. It directly mailed to the email id of the booker of the course.
In which form the certificate is received?
The candidate doesn’t receive the hard copy of the certificate as all certificates are electronic (PDF). The candidate can download and print the certificate after receiving it on his/her mail.
Is there any need to complete the CAVA (Assessing) Qualification before going for the IQA course?
There is no need to complete the CAVA (Assessing) Qualification before IQA but in order to best support your assessors you can think of either CAVA or a teaching qualification in future.
Career Opportunities available after completing IQA: There are multiple career opportunities available after completing the IQA course. You can work as an in-house or freelance IQA once you finish your Level 4 IQA course. You can contact your nominated awarding body if you are thinking to become a freelancer IQA.
The use of a freelance IQA can be very cost effective when centers only have one or two trainers/assessors. There is an additional advantage if you work as a freelancer that is you may pick up good practice ideas that you can carry forward because you get to see a number of different centres. This qualification also helps you in setting up your own training company. You can also consider the Lead IQA course after finishing Level 4 IQA.
What are the responsibilities of an IQA?
The roles and responsibilities of an IQA can vary to the policies of the training organization and subject areas but there could be some duties which can be same in general and these are:
- Discussions with candidates
- Checking the expertise and qualifications of trainers or assessors
- Observations of assessors undertaking assessments
- Monitoring the planning of assessments
- Reviewing of portfolio assessments
- Desk reviews of assessor paperwork
- Examining the execution of rules and procedures
- Taking part or leading in standardization meetings with assessors
- Taking part or leading in standardization meetings with other IQA’s
- Meeting with the EQA of the Awarding Organisation
- IQA activity record maintenance
- Observing and lending support to the development of assessors
- Observing and lending support to the development of other IQA’s
- Attending complaints or appeals process for any disputes
