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What should I do for Continual Professional Development (CPD)?
In this blog I will set out what Continual Professional Development (CPD) is, if your work role is in Training/Assessing or Quality Assurance. I will also cover how to decide what CPD would be best for you over the next year.
In a nutshell CPD is any activity which develops or enhances your professional role. It is how you maintain a high level of professionalism. It is also an important part of the quality assurance process of any training organisation and you should be able to provide a record of CPD to your employer, for quality assurance purposes and even to your learners if requested.
CPD is a way of keeping up to date with changes within your industry. For example I teach first aid so it is important that my knowledge and understanding of the guidance provided by the UK Resus Council is kept up to date. I know that this is reviewed every 5 years so that helps me to be aware of when changes to training may occur.
Undertaking short courses for CPD can also raise your own awareness and understanding of issues that may be affecting your learners and which may change the way you approach your teaching sessions. These could include safeguarding, promoting equality and valuing diversity, understanding neurodiversity and an awareness of LGBQT+
CPD can also motivate and inspire you in your own journey as a trainer, assessor or quality assurer. Maybe you love to read books and articles by those in your industry and in business in general who demonstrate some of the same values that you have. The way to improve and to rise to the next level is to follow and be mentored by those who are already at that higher level and can teach you how to get there too.
What CPD should I be doing?
There are the 3 key areas that you could consider: Values, Knowledge and Skills. Critically reflect on each area and then make a plan for development. At the end of this blog post you will find a link to a downloadable pdf to help you reflect of these 3 key areas.
Values - who you are.
What are your own beliefs and practices? What underlies your reason for being a trainer and working in education and training?
I have 3 key values: quality, lifelong learning and flexible lifestyle. These have led me to develop a training centre and methods of delivery that have quality at the heart of everything I do. I firmly believe in lifelong learning and sharing learning with others through blog posts, training courses and membership groups. Over the last 8 years I have worked hard to develop a flexible lifestyle so that I can enjoy travelling and physical exercise alongside my work commitments.
Also consider how well you value yourself and do you have a commitment to your own personal and professional development? Who inspires you and motivates you? Do you have a community of support, mentors and cheerleaders who also value you?
Knowledge - what you know
How do you keep your subject knowledge up to date?
For me this is reading updates from my Awarding organisation, attending First Aid courses to renew or refresh my own qualifications and reading relevant information online or in publications. Sometimes what I learn is triggered by a question from a learner on a course or by coming across some information that challenges my current thinking.
How do you know, share and apply, good evidenced based inclusive teaching practice?
Completing my Adult teaching qualification and then my PGCE back in 2009 was just the start of my journey to become a great trainer. With an initial degree in Psychology focussing on how people learn and develop I am fascinated by the process of learning. I love a good article on teaching and learning, classroom layout or instructional design. If I am going to implement a teaching practice in the classroom though I need to know the research evidence behind it and how best to apply the actual teaching. Once I have learned this I am then driven to share it with others!
Skills - what you do?
Reflect on your skills in the training environment and how you support learner behaviour, be inclusive, enable learners to achieve. Also consider how you keep your skills current in an ever changing environment such as the increased use of digital technologies in teaching and learning. Are you skilled in using feedback and other tools to enhance the learning and assessment process?
The COVID pandemic threw lots of us into the online teaching world overnight and for me was a real time of rapid learning but also had huge benefits in terms of how my business could both survive and then thrive. I am now moving towards a 50:50 split of face-to-face and online courses and this has really enabled the flexible lifestyle I was seeking to achieve. I am continuing to enhance my skill in designing online courses and making the learner experience the best it can be.
Many employers or awarding organisations will expect at least 7 hours of CPD to be completed each year, maybe more if you are working in an industry which requires you to be constantly refreshing your skills in specific areas.
I would say that it is easy to achieve 7 hours of CPD per month if you consider all the ways in which this can be achieved. In my next blog I will look at the many ways you can cover your CPD needs.
How to complete your Level 4 IQA qualification
This blog has been written by Maxine Lock of Peritia Training, a company that delivers online training for the Training, Assessor and Quality Assurance (TAQA) suite of qualifications. The opinions expressed in this blog are my personal ones based on both completing and delivering the IQA qualification. Your own opinions and experience may differ. If you like, leave a comment at the end of the blog to let me know about your experience of the IQA qualification.
The Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is the current (2020) recognised qualification for those who wish to carry out the role of IQA in training centres in the UK.
IQA Roles and Responsibilities
Becoming an IQA means taking on responsibility for monitoring the learner journey and the assessment process throughout the completion of a qualification, on behalf of a training centre. You could be employed by a single training organisation and be responsible for checking the work of a number of assessors also working for that training organisation. Or you could work on a freelance basis for a number of training centres who may employ one or more assessors.
To internally quality assure the assessment of a qualification, you will be expected to hold the same qualification or one in the same subject that is equivalent or higher. You may also need to be involved in the delivery and assessment of that qualification as you need to be able to demonstrate occupational competence. You will need to have full access to the qualification specification, IQA strategy, assessment criteria and assessment guidance for the course. You will also need to be conversant with the IQA policy and procedure of the training centre that you are working for.
IQA activity can involve desk based monitoring of assessment decisions such as those recorded on multiple choice question papers or through the submission of candidate portfolios of evidence. You may also observe the trainer/assessor in the delivery and assessment of a qualification. As you are monitoring assessment decisions in real time this can be a great opportunity for standardisation of assessment decisions. Some of the monitoring will be of interim assessments and this will take place during the course, this enables any issues to be sorted out before they become too much of a problem.
IQA can also be of summative assessments at the end of a course such as that done on candidate portfolios before they are sent to the awarding organisation.
Another part of the IQA role is to write reports and action plans to record what has been found and what needs to be done to improve the assessment of a qualification. A key responsibility of the IQA is to support the development of assessors. To do this they need to identify what the assessor does well and also identify any areas for improvement. The IQA will support this through leading standardisation and CPD events.
To maintain quality and compliance the IQA will also monitor the implementation of policies and procedures such as the Health and Safety policy, the Equality, diversity and inclusion policy and the General Data Protection Regulations.
IQA Qualification Structure
The Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice consists of 2 units:
Unit 1: Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment
Unit 2: Internally assure the quality of assessment
The units, learning outcomes and assessment criteria are the same regardless of which awarding organisation is used.
If you are working in a large organisation such as a college and have responsibility for a number of IQAs, you could also go on to complete a third unit: Plan, allocate and monitor work in own area of responsibility
Unit 1 is a knowledge based unit and enables new and existing IQA's to understand the theory of the IQA process. It consists of 6 credits and 45 guided learning hours.
Unit 2 is a performance based unit also consisting of 6 credits and 45 guided learning hours. To complete this you will need access to two assessors to observe and to sample their assessment decisions. These assessors will each need to be assessing a qualification with at least 2 candidates. You do not have to be actually employed as an IQA to be able to do this but it must take place in a work environment. A simulated environment is not allowed. You could, however, undertake this role on a voluntary basis with a training centre in order to complete the IQA qualification.
The theory part of the course can be delivered through either a classroom or online based platform. The classroom and some online platforms (virtual learning environments, VLE's) will take place real time where a trainer delivers to a number of learners. For classroom based courses this will mean travel to a training venue for delivery of the theory content, these sessions could take place over the course of a week or could be one day or evening a week for a number of weeks. You will need to consider if the venue location is suitable for you as well as the timings of the course. This delivery method suits some people as it gives them a fixed timetable for learning. For those who work in a college or training centre then the course may even take place at their place of work and time may be allowed to attend the course as part of their professional development. To undertake the course through an online classroom you will need access to a laptop or computer that has a webcam. You will need a reliable internet connection and a quiet space to enable you to join the sessions without interruption. Again this gives the learner a fixed timetable for learning but without having to travel to a venue.
The other method of delivery is to use an online platform where the learner logs in and completes the learning in their own time. This usually involves the use of videos, e-books or other methods of delivering the knowledge for the course. The benefits of this for the learner are that they can be flexible and fit their learning around other commitments such as work and family. If delivered well the content will be clear and engaging and enable the learner to continue on and complete their assessments, also online.
Once the learner gets onto the second unit then their assessor will need to observe them carrying out the IQA process, monitoring the work of two assessors working with at least two learners who are undertaking a qualification. Part of this observation is of the candidate IQA giving feedback to the assessors and agreeing plans of action. Depending on the type of assessments being carried out these observations could take place face-to-face or maybe using a platform such as Skype or Zoom. Different training centres and awarding organisations will have their own views as to what constitutes acceptable evidence for Unit 2 but this is usually down to how flexible they are in their approach. Some of the larger training organisations are only set up for one way of working, this is in part how they manage to keep costs down. Generally the smaller organisations are able to be more flexible and can offer alternative ways of working to meet learners needs.
One question that I have been asked is - 'Does it matter if all the assessors I work with are marking work online?' The answer to this is it depends on the training centre and their awarding organisation some of whom specify that the assessor and the trainee IQA must be in the same location at the same time when observations are being carried out. For other awarding organisations they stipulate that evidence must include 'observation of performance' but does not state how, where and by whom that observation must be carried out. At the end of the day it is important that the evidence in the IQA candidate portfolio is valid, authentic and sufficient. So it is possible to complete the qualification if you IQA assessors who conduct online assessments. Your evidence can be provided through the use of Skype or Zoom type video calls which your IQA assessor can also be part of.
IQA Qualification Costs
If you have got this far you are probably starting to think, how much is all this going to cost?
The answer is dependent on what type of course you choose, classroom based or online. It will also vary according to the size and quality of the organisation delivering and assessing the course.
A quick Google search showed courses ranging from £400 to £900, most of these were completely online but some with a 1 day induction at the providers training venue. All written work for unit 1 was submitted online for all these training providers. For unit 2 most providers will assess the learner through a 1 day observation of IQA activity, examination of work products and professional discussion. Some, however, required the learner to supply a qualified IQA from within their own training organisation to conduct the observations of performance. This could be an issue if you do not already work for a training organisation.
How long will it take to complete the IQA qualification?
The guided learning hours for the Level 4 Award in IQA are 90, that is 45 for each unit. This includes tutor contact time (e-learning), observations, professional discussions and preparation of the portfolio. Some learners may exceed the GLH either because they need more time to study or because they choose to go more in depth with the study or preparation of their portfolio. There will also be some learners who take less time, this is usually because they are already working in the role of IQA and the assessor is able to recognise prior learning and experience.
When you sign up with a training organisation to do your course then they should inform you how long you have to complete. This is usually designated by the awarding organisation. From my Google search of providers I found that some did not specify a time on their website. Those that did ranged from 60 days (you could pay to extend this) to 12 months.
If you are completing a classroom based course then you will be subject to the timings of the sessions - you might want to bear that in mind if you wish to complete the course within a certain timeframe. If you are completing the course online then it is up to you how quickly you work through the course. If you are already working in the role or have a good understanding of what the role entails, and you have access to assessors within a training centre then it is possible to complete the course in 2-4 weeks. Having said that I find that most of my learners take 6 - 12 months and I think this is a more realistic time frame.
Ready to start your IQA Qualification?
So if you have read this blog and have decided to complete your IQA qualification what are the next steps?
Decide if you would like to study with others in a classroom based setting, (physical or online) or if you would prefer the more flexible online approach.
Contact providers (Google, Facebook forums, Word of mouth are all good ways of conducting an initial search) and find out what they offer. All providers will have a website from which you can gain at least basic information about them and the course.
If you have any specific needs or questions then ask the provider and see what their response is. This will give you an idea for how flexible their approach is and if it will meet your needs.
Look at the cost that each provider is charging for the course and check what it includes -is there an induction at a venue you have to get to, do you have to provide a qualified IQA to observe you for unit 2, does the cost include VAT?
What kind of feel do you get from the provider's website - do you think this is going to suit you and your needs. Some of the ones I looked at when researching this blog felt very corporate and impersonal - not what I would choose.
Make a choice, sign up and get started
For full details of the Level 4 IQA course offered by us at Peritia Training click the button below to go to the page on our website.
If you have found the information in this blog useful or want to let us know about your experiences please leave a comment below.
The Ultimate guide to becoming an IQA in education and training.
Are you considering the role of Internal Quality Assurer (IQA)? Have you been asked to conduct IQA for a training centre? Or maybe you are considering becoming a freelance IQA? If so this blog post is for you.
In this post I will outline the role of an IQA, how to become an IQA and gain the relevant qualifications and what completing the IQA qualification involves.
Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash
What is an IQA?
An IQA is a person (or a number of persons) employed to monitor the assessment process and practices of a training and assessment organisation. This can include the assessment of: a qualification, a programme of learning or workplace competence.
Internal quality assurance is the monitoring of the learner journey through the assessment process, ensuring that all parts have been assessed in accordance with the training centre policies and procedures, with the qualification specification and the assessment guidance from the Awarding Organisation and that all learners have received the same level of assessment regardless of other factors.
You can be employed to monitor the assessment of one subject across a number of centres or locations or to monitor all the courses within one centre. What you IQA will depend on your subject specialisms and areas of expertise.
Photo by Dylan Ferreira on Unsplash
What does an IQA do?
This will vary depending on the training organisation and the subject areas being assessed but in general the role could include:
Checking the qualifications and expertise of trainers and assessors
Monitoring the planning of assessments
Observations of assessors undertaking assessments
Discussions with candidates
Moderation of portfolio assessments
Desk reviews of assessor paperwork
Monitoring the implementation of policies and procedures
Leading or taking part in standardisation meetings with assessors
Leading or taking part in standardisation meetings with other IQA’s
Meeting with the EQA of the Awarding Organisation
Maintaining records of all IQA activity
Monitoring and supporting the development of assessors
Monitoring and supporting the development of other IQA’s
Taking part in the Appeals and/or complaints process for any disputes
Can I work as a freelance IQA?
Yes you can and many people do this as it works really well for small training centres who can’t afford to employ a full time IQA. Many centres will have one or two trainer/assessors and so making use of a freelance IQA can be very cost effective. An additional advantage is that as a freelancer you will get to see a number of different centres so may pick up good practice ideas that you can carry forward. You will need, however, to be careful about confidentiality and maintain a professional conduct between centres.
You can contact centres directly to offer your services or look on relevant forums on social media platforms such as Facebook. Once you have started work as a freelance IQA you may then find that you get word of mouth recommendations from others.
Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash
How do I become an IQA?
A commonly asked question is “What qualifications do I need to become an IQA?” and the answer is none! However to obtain work and to demonstrate your knowledge and ability to undertake the role it is widely suggested that an IQA holds the Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice.
More information about that below.
You also need to have occupational competence and relevant qualifications in the areas that you wish to IQA. For example to work as an IQA for First Aid qualifications I need to hold an in date First Aid at Work certificate, a teaching and assessing qualification and also the L4 IQA qualification. In addition I also need to be currently delivering and assessing courses myself. You will not be able to undertake proper IQA without having the necessary understanding of the assessments required for a particular qualification. This includes the required standard or level expected so that you are not under or over assessing. This means that I would not be able to be an IQA for a hairdressing qualification, for example, as my only experience is when I visit a hairdresser to get my own hair cut. I do not have any qualifications or occupational competence as a hairdresser.
What does the IQA qualification involve?
The current IQA qualification is the Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice which consists of 2 units.
There is also a Level 4 Certificate in Leading Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice which consists of 3 units. This would be the course to do if you are leading a team of IQA’s in a large training establishment.
The units are:
Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment
Internally assure the quality of assessment
Plan, allocate and monitor work in own area of responsibility
The first unit is a knowledge based unit and this on its own does not give you the qualification to become an IQA. For this you will need to complete at least units 1 and 2.
You can choose to undertake this qualification in a number of different ways including a face-to-face course, distance learning through a virtual classroom such as Zoom or online learning using a platform such as Moodle where you log-in and study at your own pace and in your own time.
Assessment of the first unit is through written assignments which can be supplemented by professional discussion or question and answer with your assessor.
Assessment of the other units is through a combination of work products/evidence, observation by your assessor, professional discussion, witness statements and written statements.
To complete unit 2 you will need access to at least 2 assessors working with at least 2 learners to complete a qualification. Some training centres will provide these for you while others will expect you to supply this yourself. Even if you are not currently working for a training centre you will probably find that they would be happy for some free IQA so offer to go along and monitor a couple of assessors for them. A larger centre may also allow you to shadow an IQA so that you can really see what the role entails.
What next?
If you are still not sure about the role and whether it is for you, why not contact a local training centre, who deliver courses in your subject area, and arrange to go for an informal chat with their IQA.
Do your research on the requirements for your subject area. Do you have the necessary qualifications, subject knowledge and occupational competence in order to IQA the qualifications you are considering.
If possible look at the qualification specification from the relevant awarding organisations and make sure you can meet the IQA requirements.
Consider your options for completing the Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Process and Practice or the Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice.
Contact a number of training organisations and find out their prices and details for completing the course. Do check what you get for your money, sometimes the cheapest is not the best!
Here at Peritia Training we offer the Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice. All the learning and submission of portfolio evidence is done through the Moodle platform. You study online and at your own pace. An assessor will come to your place of work to conduct an observation or, under certain circumstances this can be done by video link.
Click the button below for more information and to book onto a course. Any questions just send an email and ask.