Qualification Overview

The Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment (RQF) is intended for those who wish to gain an understanding of the principles and practices of assessment, without any requirement to practice as assessors. Learners who undertake this qualification will be able to assess a candidate assessor’s knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of assessment.

Aims and Objectives

• To equip learners with knowledge and understanding of assessment principles and practices.
• To allow learners to assess a candidate assessor’s understanding of assessment concepts.
• To support progression into further assessment, internal quality assurance, and related qualifications.

Learning Outcomes

Learners who successfully complete the unit will:

1. Understand the principles, scope and function of assessment.
2. Understand different assessment methods.
3. Know how to make assessment decisions.
4. Understand how to plan an assessment.
5. Understand how to involve learners and others in assessment.
6. Understand the quality assurance of assessment.

Course Duration

• Guided Learning Hours: 24 hours
• Total Qualification Time: 30 hours (which includes guided learning, self-study, and assessment activities)

In practice, the course may run over several weeks depending on delivery pace, but the core contact time is 24 hours.

Entry Requirements

• There are no formal entry requirements; learners may enrol at the discretion of the centre.
• Learners should be aged 19 or older to undertake the qualification.

Who This Course Is For

• Individuals seeking a foundational understanding of assessment principles without the need to act as assessors.
• Those preparing for further qualifications in assessment, internal quality assurance, or education and training.
• Employees in organisations where an understanding of assessment is beneficial, such as training departments, learning and development or human resources.

Mandatory Units

Learners must complete one mandatory unit to achieve the qualification, gaining a total of 3 credits.

Unit Title	Unit Reference	Level	Credit	Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment	D/601/5313	3	3	24

There are no optional units for this qualification.

Assessment Methods

• The qualification is internally assessed.
• Learners are required to produce a portfolio of evidence demonstrating achievement of all learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
• Evidence types may include:
  • Assessor observations
  • Witness testimony
  • Learner products
  • Worksheets
  • Assignments, projects or reports
  • Oral and written questioning records
  • Learner and peer reports
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Evidence may be drawn from real or simulated situations where appropriate.

Career Progression and Further Education

Completion of this qualification supports progression into roles involving assessment, training, or quality assurance functions. It provides an excellent foundation for further study in assessment and internal verification.

Further Education Opportunities

Learners may progress to higher-level qualifications, including:

• Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement
• Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices
• Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices
• Level 4 Award in Understanding the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
• Level 4 Certificate in Leading the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice

These qualifications develop more advanced competence in assessment, internal and external quality assurance and leadership of QA functions.

Salary Expectations

Typical UK salary expectations for roles related to assessment and quality assurance are as follows:

RQF / NVQ / Vocational Assessor

• Entry-level salaries: £22,000 – £25,000
• Experienced assessors: up to £35,000

Payment Options

(1) One-off payment = £480

(2) Two equal instalments of £275