If you’re asking “Which assessor course do I need?” you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common questions we hear. The right Level 3 assessor qualification depends on your circumstances, where you’ll assess, and who you’ll assess.
In this guide, we’ll explain the four main Level 3 assessor courses (often referred to as TAQA qualifications), what each one is for, and how to choose the best option for you.
What are “TAQA” Qualifications?
You’ll often hear assessor courses described as TAQA qualifications — short for Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance. This is an umbrella term that covers a group of regulated qualifications.
The confusion usually comes from people thinking “TAQA” is one single course. In reality, you choose the Level 3 assessor qualification that fits your role and the environment you’ll assess in.
What Does It Mean to Be a Qualified Assessor?
A qualified assessor is someone who has completed an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 assessor qualification and is therefore allowed to assess learners in vocational or workplace settings. Assessors evaluate skills, knowledge, and competence against national standards, playing a crucial role in ensuring learners meet the requirements of their course or apprenticeship.
Many people assume you need a teaching qualification to become an assessor, but that isn’t the case. In most situations, you simply need the right Level 3 assessor qualification. You do not need:
- A teaching qualification
- A Level 1 or Level 2 in assessment
- Any prior assessor training
- Experience working in education
What you do need is experience or competence in the subject you plan to assess. For example, if you plan to assess health and social care, you should have relevant experience in that field. This is because assessors are expected to judge whether a learner is competent in a specific occupation. If you’re unsure which one to choose, we’re here to make it easy.
Understanding the Four Level 3 Assessor Qualifications
There are four Level 3 assessor qualifications. The qualification you choose should match where and how you plan to assess. Here is a clear breakdown of the four options:
Who are These Assessor Courses for?
Assessor qualifications are generic across industries, meaning they apply whether you work in construction, health and social care, hospitality, education, engineering, business admin — and more.
They sit alongside your subject expertise and any occupational qualifications you already have. We support a wide range of learners, including:
- College staff
- Independent training providers
- Workplace trainers and assessors
So, How Do I Know Which Assessor Course Is Right for Me?
Choosing the right assessor qualification depends entirely on your situation, your learners, and where you expect to assess. Here is a simple way to identify your best fit:
- If you want full flexibility, will assess in more than one setting, or simply aren’t sure — choose CAVA.
- If you will assess competence only in the workplace — choose ACWE.
- If you will assess learning in a training environment only — choose AVRA.
- If you want assessment knowledge without carrying out assessments — choose UPPA.
Still unsure? We’re always happy to help you choose the right route.
Why Train with ATC Training?
When you’re choosing an assessor course, support and flexibility matter — especially if you’re fitting it around work.
With ATC Training you benefit from:
- Bulk discounts for teams and organisations
- Flexible study options — enrol anytime and complete by distance learning
- The option to arrange an online or classroom workshop for your team
- Extensive online training resources, with optional hard copy materials
- Fast certificate turnaround — typically within 7 days of completion
- An Ofqual-regulated qualification (RQF), recognised internationally
Still Unsure? We’ll Point You to the Right Course
If you’re not 100% sure which assessor qualification you need, we can help you choose the right option based on where you’ll be assessing (in the workplace or in a training environment), who you’ll be assessing, and whether you need the full certificate or a shorter award to start with.
Get in touch with our team and we’ll guide you to the right course for you!
