RQF assessor
Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) assessors check vocational courses and help trainees to meet the standards.
In this guide
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this job, you may:
- plan and run vocational training programmes and workshops
- observe and assess trainees in their workplace
- interview trainees and examine their portfolios of evidence
- give constructive feedback and offer advice on how to meet standards
- keep records of trainees' progress
- work closely with training staff and employers
Working environment
You could work at a client's business or in an office.
Career path and progression
With relevant experience and qualifications, you could:
- lead a team of assessors
- move into further education teaching
- become a training manager
You could also be an internal or external verifier, checking the quality of work of assessors and training centres.
You may want to work towards chartered assessor status for your own professional development, through the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- to enjoy working with other people
- customer service skills
- sensitivity and understanding
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
- have a full driving licence
Related subjects
Most relevant
- English Language - RQF assessors write detailed feedback reports, keep records of trainees' progress, and examine portfolios of written evidence. They need to communicate clearly and precisely – both in writing and verbally – when explaining how trainees can meet required standards.
Also relevant
- Business - RQF assessors often work within industries where business knowledge is valuable, assessing trainees in workplace settings and understanding how organisations operate. They also need to manage their own schedules, liaise with employers, and understand training as a business function.
- Psychology - RQF assessors need to understand how people learn, stay motivated, and respond to feedback. Knowledge of different learning styles and how to support trainees who may be struggling or anxious helps them give constructive guidance that actually makes a difference.
- Sociology - RQF assessors work with trainees from diverse backgrounds and need to understand how social factors can affect learning and workplace performance. An awareness of equality, inclusion, and how institutions shape people's experiences is useful when supporting a wide range of learners.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
You'll need industry experience and a minimum of a level 3 qualification in the type of work you plan to assess.
You'll also need an assessing qualification, like:
- Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment - for assessing in the workplace
- Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement - for assessing outside the workplace
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement - for assessing in the workplace and outside the workplace
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
More Information
You could do a Learning and Skills Assessor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
You'll usually need a qualification in the subject you want to assess. Employers will also look for relevant up-to-date work experience.
The apprenticeship takes a minimum of a year to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
Further information
You can find out more about working as a training assessor from FE Advice.
In this guide
Related videos
Suggested videos
Coffee With is in early release mode with a limited number of videos. New videos are being added every week, so please check back for updates.
External links
This page contains original content developed by Coffee With Ltd. You may share this page as a link but you must not copy the content or use it with AI tools. All rights reserved.