OTHM Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
The OTHM Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is designed for individuals who are responsible for managing and monitoring assessment practices in a range of learning environments.
This qualification equips learners with the necessary skills to internalize, monitor, and evaluate assessment processes, ensuring they are carried out effectively and to the highest standards. The course is perfect for individuals working in the education and training sectors, including assessors, internal quality assurers (IQAs), and those aspiring to take on this role.
The OTHM Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice provides learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to monitor and assure the quality of assessment processes within educational settings. This qualification is designed for those who are already working as assessors or quality assurance personnel and wish to advance their expertise in internal quality assurance (IQA).
This qualification offers a practical approach, with a strong focus on developing key competencies for quality assurance, including designing assessment strategies, monitoring assessment activities, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Upon completion of this award, learners will be equipped to manage the internal quality assurance processes, ensuring that the assessment practices and procedures meet the standards of the awarding bodies, and that the assessments are valid, fair, and reliable.
The OTHM Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is a short qualification that focuses specifically on the role of the internal quality assurer. The course covers a variety of topics necessary to manage assessment processes effectively, including:
- Understanding the principles of internal quality assurance
- Developing assessment and quality assurance strategies
- Monitoring assessment activities
- Supporting assessors to improve their practice
- Ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations
- Evaluating assessment practices to ensure fairness and accuracy
The course is designed to be flexible and can be completed either in person or through distance learning, depending on the provider. It’s suitable for those who wish to improve their internal quality assurance practices or move into a role where they’ll oversee the quality of assessments.
Course Study Units
OTHM Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
The Level 4 Award consists of 2 mandatory units for a combined total of 12 credits.
- Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of Assessment (6 credits)
- Internally Assure the Quality of Assessment (6 credits)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the OTHM Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, learners will be able to:
- Understand the principles and practices of internal quality assurance: Demonstrate knowledge of the roles, responsibilities, and principles involved in internal quality assurance, including the need for effective assessment strategies.
- Develop and implement effective internal quality assurance procedures: Design and implement internal quality assurance strategies that ensure assessments are valid, reliable, fair, and compliant with regulatory standards.
- Monitor assessment activities: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of assessments and provide feedback to improve practices. Ensure that assessments are consistent with established guidelines and standards.
- Support assessors and provide professional development: Offer guidance and support to assessors to help them improve their practice, ensuring that they deliver quality assessments.
- Ensure compliance with regulations: Maintain awareness of and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and awarding body standards, ensuring that assessments are carried out in accordance with legal and organizational standards.
- Maintain accurate records: Maintain detailed records of all quality assurance activities, decisions, feedback, and actions taken to improve assessment processes.
- Evaluate assessment quality: Evaluate assessment systems to ensure they meet the needs of learners and employers and deliver accurate, fair results.
Who is This Course For?
The OTHM Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is ideal for individuals involved in the assessment process who want to further develop their skills in quality assurance. It is particularly suitable for:
- Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs): Individuals who are already working as internal quality assurers in education or training organizations and wish to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Assessors: Those working as assessors who want to expand their knowledge and take on internal quality assurance responsibilities within their organization.
- Training Providers and Managers: Individuals responsible for managing and overseeing assessment practices, particularly those in training organizations, colleges, or workplaces offering qualifications.
- Educational Managers: People in managerial roles who need to ensure that assessments are conducted effectively and meet quality standards in their institutions.
- New Internal Quality Assurers: Those aiming to start a career in internal quality assurance, whether in academic institutions, vocational training centers, or other educational settings.
Course Future Progression
Upon completing the OTHM Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, learners will have various options for career and academic progression, including:
Career Progression:
- Internal Quality Assurer (IQA): Move into a more advanced role as an IQA, overseeing the quality assurance of assessments within educational and training institutions.
- Lead Internal Quality Assurer: Take on a leadership position within an organization, overseeing the work of other internal quality assurers and ensuring the continuous improvement of assessment practices.
- External Quality Assurer (EQA): Transition into external quality assurance roles, where you will assess and monitor the quality assurance practices of other educational or training providers.
- Assessor: If you’re currently working as an assessor, the qualification can help you expand your skills and progress in the field of assessment.
- Training and Development Manager: Use your expertise in internal quality assurance to move into training and development roles, creating and implementing quality assurance programs for staff.
Further Study Opportunities:
- OTHM Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas: Learners can progress to the OTHM Level 4 or 5 Diplomas in Education and Training to expand their knowledge and further their careers in education and training management.
- Higher Education Degrees: The qualification can also act as a stepping stone for further academic study in educational leadership, management, or other related areas.
- Awarding Body Certifications: Some awarding bodies offer professional certifications and courses that can be pursued to specialize further in quality assurance and assessment practice.
The OTHM Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is an essential qualification for those who play a role in the assessment process, whether as internal quality assurers or assessors. It provides learners with the knowledge and skills to monitor, evaluate, and assure the quality of assessments, ensuring they are fair, reliable, and compliant with regulatory standards.
Whether you’re aiming to start a career in internal quality assurance, advance to a leadership role in quality assurance, or improve your skills as an assessor, this qualification offers the perfect foundation. By completing the course, learners will be well-positioned to improve the quality of assessment in educational and training organizations, contributing to higher standards in learning and professional development.