Have you got what it takes to be an NVQ Assessor?

What is an NVQ?
NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. It is designed to be a 'competence-based' qualification that enables participants to learn practical, work-related tasks designed to help develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge to do a job effectively. They are based on national standards and offer a hand on alternative/addition to pure academic qualifications.

They can be appropriate for both adults and young learners who already have skills and want to improve them, or those who are starting from scratch. They can be taken whilst the learner is employed, studying at college or doing an apprenticeship and cover a vast array of subjects.

What does an NVQ assessor do?
NVQ assessors assess and give support to NVQ candidates ensuring they meet the standards required to achieve the qualification.

An NVQ assessor is required to:

• plan and deliver NVQ programmes
• examine a candidates' portfolio of evidence
• observe candidates in their place of employment
• provide constructive feedback and advice if the standards are not met
• ask the candidates questions in order to assess how they would handle a variety of situations
• sign off the NVQ when all the requirements have been met  by the candidate
• maintain excellent records of the candidates' progress, according to the requirements of the NVQ governing bodies

Internal and external verifiers undertake quality control checks on the work you will carry out as an NVQ assessor, to make sure the assessment process is completed in a proper fashion.

What skills and knowledge are required?
As an NVQ assessor, you should have experience and extensive knowledge in the sector you will be assessing and would need to get the following qualifications:

• Level 3 Award in Assessing Candidates Using a Range of Methods – A1
• Level 3 Award in Assessing Candidates' Performance through Observation – A2
  
  

In addition, the following characteristics and abilities are valued:

• excellent communication skills, to explain the occupational standards and give feedback
• the ability to motivate and encourage people
• an interest in helping people develop
• patience and tact
• the ability to relate to a diverse range of people at all levels
• accurate report writing and record keeping skills

What opportunities are there?
You could work as an assessor in all occupational areas where NVQ qualifications exist – examples include construction, catering, engineering, retail, health and social care, childcare/early years and customer service.

You could be employed by a training provider or college, or as an in-house assessor for a large organisation whose staff complete NVQs. Vacancies are advertised in the press and through specialist recruitment agency websites.

With experience, you may have the opportunity to progress to NVQ centre manager. With relevant qualifications, you could move into further education teaching or training management. There are permanent, temporary and freelance opportunities available.