Is this course right for you?
This course is for you if...
- ✓ You work in a training, workplace or further education setting and assess learners
- ✓ You want to gain the nationally recognised assessor award to quality-mark your practice
- ✓ You are an NVQ assessor, trainer or HR professional involved in staff development
- ✓ You want to progress towards an IQA (internal quality assurance) role
After this course, you can...
- → Work as a qualified NVQ or workplace assessor across any vocational sector
- → Apply for Training and Development Officer or Further Education Lecturer positions
- → Progress to the Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes
- → Demonstrate assessed competence to employers and awarding bodies
You'll need...
- • Access to a real assessment context (workplace or vocational setting) to gather portfolio evidence
- • A computer or tablet with internet access
- • Good written English at Level 2 or above
- • Be aged 19 or over
Course overview
The TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) is the standard qualification for anyone who assesses competence-based qualifications in England. Replacing the legacy D1 and A1 Assessor Awards, it sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework at Level 3 and carries the qualification code 601/2389/8. The certificate covers three interconnected areas: the underpinning principles of assessment, assessing occupational competence through workplace observation, and assessing vocational skills and knowledge through tests, projects and assignments. Because assessment is a practical activity, the qualification is assessed entirely through a portfolio of evidence. There are no exams, no timed tests and no grades. You either demonstrate the required occupational competence or you work towards it further. With 84 guided learning hours and a total qualification time of 150 hours, most learners complete within six to twelve months while continuing in their existing role.
What you'll study
Three units cover every aspect of fair, evidence-based assessment in vocational and workplace settings.
3 credits / 24 GLH / 16 lessons
This unit builds the theoretical foundations for everything that follows. You will study the role of assessment in learning and development, the key concepts and principles that underpin fair practice, and the legal and regulatory responsibilities that every assessor holds. Topics include comparing assessment methods and matching them to individual learner needs, planning holistic and risk-managed assessment, involving learners and peers in the process, judging evidence for sufficiency, authenticity and currency, and maintaining robust records. The unit closes with equality, diversity, reflective practice and continuing professional development.
6 credits / 30 GLH / 8 lessons
This unit moves into the workplace and focuses on direct observation of performance. You will learn how to plan competence assessments that address individual learner needs and maximise holistic opportunities, how to conduct workplace observations and examine products of work, and how to make legally compliant, consistent decisions. Additional topics cover questioning techniques, witness testimony, recognition of prior learning, record-keeping, confidentiality, and reflective practice as a workplace assessor.
6 credits / 30 GLH / 8 lessons
This unit focuses on assessing skills, knowledge and understanding through methods other than direct workplace observation, such as assignments, tests, projects and presentations. You will learn how to select appropriate vocational assessment methods, prepare resources and communicate requirements to learners, manage the assessment activity, analyse evidence, make decisions, and provide constructive feedback. Record-keeping, equality duties and continuing professional development complete the unit.
How you are assessed
Portfolio of Evidence
You compile a portfolio that demonstrates your competence across all three units. Evidence typically includes observation records, learner work products, assessment plans and reflective accounts.
Pass or Refer Only
There are no grades or marks. Your assessor makes a pass or refer decision for each unit based on whether your evidence meets the assessment criteria. A refer simply means gathering further evidence.
No Exams
There are no written examinations or timed assessments. Everything is evidenced through your real practice, making the qualification directly relevant to what you already do in your professional role.
Frequently asked questions
The Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) is the recognised assessor award in England for practitioners who assess competence-based and knowledge-based qualifications. This version is awarded by TQUK (Training Qualifications UK) and sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework with the code 601/2389/8. It replaces the older D1 and A1 Assessor Awards.
Yes. Because the qualification is assessed through a portfolio of real evidence, you need access to an assessment context where you can observe learners, judge their evidence, and keep assessment records. Most learners are already working as assessors, trainers or further education lecturers when they enrol. If you are about to move into assessment work, you should secure that placement before starting.
The total qualification time is 150 hours, which includes 84 guided learning hours. Most learners who are actively working in an assessment role complete the qualification within six to twelve months. The timeline depends on how quickly you can gather sufficient portfolio evidence across all three units.
The CAVA replaces and extends the older A1 Assessor Award (and the D1 Award before it). If you hold the A1 Award, many employers and awarding bodies still accept it, but the CAVA is the current standard. Some organisations now require the full CAVA certificate rather than just one of its component units.
With the CAVA, you can work as a qualified NVQ assessor, workplace assessor or vocational trainer across any industry sector. Many CAVA holders go on to complete the Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Standards (IQA), which qualifies them to quality-assure other assessors' decisions.
No. The CAVA is assessed entirely through a portfolio of evidence. There are no written examinations, no timed assessments and no graded marks. Assessment decisions are pass or refer only, made by a qualified assessor who reviews your portfolio evidence against the stated assessment criteria.