So you’re interested in becoming an assessor? The assessment role is challenging but fulfilling and highly enjoyable.
It is a growing field that offers a lot of opportunities for those who are passionate about education and training.
This article explains exactly what steps you can take in order to launch your career as an assessor within your industry.
But first, let’s just briefly cover what exactly an assessor does.
An assessor is someone who evaluates the skills, knowledge, and abilities of individuals to determine if they meet certain standards and criteria.
This is a vital role in ensuring that people receive the certifications and qualifications they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
In order to become an assessor, you will need:
- The necessary skills and qualities required to assess others
- Relevant industry experience – for example, if you are assessing hair stylists, you must have gained expertise and experience as a hair stylist yourself
- A formal assessment qualification that demonstrates you have the formal skills required to be an assessor
- Strong ethics and professional principles around fairness, equality, inclusion and diversity
What Qualifications Do I Need to Become an Assessor?
An assessor will need one of the different types of TAQA / Assessor Qualifications depending on who, what and where they are assessing.
As mentioned above you should have a qualification to at least level 3 in your vocational or subject area.
You do not need a certain number of GCSEs, although good levels of literacy and numeracy are required, as you will be supporting the development of vocationally related literacy and numeracy of your students
You should be digitally literate or willing to learn digital skills as many assessments are carried out using some form of technology for example e-portfolios; digital voice recorders; Teams / Zoom.
Many of your tasks as an assessor will be digital in nature, such as assessing written assessments using your computer. So, it’s a good idea to have decent skills in word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and online content.
Here is an overview of the different assessment qualifications available to you, and a handy quiz to help you decide which one is best for you 👇
Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment
If you are new into the role of assessing; want to become a qualified assessor or assess learners as part of a teaching or training role, this qualification will provide you with a sound knowledge of using assessment competently and appropriately.
If you are not currently working with learners/students; this qualification will provide the knowledge (theory) behind what you will need to do as an assessor. It will show any potential employer that you are committed to becoming an assessor.
The course is delivered over 4 x half day workshops via Zoom, followed by 3 assignments.
Through attending this course, you will be able to understand:
Award in Assessment of Vocationally Related Achievement Level 3
If you are teaching and assessing students vocational knowledge and skills in a workshop or classroom situation.
This is the industry standard qualification that you must hold.
You must be able to work with 2 learners in the workplaces to demonstrate your assessing skills.
The course is delivered split into 3 parts:
- The completion of 3 assignments.
- Practical work – carrying out assessment activity in the workplace
- 4 half day workshops delivered via Zoom
Through attending this course, you will be able to:
Level 3 Award in Assessment of Competence in the Work Environment Level 3
If you assess students in the workplace against industry or occupational standards, this is the industry standard qualification that you must hold.
If you are currently assessing learners in the work environment e.g. those who are employed. This qualification is made up of the theory unit (above) and a practical unit which requires you to provide evidence of working with 2 learners in the workplace; who you are planning and carrying out assessment with; giving feedback and making decisions about their performance (competence) in the workplace.
You must have access to a qualified assessor who can “countersign” your work, to check you are making the right decisions. You also must be able to attend standardisation meetings. (These are where you meet with other assessors to check that you are all assessing in the same way – they’re a great opportunity to learn from your colleagues)
Through attending this course, you will be able to:
Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement Level 3 (CAVA)
If you assess students knowledge, skills and competence in the workplace against industry or occupational standards. This is the industry standard qualification that you must hold. You must be able to work with 2 learners in the workplaces to demonstrate your assessing skills.
Through attending this course, you will be able to:
What Other Skills And Qualities Do I Need To Become An Assessor?
The main skills and qualities of an assessor are:
Good Communication Skills
an assessor works with a wide range of individuals; it is important you can build up a good rapport with each of your students to allow a good working relationship; you will need to communicate with a wide range of people both internally and externally to your organisation including the student’s employer; your line manager; your quality assurer;
Flexible and Adaptable
An assessor will have to work in different work places; be required to communicate with people in a wide range of different situations; you will also be working towards industry or occupational standards which may change form time to time; you may be working within funding requirements which may change from time to time;
Organisation Skills
An assessor will often have a caseload of students to manage; this includes booking monthly appointments; marking work; giving feedback; meeting organisation requirements for paperwork and deadlines
Supportive Towards Others
An assessor will be their student’s guide through their qualification; they will provide advice and guidance throughout the qualification process
Good Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills
You will be writing a lot of reports, supporting your learners with the development of their own literacy and numeracy (occupationally focused) and using digital skills to assess and communicate with your learners
What Is The Role Of An Assessor? What Does An Assessor Do?
An Assessor is a professional who evaluates the skills and knowledge of individuals in a specific field or subject area against a set of occupational or industry standards.
The process typically involves:
- Planning and conducting assessments
- Using a range of evidence including writing reports
- Carrying out observations and asking questions
- Making judgements as to whether individuals have sufficient knowledge, skills and competence to carry out a role
- Completing paperwork and writing professional commentary
- Making recommendations for improvement
Assessors do not just tick a box, they actively provide support, guidance and training for the individual to reach their full potential. They’re essentially use their own knowledge and skills they have developed during their careers, to pass on to the next generation.
Assessors are also experts in their own vocational area (for example, hairdressing, car mechanic) or in a subject area (project management, health & safety) who are qualified at least to level 3 and are confident in their ability to pass on their knowledge.
You certainly wouldn’t want an unskilled or untrained hairdresser testing others to determine whether their haircutting skills are up to scratch.
Unskilled assessors typically can’t ‘step in’ to this role, even when there’s a formal assessment framework in place.
You must be a skilled and training professional in your field before you can begin assessing the skills of others.
What Are The Responsibilities Of An Assessor?
The responsibilities of an assessor can vary depending on what and where they are assessing, but generally include:
- Planning and carrying out assessments in line with qualification or industry standards
- Motivate and inspire individuals to produce a range of evidence e.g. reports, documents, case studies to achieve their qualification; giving developmental feedback to support progression and promote good working standards
- Provide teaching or training – where skills or knowledge gaps are identified with students; assessors are required to share appropriate resources; to liaise with employers for additional training to be provided for individuals; to sign post to industry website / teaching materials. Assessors may also be asked to help develop and delivery training sessions and materials.
- Work in a safe, fair and ethical way – treat everyone with equity making sound judgements that are not biased; following the Code of Practice for the sector Education Workforce Council in Wales; Education and Training Foundation in England.
- Follow legislation and regulation to ensure your own and your student’s safety; welfare; privacy at all times
- Continue your professional development, both in your area of expertise, to maintain currency of knowledge; but also in education and teaching practices
Where Can I Find Assessor Jobs?
Assessors generally work in the post-16 education sector, in work-based training, or professional development departments within large organisations.
Current Vacancies are published on Educators Wales or search Assessor Jobs on Indeed.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Qualified Assessor?
How long the qualifications take depends on you!
The theory workshops take place once a week over 4 weeks (half a day a week). You will then have 3 short assignments to complete. These take between 6-12 hours to complete depending on how much research you do or how well you know they role already. We will supply a handbook to help you with the assignment.
The practical units requires you working with your own 2 learners over a minimum period of 3 months. This is so you can plan, carry out assessment, make decisions, give feedback in a timely way. It also depends on your own learners completing their work for you to assess!
The practical units usually take between 4-6 months to achieve, but it does depend on your own commitment, time management and learner’s completing their work!.
How Do I Get Started?
Get started by accessing our Assessor Toolkit to get you started with developing your skills in assessment
We love having a chat with anyone considering assessing as a career.
Starting out, it can be a bit of as minefield, so please ring us on 029 21679037 to discuss this further.
Final Thoughts On Becoming An Assessor
Becoming an assessor requires a combination of education, experience, and skill. You need to have a deep understanding of the industry and the assessment process, as well as the ability to evaluate and provide feedback effectively.
Have you completed your qualifications in the relevant field? Have you gained enough hands-on experience in the industry?
If so, then you’re on the right track.
Don’t forget to also sharpen your interpersonal and communication skills, as this will come in handy when you’re conducting assessments and providing feedback.
The final step is to get a formal assessment qualification.
This will give you the official stamp of approval and recognition for your skills and knowledge. Plus, it will help you stand out from the crowd and give you a competitive edge in the market.
So, what’s next?
It’s time to hit the ground running and put your skills and knowledge to the test.
Becoming a qualified assessor is a rewarding journey that requires a combination of education, experience, and skill. So, if you’re up for the challenge, go ahead and take the leap.
The world of assessment is waiting for you – at Panda Education, we’re here to guide you along your journey!
