What does CAVA stand for?

CAVA stands for Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement. It is a level 3 qualification that is widely recognised across the country for assessors.

What is a CAVA qualification?

CAVA is a detailed and practical qualification for assessors. It focuses on teaching the skills and knowledge needed to assess learners confidently in their workplace and educational settings, such as classrooms. This makes CAVA highly applicable to real-world assessment scenarios.
CAVA teaches you how to evaluate and oversee a learner's vocational skills. After completing the course and gaining occupational competence, you will be qualified to conduct assessments for learners working towards NVQs or apprenticeships.

CAVA is a Common Alternative to the A1 Assessor Course

Previously known as the A1 assessor course and the D32/D33 assessor courses, the CAVA is the current and updated qualification required for full assessor certification. Despite occasional confusion, it is distinct from the TAQA course. TAQA refers to a suite of qualifications and is not a standalone qualification.

This qualification is preferred because it covers all units (1,2,3) for assessing students across different environments. It is the preferred course for learning about the different assessment methods and principles.

What is the Importance of CAVA Qualification?

The CAVA qualification is classified as a Level 3 certificate. Among the three official assessor qualifications at Level 3, each serves a distinct purpose: one focuses on workplace assessment, and another on assessment in educational settings.
CAVA uniquely qualifies assessors to evaluate learners in both workplace and educational environments.

What are the Requirements for the Level 3 Assessor Qualification

To obtain your CAVA qualification, you will need to complete three units. This can be done part-time while you continue working. Typically, the course takes around 150 hours to complete, making it feasible for most individuals to finish in approximately 12 weeks.

There are no formal prerequisites for entry, but you should have math and English skills at a Level 2 standard.

Proficiency in the field you wish to assess is necessary. For most assessor qualifications, except for the UPPA, you must have at least two learners available for assessment.

As part of your qualification process, you will need to assess learners.

Entry Requirements

Like most Level 3 awards, the entry requirements for enrolling in the CAVA course are basic.

A minimum of Level 2 (or equivalent) in literacy and numeracy
Be over the age of 18

What are the three CAVA Units

Unit 1 Principles and Practices of Assessment

Unit 1 focuses on establishing a solid theoretical foundation. It teaches principles and practices related to assessment, emphasising the responsibilities and role of assessors.

Unit 2 Assessing Occupational Competence in Work Environments

Unit 2 assesses learners within their respective work environments. Participants are given access to two learners for assessment purposes, which is included in the course fee.

Unit 3 Assessing Vocational Skills, Knowledge, and Understanding

The course's final unit evaluates learners' vocational skills, knowledge, and understanding in a learning environment.

FAQs

What does the CAVA course involve?

The CAVA course includes three units:

Unit 1: This unit covers the theoretical aspects of assessment, including the role and responsibilities of assessors.
Unit 2: This unit focuses on assessing learners in their work environments.
Unit 3: This involves assessing learners in a learning environment.

How long does it take to complete the CAVA course?

Completing the CAVA course typically takes 4-6 months, with a few hours of studying per week. You have up to 2 years to finish the course.

Do I need access to learners for assessment?

Yes, for the CAVA course, you need learners to assess. It is an Ofqual requirement to conduct real-life assessments with two learners to qualify as an assessor.

Do I need to be in an assessor role already?

No, prior experience as an assessor is not necessary to enrol in the CAVA course. There are no specific entry requirements. However, occupational competence in your chosen assessment area benefits future employment prospects.

Do I need to be in a Further Education role?

No, enrollment in the CAVA course does not require you to be in a Further Education role.

What is TAQA?

TAQA refers to a suite of qualifications and is not a standalone qualification.

What was the A1 assessor course?

The A1 assessor course was the former title of the assessor qualification until 2010, when it was renamed the CAVA qualification, the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement.

What was the D32/33 assessor course?

The D32/33 assessor course was the original title of the assessor qualification in the nineties. It became known as the A1 assessor course and eventually evolved into the current CAVA assessor course.

Is an expert witness required for the CAVA course?

Yes, you do require an expert witness for this course. He is a qualified assessor within your organisation who verifies that your assessments were conducted correctly before your course tutor grades them.