External Quality Assurance (EQA)

Level 4 Quality Assurance

The internal and external quality assurance units form part of the Learning and Development qualifications and as a whole they are known as TAQA – Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance. 

Some awarding organisations use the term TAQA to denote just the quality assurance units, however, the quality assurance units are part of a full suite of qualifications. The qualifications are based on the National Occupational Standards for Learning and Development (NOS).

Some quality assurance units can be used towards the teaching qualifications, however, rules apply regarding the credits and levels.

Whether you need to have a quality assurance qualification will be based on the subject you are/will be quality assuring. You will need to check the subject qualification specification to find out (available via the relevant awarding organisation's website). Not all subjects require quality assurers to hold a quality assurance qualification.

External Quality Assurance (EQA)

There are three units at level 4, the first is knowledge based and the other two are performance based (i.e. theory and practice).  

As the first unit is purely knowledge based, it can be taken prior to, or at the same time as the performance unit/s. It is ideal for anyone wanting to know what it’s like to be an external quality assurer. The units can be achieved in any order and each has a credit value.

Most external quality assurers only need units 1 and 2.

Unit 3 is for a lead quality assurer i.e. those who are responsible for a team of quality assurers (whether internal or external).

Unit 1 will lead to the Award in Understanding the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (this is a theory unit only)

Units 1 and 2 will lead to the Award in External quality assurance of assessment processes and practices

Units 1, 2 and 3 will lead to the Certificate in leading the external quality assurance of assessment

Unit 1.   Understanding the principles and practices of externally assuring the quality of assessment (6 credits) 

This is a knowledge based unit for new and existing external quality assurers or anyone who wishes to know about the theory of external quality assurance. You do not need to carry out any external quality assurance activities to achieve this unit. This unit is also available as an optional unit in the Certificate and Diploma (at level 4).

Unit 2.   Externally assure the quality of assessment (6 credits) 

This is a performance unit for anyone who externally quality assures the work of assessors and internal quality assurers within a centre. For example, observing practice, sampling judgements and decisions, providing support and advice. It can only be achieved by practising external quality assurers who are working for an awarding organisation.

Unit 3.   Plan, allocate and monitor work in own area of responsibility (5 credits) 

This unit has the same content as the one which can be taken by internal quality assurers. It is a performance unit for anyone who manages and leads the external quality assurance process within an awarding organisation, for example, co-ordinating the work of other external quality assurers. Developing systems and policies, and liaising with various awarding organisation personnel might also be part of this role.

Support for the EQA qualification:

  • Click on the book image to purchase via Amazon. #ad
  • Resources and assessment materials are available at this link.
  • Online modules which cover the content of the units are available at this link.
  • Videos can be found at this link.

If you are working towards the EQA qualification, the following guidance may help you to complete each of the units. As soon as you checkout, you will receive a download link.

If you need to upgrade an older version of the qualification which you have achieved, click here for details of how to do this.

EQA unit one - Guidance for completing the unit (£4.50) (Ref PGE01L4)

10 pages listing guidance and evidence which could be produced to meet the unit  Understanding the principles and practices of externally assuring the quality of assessment. 

EQA unit two - Guidance for completing the unit (£4.50) (Ref PGE02L4)

7 pages listing guidance and evidence which could be produced to meet the unit Externally assure the quality of assessment.

EQA unit three - Guidance for completing the unit (£4.50) (Ref PGE03L4)

5 pages listing guidance and evidence which could be produced to meet the unit Plan, allocate and monitor work in own area of responsibility.

More resources are available,

click here for details.

Home     About     Ann's books     Information     Online courses & CPD   Resources     Videos     Cart/checkout     Contact  

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases via this website.