ProQual Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality AssuranceofAssessment Processes and Practice (RQF)

Course Overview

The ProQual Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (RQF) is a nationally recognised qualification awarded by ProQual and regulated by Ofqual.

This qualification is designed for professionals responsible for maintaining and improving the quality of assessment within organisations or assessment centres. It equips Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs) with the knowledge, practical skills, and occupational competence required to monitor assessment practice, support assessors, and ensure assessment decisions meet current regulatory standards.

Learners develop a thorough understanding of internal quality assurance principles, including:

• Planning and managing IQA activities

• Sampling assessment decisions

• Supporting and developing assessors

• Maintaining validity, reliability, and fairness in assessment

• Ensuring compliance with legislation and awarding body requirements

• Managing information securely and ethically

The qualification integrates theoretical understanding with practical, workplace-based evidence, ensuring learners are fully prepared to perform role-specific IQA responsibilities confidently and competently.

Qualification Details

• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 90

• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 120

Why Choose This Qualification?

• Nationally recognised and Ofqual-regulated qualification

• Builds essential competence for internal quality assurance roles

• Ideal progression from assessor qualifications (A1, D32/33, Level 3 CAVA)

• Develops both knowledge (principles and practices) and performance (practical IQA skills)

• Flexible, work-based assessment using real workplace evidence

• Highly valued in OFSTED-compliant environments, apprenticeship providers, colleges, and training centres

This qualification provides the foundation required to support assessors effectively, standardise assessment practice, and maintain compliance with both internal and external quality assurance frameworks.

Who Is This Course For?

This qualification is suitable for individuals who:

• Maintain the quality of assessment decisions within an organisation

• Monitor and support assessors in their day-to-day practice

• Ensure assessment decisions are valid, reliable, fair, and consistent

It is ideal for professionals working in or progressing into roles such as:

• Internal Quality Assurer (IQA)

• Lead IQA

• Assessment Centre Quality Reviewer

• Apprenticeship IQA

• Training Centre Compliance Officer

The qualification is applicable across education, vocational training, apprenticeships, private training providers, and workplace learning environments.

Course Structure

To achieve the Level 4 Award, learners must complete two mandatory units:

1. Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of Assessment

2. Internally Assure the Quality of Assessment

Both units must be successfully completed to achieve the full qualification.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements. However, it is strongly recommended that learners already hold an assessor qualification, such as:

• Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment

• Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)

• A1 or D32/D33 Assessor Awards

Learners must also have access to a real work environment where they can internally quality assure assessment activity.

Assessment Method

This is a competence-based qualification assessed through a portfolio of evidence. Learners must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

Accepted evidence may include:

• Assessor observations

• IQA monitoring reports

• Professional discussions

• Written assignments

• Witness testimonies

• IQA sampling plans

• Records of standardisation meetings

• Reflective accounts

• Product evidence from real workplace practice

One piece of evidence may contribute to multiple criteria where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be employed as an IQA?

Yes. Learners must be in a role where they can monitor at least two assessors, each working with a minimum of two candidates, as this forms part of the evidence requirement. Workplace evidence is strongly preferred.

Is this qualification suitable for apprenticeship providers?

Yes. The Level 4 Award is widely used across apprenticeship and work-based learning organisations to meet internal quality assurance requirements.

What can I progress to after completing this qualification?

Progression routes include:

• Level 4 Certificate in Leading Internal Quality Assurance

• Management qualifications

• Senior quality assurance or compliance roles

How long does it take to complete?

The guided learning requirement is 90 hours. Most learners complete the qualification within 8–16 weeks, depending on workplace activity and portfolio development.