Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievements (CAVA)

The Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement is a recognised qualification that is intended for those who assess both occupational competence in the work environment and vocational skills, knowledge and understanding in environments other than the workplace, (such as workshops, classrooms or other education and training settings.)

The qualification will be assessed through a combination of written essays, a portfolio of evidence and observation of occupational competence. All units, assignments and learning materials for the course can be accessed through our online learning platform.

The Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (RQF) is for practitioners who assess the demonstration of competence in a work environment using the following assessment methods: observation, examining work products, oral questioning and discussion, use of others (e.g. witnesses), learner statements and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

It is also for practitioners who assess knowledge and/or skills in vocationally-related subject areas who use the following assessment methods: assessments in simulated environments, skills tests, oral and written questions, assignments, projects, case studies and RPL. This may take place in training workshops, classrooms or other learning environments.

The L3 CAVA is intended for those who wish to gain an understanding of the principles and practices of assessment without any requirement to practice as assessors. It is a knowledge-only award. It has been designed:

• For individuals who are not in an assessor's role, or who have just started their journey as an assessor in the further education and skills sector / private sector
• For individuals who are interested in knowing more about assessment or who need to know about assessment practice as part of their role
• For individuals who want a short qualification to enable them to make career choices
• For individuals who are not currently practicing e.g. a starting point for aspiring assessors or a professional development qualification for managers, HR or quality assurance personnel
• For individuals who are carrying out assessments and quality assurance in most learning environments including FE, Adult Continuing Learning, Employers and Third Sector
• For individuals who are carrying out quality assurance in all occupational sectors
• For individuals working in accredited learning OR non accredited learning (where people may assess performance but do not assess for a qualification); the NQF and the RQF
• For individuals who have already achieved some Education & Training or Learning & Development units that can be carried forward into this qualification
• For individuals who have completed some introduction to training qualifications

Minimum entry requirement:

- 19+

- UNEMPLOYED or earning less than London Living Wage of £13.15 per hour (you have to provide proof of unemployment or wage to qualify, i.e. Universal Credit statement or payslip)

- Be a resident in London (you have to supply proof of residential address)

- Have the right to live and work in the UK

- Have a valid ID (i.e. passport, birth certificate, biometric resident card)

- Students must be able to demonstrate skills in Maths and English at Level 2

- You must be in-service or in a voluntary position – you will be observed in your workplace setting

- Good reading and writing skills in English

This qualification is suitable for those who assess progress in their work environment. The course provides the student with the knowledge, skills and understanding of how to assess occupational and vocational competence in the work environment, as well as underpinning the principles and practices of assessment.