CAVA (Assessing Vocational Achievement) - Level 3 Certificate

CAVA is a nationally accepted qualification to give you the skills and sound assessment principles needed to assess in simulated environments, skills tests, oral and written questions, assignments, projects, case studies, and RPL assessments.

You will cover all the essential principles and practices of training, assessment, and quality assurance, including competence and achievement assessment. Learning is closely linked with your current work environment. The course is structured across three half-day workshops, covering key aspects of the programme, observations of work-based assessments, professional discussions and regular 1-1 progress meetings with your tutor.

The Assessor qualification requires the completion of the following three units:

• Unit 301: Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment - This is a knowledge-only unit. The practitioner will be required to complete written questions and a professional discussion to achieve the unit.
• Unit 302: Assess Occupational Competence in the Work Environment - This unit is for practitioners who assess their competence in a work environment using the following assessment methods: observation, examination of work products, and questioning. This competency-based unit requires the practitioner to be assessed via professional discussion, workplace observation and the submission of a portfolio of evidence.
• Unit 303: Assess Vocational Skills, Knowledge and Understanding - This unit is for practitioners who assess their learners’ achievement in vocationally related situations, including classrooms or workshops, using the following assessment methods: skills tests, assignments and projects. This competency-based unit requires the practitioner to be assessed via professional discussion, workplace observation and the submission of a portfolio of evidence.

You must work in the post-16 sector assessing knowledge and/or skills in vocationally related subject areas.

You will be invited to an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for you.

Assessment methods include:

• Observation
• Witness testimony
• Interview and discussion
• Oral and written questions
• Assignments
• Projects and case studies

Adults - Level 3

This course may be free if you meet certain conditions:

• If you are not working or have a low income. You need to show proof of your income or benefits.
• If you are aged 19-23 and you do not have a full Level 3 qualification (a full L3 is the equivalent of two A-levels at A* - E grade). You need to show us proof of any qualifications you already have.
• Residency rules apply. You need to show you have permission to live, work and study in the UK without conditions if you live in London, or 3 years if you live outside London.
• There are some exceptions, such as certain visa types.

Check here which documents you need to show us, and which visa types are allowed.

If you do not meet the residency rules, you can still enrol on the course but you may have to pay some fees. All applicants are fee-assessed during enrolment.

If you are not eligible for a free or reduced-cost course, you need to pay the full fee yourself, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

If you have to pay for your course, and decide to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan (ALL), the residency rules are different: https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.

Some courses have additional costs, such as for specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

The cost for this course is £252.00 (Overseas £604.80) if you do not meet the above criteria to study this course for free.

This qualification can help you to progress in your career as a Qualified Assessor and Trainer. Learners may also choose to take one of the following related qualifications:

• Level 3 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector
• Level 4 Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector
• Level 5 Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector