Principles and Practices of Assessment - Level 3 | Blackpool and The Fylde College

Summary

Are you looking to become a qualified assessor and support others in achieving their goals? The TAQA (Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance) qualifications are designed for professionals across a wide range of sectors including education, health and social care, engineering, construction, digital, catering, creative or any other field. Whether you're working in a regulated training environment or delivering your own bespoke, non-accredited training, TAQA gives you the tools to assess learners confidently and professionally.

These nationally recognised qualifications cover everything from understanding the principles of assessment to assessing occupational competence and vocational achievement. You’ll learn how to plan and carry out assessments, give constructive feedback, and uphold quality standards. TAQA is ideal for those supporting apprenticeships, NVQs, or internal training programmes, and is a valuable step toward becoming a trusted assessor in your field, whatever your industry. 

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration / Fees
03 Oct 2025	Bispham Campus	3 Weeks / £305	Enquire now
16 Jan 2026	Bispham Campus	3 Weeks / £305	Enquire now
24 Apr 2026	Bispham Campus	3 Weeks / £305	Enquire now
03 Oct 2026	Bispham Campus	3 Weeks / £305	Enquire now
16 Jan 2027	Bispham Campus	3 Weeks / £305	Enquire now
24 Apr 2027	Bispham Campus	3 Weeks / £305	Enquire now

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

TAQA qualifications open the door to a wide variety of roles across multiple industries. Whether you're working in education, health and social care, engineering, construction, digital, catering, creative or any other vocational field, becoming a qualified assessor can enhance your career prospects and allow you to support others in achieving their goals. These qualifications are also ideal for those delivering their own non-regulated training or working within private training organisations.

Career pathways include roles such as workplace assessor, apprenticeship assessor, internal quality assurer (IQA), training coordinator, or learning and development practitioner. TAQA can be the first step into a career in education and training, or a professional development opportunity for those already delivering or supporting vocational learning. Many learners progress into teaching, curriculum development, or quality assurance roles, making TAQA a valuable qualification for those looking to grow within their organisation or expand into new sectors.

Next steps at B&FC

Upon successful completion of a TAQA qualification, learners can progress to the NCFE Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice or the NCFE Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice. These qualifications are ideal for those who want to take the next step in their career by overseeing assessment practices and ensuring quality standards across training and education programmes.

Progressing to IQA qualifications allows you to move into leadership roles within training provision, support continuous improvement, and contribute to the development of high-quality learning experiences. Whether you're working in a college, private training organisation, or delivering your own training, these qualifications will help you build credibility and influence in your sector. 

Employment Opportunities

TAQA qualifications prepare you for a variety of roles where assessing skills, knowledge, and competence is essential. Upon completion, learners can apply for positions such as:

Vocational Assessor (in sectors like health and social care, engineering, construction, retail, catering, and hair and beauty) | Apprenticeship Assessor | Workplace Trainer or Coach | Freelance Assessor (for regulated or non-regulated training programmes) | Training and Development Officer | Learning and Development Coordinator | Internal Quality Assurer (with further progression) | Education and Skills Tutor | Private Training Provider or Consultant

These roles are found across colleges, private training organisations, employers delivering in-house training, and self-employed professionals offering bespoke learning programmes. TAQA is a versatile qualification that supports both career entry and advancement in the training and assessment field. 

Key information

Entry Requirements

Technical Entry Requirements: 

Age: 19 years or over (19+)

Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements: 

DBS Check: A DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment in roles involving children, young people, or vulnerable adults. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider.
English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content.

These entry requirements ensure that learners are well-prepared to succeed on the course and pursue employment opportunities in training, education, or workplace assessment across a range of sectors.

Qualification obtained

Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment

Fees and funding

Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.

To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.

Extra costs and equipment

There are no additional costs associated with this course.  

What will I learn?

TAQA qualifications are designed to give you a solid understanding of how to assess vocational skills, knowledge, and competence in a professional and ethical way. Depending on the qualification you choose, you’ll explore the principles and practices of assessment, how to assess in the workplace or classroom, and how to ensure fair, consistent, and high-quality outcomes for learners.

You’ll study modules such as:

Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment – Learn the core concepts behind effective assessment, including legal and ethical requirements.
Assessing Occupational Competence in the Work Environment – Gain practical skills in planning, conducting, and reviewing assessments in real workplace settings.
Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement – Focus on assessing learners in structured environments such as classrooms or training centres.
Quality Assurance and Feedback – Learn how to give constructive feedback and contribute to continuous improvement in training delivery.

Each module is designed to be practical and relevant, helping you apply what you learn directly to your own sector, whether you're assessing apprentices, employees, or learners on bespoke training programmes. 

Essential skills: English and Maths

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Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

To successfully complete the TAQA qualifications, learners must be actively assessing learners in a real work environment or have access to a suitable placement where assessment activities can be carried out. This is essential for meeting the practical requirements of units that involve assessing occupational competence or vocational achievement. Learners must be able to demonstrate assessment practice with real learners in authentic settings such as workplaces, training centres, or educational environments.

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich the learning experience through guest speakers and employer engagement events, featuring professionals from a wide range of sectors including education, health and social care, engineering, construction, retail, catering, and hair and beauty. These sessions provide valuable insights into assessment practice, quality assurance, and sector-specific challenges, helping learners connect theory to real-world application.

How will I learn?

TAQA qualifications are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining flexible online resources with structured, tutor-led sessions. While some elements of the course can be accessed remotely, learners will be required to attend scheduled in-person or virtual sessions to support their progress and meet assessment requirements.

Teaching methods include:

Interactive Lectures – Tutor-led sessions that introduce key concepts and encourage discussion.
Practical Workshops – Hands-on activities that simulate real assessment scenarios and build confidence.
Group Work and Peer Feedback – Collaborative tasks that promote reflective practice and shared learning.
Online Learning Resources – Access to digital materials such as videos, articles, templates, and guidance documents to support independent study.

Tutors are experienced professionals with sector-specific expertise, ensuring that learners receive relevant, real-world insights into assessment practice. This varied and supportive approach helps learners apply theory to practice and prepares them for assessing in diverse vocational settings.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. 

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like. 

How will I be assessed?

TAQA qualifications are assessed through a combination of written assignments, practical observations, and a portfolio of evidence. The specific modules and assessment methods vary depending on the qualification you choose:

Level 3 Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment
This is a knowledge-only qualification. Assessment is through written tasks and a portfolio demonstrating your understanding of assessment principles, legal and ethical requirements, and quality assurance.
Level 3 Assessing Competence in the Work Environment
Learners must assess two candidates in a real work environment. Assessment includes direct observation, professional discussion, and product evidence, all compiled into a portfolio.
Level 3 Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement
Learners assess two candidates in a vocational setting (e.g. classroom or simulated environment). Assessment includes observation, questioning, and review of learner work, supported by written evidence.
Level 3 Assessing Vocational Achievement
This comprehensive qualification combines the above units. Learners must assess candidates in both workplace and vocational settings, and complete written assignments and a portfolio covering all assessment methods.

All TAQA qualifications are assessed on a pass/fail basis. Learners must meet all assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass. The portfolio of evidence is a key component, demonstrating your competence and understanding of assessment practice in real-world contexts.