Most learners choose this
Level 3 CAVA (full certificate)
The complete assessor qualification. Theory plus assessment of workplace competence and vocationally related achievement. This is what most job adverts mean by TAQA qualified.
View detailsAssessor qualifications
TAQA qualification - training, assessment and quality assurance
What TAQA means, which route you need and how to study it online with a dedicated tutor-assessor.
What is a TAQA qualification?
TAQA is short for Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance. It is not one qualification - it is the regulated suite that covers assessing learners at Level 3 and internally quality assuring assessment at Level 4. It replaced the legacy A1, V1 and D32 to D34 awards, which is why experienced assessors are often asked to update.
When an employer says "you must be TAQA qualified", they are usually asking for a Level 3 assessing qualification. Which one depends entirely on what you assess: workplace competence, portfolio evidence, or both.
You can see every route on our assessor qualifications hub, or browse our qualifications in full.
Which TAQA route do you need?
Workplace only
Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment
For assessors who only judge competence in a real workplace - NVQs, apprenticeships and on-the-job observation.
View detailsPortfolio / classroom
Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement
For assessors marking portfolios, assignments, projects, skills tests and simulations rather than workplace competence.
View detailsTheory only
Level 3 Award in Understanding Assessment
Theory only. Ideal for managers, IQAs and designers who need the principles without assessing learners in practice.
View detailsWho takes TAQA?
- Workplace supervisors assessing apprentices
- NHS clinical educators and practice assessors
- Care, construction and engineering trainers
- FE and skills tutors moving into assessment
- Experienced assessors updating from A1 or D32/D33
- IQAs who need the assessing base before Level 4
Frequently asked questions
What is TAQA?
TAQA stands for Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance. It is the umbrella name for the suite of Level 3 assessor and Level 4 internal quality assurance qualifications that replaced the older A1, V1 and D32 to D34 awards. When an employer advertises for a TAQA qualified assessor they almost always mean a Level 3 assessing qualification.
Is TAQA the same as CAVA?
No. TAQA is the family name for the whole suite; CAVA - the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement - is the specific full assessor qualification inside that suite. Every CAVA holder is TAQA qualified, but TAQA can also mean a single Award or an IQA qualification.
Which TAQA qualification do I need?
If you assess competence in a real workplace, the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment is enough. If you also assess portfolios, assignments or skills tests, take the full CAVA certificate. If you quality assure other assessors, you need the Level 4 IQA route.
How long does a TAQA qualification take?
A single Award typically takes 6 to 10 weeks part time. The full CAVA certificate usually takes 3 to 6 months alongside a job, because you need real learners to assess and evidence to gather.
Can I do TAQA online?
Yes. Our assessor qualifications are delivered by distance learning with a dedicated tutor-assessor, digital portfolio and video-observed practice, so you can study from anywhere in the UK around your working pattern.
Do I need learners to complete TAQA?
For the practical assessing units, yes - you need access to at least two learners you can assess in a real setting. The theory-only Award has no practice requirement, which is why managers, IQAs and course designers often choose it.
Not sure which route fits?
Tell us what you assess and we will point you to the right qualification.