Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice - Level 4 Summary Where can this subject lead? Key information What will I learn? How will I learn? How will I be assessed? Summary Are you ready to take your assessing skills to the next level and ensure the quality of vocational training in your organisation? These Level 4 Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) qualifications are designed for professionals who want to move into quality assurance roles—whether you're working in education, health and social care, engineering, construction, retail, catering, or hair and beauty. They’re ideal for those already involved in assessment or training who want to support and improve the quality of delivery across regulated or non-regulated programmes. The NCFE Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment is a theory-based qualification that introduces the principles and practices of internal quality assurance. It’s perfect for those who want to understand IQA processes without needing to carry out practical quality assurance activities. The NCFE Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice includes both theory and practice, requiring learners to demonstrate IQA activities in a real work environment. This qualification is ideal for those who are already in—or preparing for—a role where they monitor and improve the quality of assessment decisions. Both awards help learners develop the skills to uphold standards, support assessors, and contribute to continuous improvement in vocational education and training. Course code SA1EC0006 Duration 3 Weeks Day/s of week Friday Time 09:00 - 12:00 Next course dates Start date Location Duration / Fees Autumn 2025 Bispham Campus 3 Weeks / £305 Enquire now 23 Jan 2026 Bispham Campus 3 Weeks / £305 Enquire now 01 May 2026 Bispham Campus 3 Weeks / £305 Enquire now 10 Oct 2026 Bispham Campus 3 Weeks / £305 Enquire now 23 Jan 2027 Bispham Campus 3 Weeks / £305 Enquire now 01 May 2027 Bispham Campus 3 Weeks / £305 Enquire now Where can this subject lead? Career progressionThese Level 4 IQA qualifications are ideal for professionals who want to move into quality assurance roles within vocational education and training. Whether you're working in education, health and social care, engineering, construction, retail, catering, or hair and beauty, these qualifications equip you to monitor and improve assessment practices across a wide range of settings. Career opportunities include roles such as: Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) | Lead IQA or Quality Lead | Assessment Coordinator | Training and Development Manager | Curriculum Quality Reviewer | Freelance IQA Consultant These qualifications also support progression into leadership and management roles within training organisations, colleges, and workplace learning environments. For those who complete the practical award, it can be a stepping stone to the Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, which focuses on managing and leading IQA systems across teams. Next steps at B&FCUpon successful completion of either the NCFE Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment or the NCFE Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, learners can progress to the NCFE Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice. This certificate is ideal for those who wish to take on a leadership role in quality assurance, overseeing teams of assessors and managing internal quality systems across training provision. It builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the Level 4 Awards and supports career development into senior roles within education, training, and workforce development. Employment OpportunitiesCompleting a Level 4 IQA qualification opens up a range of career opportunities in quality assurance and training across multiple sectors. Learners may apply for roles such as: Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) | Lead IQA or Quality Lead | Assessment Quality Coordinator | Training and Development Officer | Curriculum Quality Reviewer | Freelance IQA Consultant | Apprenticeship Quality Assurer | Education and Skills Quality Advisor These roles are found in colleges, private training providers, employer-led training programmes, and organisations delivering both regulated and non-regulated qualifications. IQA professionals play a key role in maintaining standards, supporting assessors, and ensuring learners receive fair and consistent outcomes. Key information Entry RequirementsTechnical 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.Assessment Experience: Learners enrolling on the practical IQA award (NCFE Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice) must be actively involved in internal quality assurance or have access to a suitable placement where they can carry out IQA activities with real assessors and learners. These entry requirements ensure that learners are prepared to meet the demands of the course and apply their learning effectively in real-world quality assurance settings. Qualification obtainedAward in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice Fees and fundingWhilst 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 equipmentThere are no additional costs associated with this course. What will I learn? What will I learn?These qualifications are designed to develop your understanding of internal quality assurance and, depending on the award, your ability to carry out IQA activities in practice. NCFE Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment This theory-based qualification introduces the principles and practices of internal quality assurance. You’ll explore: The purpose and importance of IQA in vocational assessmentLegal and regulatory requirementsRoles and responsibilities of internal quality assurersPlanning and evaluating IQA processesSupporting assessors and ensuring consistency in assessment decisions This award is ideal for those who want to understand IQA processes but are not yet in a position to carry out practical IQA activities. NCFE Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice This qualification includes both theory and practice. In addition to the topics above, you’ll also: Carry out IQA activities in a real work environmentMonitor assessment decisions and provide feedback to assessorsMaintain records and contribute to standardisationEvaluate the effectiveness of IQA systems and suggest improvements This award is suitable for those currently working in—or preparing for—a role where they are responsible for assuring the quality of assessment decisions within their organisation. Industry placement, field trips and guest speakersTo meet the requirements of the NCFE Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, learners must be actively involved in internal quality assurance or have access to a suitable placement where they can carry out IQA activities. This includes monitoring assessment decisions, supporting assessors, and contributing to standardisation and quality improvement processes. Learners must be able to demonstrate IQA practice with real assessors and learners in a vocational setting. The NCFE Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment does not require a placement, as it is a theory-only qualification. At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enhance the learning experience through guest speakers and employer engagement events. These sessions feature professionals from a range of sectors—including education, health and social care, engineering, construction, retail, catering, and hair and beauty—who share insights into quality assurance practices, sector-specific challenges, and emerging trends. These events help learners connect theory to practice and build professional networks. How will I learn? These qualifications are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining tutor-led sessions with flexible online study. Learners will engage with course materials through interactive lectures, guided discussions, and practical activities designed to support both theoretical understanding and, where applicable, real-world application of internal quality assurance practices. Teaching methods include: Interactive Lectures – Tutor-led sessions that introduce key concepts and encourage discussion around real-world IQA practice.Case Study Analysis – Exploration of quality assurance scenarios to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.Practical Workshops (for the full IQA award) – Hands-on activities that simulate or support live IQA practice.Reflective Tasks and Peer Review – Opportunities to share experiences, reflect on practice, and learn from others.Online Learning Resources – Access to digital materials including articles, templates, and guidance documents to support independent study. For the practical IQA award, learners will be supported in applying their knowledge in a live assessment environment, with guidance from experienced tutors. For the theory-only award, learning will focus on developing a strong conceptual understanding of IQA principles through case studies, reflective tasks, and structured assignments. This flexible delivery model allows learners to balance their professional responsibilities while gaining the skills and confidence needed to support and improve assessment quality across vocational programmes. Expert tutorsAll 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? How will I be assessed?Both IQA qualifications are assessed through a combination of written assignments and portfolio-based evidence. The structure and assessment methods vary depending on whether you are completing the theory-only award or the full practical award. Level 4 Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment This qualification includes one unit: Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of Assessment Assessment is based on written assignments that demonstrate your understanding of IQA principles, roles and responsibilities, legal and regulatory frameworks, and methods for supporting assessors and maintaining quality standards. There is no requirement to carry out practical IQA activities. Level 4 Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice This qualification includes two units: Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of AssessmentInternally Assure the Quality of Assessment Assessment includes both written assignments and a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your ability to carry out IQA activities in a real work environment. You’ll be required to: Plan and conduct IQA activitiesMonitor assessment decisionsProvide feedback to assessorsMaintain records and contribute to standardisation Both qualifications are assessed on a pass/fail basis, and learners must meet all assessment criteria to achieve a pass. The portfolio of evidence is a key component, especially for the practical award, as it provides proof of competence in internal quality assurance.