Level 4 EQA Course Overview
This external quality assurance qualification is made up of two units covering both the knowledge and practical application required to carry out external quality assurance with centres.
You will complete Unit 1 for Level 4 as the theory element, followed by practical activities where you will apply the external quality assurance process in real settings.
We are a Qualifications Network-approved centre, and this course leads to a qualification awarded by an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation. This means the qualification meets recognised national standards.
Unit 1: Understanding the Principles and Practices of Externally Assuring the Quality of Assessment
This unit focuses on the theory behind external quality assurance. You will learn how to plan external quality assurance activities, understand assessment and verification requirements and maintain the quality of assessment from outside an organisation.
Topics include:
- planning external quality assurance within a set timeframe
- understanding how assessment and verification systems operate within a centre
- standardisation and maintaining consistency in assessment decisions
- managing risks, disputes and quality assurance issues
This unit builds the knowledge needed before carrying out any external quality assurance activity.
Unit 2: Externally Assure the Quality of Assessment
This unit focuses on the practical side of the external verifier role. You will carry out external quality assurance activities with centres and apply the quality assurance process in real situations.
You will:
- plan and carry out external quality assurance visits
- sample assessment decisions and review centre documentation
- provide feedback, advice and support to centres, assessors and IQAs
- confirm that assessment decisions are valid, fair and reliable
Your tutor will guide you through the requirements so you can demonstrate competence in external quality assurance.
How is this Level 4 External Quality Assurance course assessed?
This external quality assurance qualification is assessed through a combination of theory work and practical external quality assurance activities.
For the theory element (Unit 1 for Level 4), you will complete written tasks that show your understanding of assessment and verification, the quality assurance process and how to maintain the quality of assessment from outside an organisation.
For the practical unit, you will plan and carry out external quality assurance activities with at least two centres. This includes sampling assessment decisions, reviewing documentation and supporting centre staff.
You will upload your work through our online learning portal, where your tutor will review your evidence and provide feedback to help you meet the required standard.
There is no exam. Your assessment is based on your ability to demonstrate competence in external quality assurance in line with the awarding organisation requirements.
What will I be able to do after this external quality assurance course?
On successful completion of this external verifier award, you will have the knowledge and competence to carry out external quality assurance activities and work as an External Quality Assurer.
You will be able to:
- plan external quality assurance activity within a set timeframe
- carry out external quality assurance with centres
- sample assessment decisions and review assessment and verification systems
- maintain the quality of assessment from outside an organisation or assessment centre
- provide feedback, advice and support to centres, assessors and IQAs
- apply a consistent quality assurance process in line with awarding organisation requirements
- handle quality issues, disputes and standardisation activities
The Full EQA Course Requirements
While there are no formal entry requirements for the external quality assurance training, we recommend that you have experience or qualifications in your chosen subject area.
For the practical part of the course, you will need to have access to at least two training centres – these could be dedicated training centres, workplaces carrying out in-house training, voluntary organisations or schools and colleges.
The minimum age to start this course is 18.
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