RQF assessor
Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) assessors check vocational courses and help trainees to meet the standards.
Also known as: NVQ assessor, training assessor
- Starter salary£22,000 a year
- Experienced£35,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 39 a week
What you'll do
In this job, you may:
- plan and run vocational training programmes and workshops
- observe and assess trainees in their workplace
- interview trainees and examine their portfolios of evidence
- give constructive feedback and offer advice on how to meet standards
- keep records of trainees' progress
- work closely with training staff and employers
Working environment
You could work at a client's business or in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- to enjoy working with other people
- customer service skills
- sensitivity and understanding
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a rQF assessor
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
College
You'll need industry experience and a minimum of a level 3 qualification in the type of work you plan to assess.
You'll also need an assessing qualification, like:
- Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment - for assessing in the workplace
- Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement - for assessing outside the workplace
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement - for assessing in the workplace and outside the workplace
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
Apprenticeship
You could do a Learning and Skills Assessor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
You'll usually need a qualification in the subject you want to assess. Employers will also look for relevant up-to-date work experience.
The apprenticeship takes a minimum of a year to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
- have a full driving licence
Career path and progression
With relevant experience and qualifications, you could:
- lead a team of assessors
- move into further education teaching
- become a training manager
You could also be an internal or external verifier, checking the quality of work of assessors and training centres.
You may want to work towards chartered assessor status for your own professional development, through the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors.
Guides for this industry
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