Exploring the Role of an IQA: Responsibilities and Requirements of an IQA Job

As an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA), you will be responsible for ensuring that apprenticeships and other skills-based learning are of high quality. This role requires excellent communication, problem solving and organisational skills - but it can also provide great rewards both professionally and personally. In this blog post we'll explore what responsibilities IQAs have, how to become one and why becoming an IQA is worth considering as part of your future career path. We'll also discuss where to find IQA jobs so you can start on your journey today.

What is an IQA?

An IQA, or Internal Quality Assurer, is a professional who works in the apprenticeships sector to ensure that learners are receiving quality training and assessment. They are responsible for monitoring the performance of coaches, assessors and trainers to make sure they meet standards set by awarding organisations.

IQAs also provide support to both learners and assessors/trainers throughout their learning journey. This includes providing feedback on assessments, offering guidance on how best to deliver training sessions, and helping with any queries that may arise during the course of studying.

What is the role of an IQA?

An IQA is responsible for ensuring the quality of qualifications and assessments within a learning environment. This includes monitoring processes, providing feedback and guidance to assessors and other staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

IQAs are expected to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current assessment practices in their sector, including any changes in legislation or industry standards. They should also be familiar with the requirements of awarding organisations such as Pearson or City & Guilds.

Monitoring Processes:

IQAs must monitor all aspects of the assessment process from start to finish, including initial registration through to final certification. This involves checking that appropriate policies and procedures are being followed at each stage, such as verifying candidate identity documents or making sure that learners have been given adequate support throughout their studies. It also means keeping records of all activities related to assessment delivery so they can be reviewed if necessary.

Providing Feedback:

IQAs provide feedback on assessments carried out by others, either verbally or in writing depending on the situation. This may include advice on how best to approach certain tasks or suggestions for improvement where required. The aim is always to ensure that assessments meet both internal standards and external regulatory requirements while still allowing assessors enough freedom to use their own judgement when assessing candidates’ work.

Ensuring Compliance:

One of an IQA’s main responsibilities is ensuring that everyone involved in delivering qualifications complies with relevant laws and regulations at all times – this includes both internal rules set by employers as well as external ones imposed by government bodies and awarding organisations. An important part of this role is staying up-to-date with any changes in legislation which could affect how assessments are delivered so these can be implemented quickly if needed.

Overall, an IQA plays a vital role in maintaining high standards across further education institutions by providing oversight over assessment processes and helping to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations at all times.

By understanding the responsibilities of an IQA, you can better prepare yourself for the necessary requirements to become one and start a rewarding career in further education.

Key Takeaway: An IQA is responsible for monitoring assessment processes, providing feedback and ensuring compliance with regulations. They must stay up-to-date with changes in legislation to ensure assessments are delivered according to standards set by employers and external bodies.

Requirements for Becoming an IQA

Becoming an IQA is a rewarding and challenging career path for those in the further education sector. To become an IQA, there are certain qualifications and experience that must be met.

Qualifications:

A teaching qualification or equivalent is required to become an IQA. This can include a Certificate in Education, Diploma in Teaching or Learning Support, a Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, or other related qualifications such as NVQs/SVQs at Levels 3-5.

Experience:

Experience working within the field of education or training is also necessary to become an IQA. This could include experience as a tutor, assessor, lecturer, coach or mentor; managing learning programmes; quality assurance processes; delivering training sessions; developing resources for learners; etc.

Knowledge:

An understanding of relevant legislation and regulations governing assessment practices and quality assurance processes is essential for becoming an IQA. Additionally, knowledge of current best practice guidelines on assessment strategies would be beneficial when applying for positions as an IQA.

Good communication skills are essential for success as an IQA, both verbal and written. It is important to be able to provide effective feedback to colleagues involved in assessing learners' work. Additionally, good organisational skills are necessary in order to complete tasks efficiently while maintaining accuracy throughout the internal quality assurance process. Problem-solving skills come into play when dealing with any issues that may arise during assessments undertaken by colleagues who need guidance from time to time regarding how they approach particular aspects of their roles within further education settings where they're based.

Key Takeaway: To become an IQA, one must have the relevant qualifications and knowledge of up-to-date legislation and regulations. Good communication skills and organisational skills are also essential for success.

Career Paths for Becoming an IQA

There are several different paths you can take to become an IQA. The most common route is through experience as a lecturer or assessor first before progressing into the role of an IQA. Lecturers typically teach students at colleges or universities about specific subjects related to their field of expertise while assessors evaluate student performance against predetermined criteria established by awarding bodies like Pearson or City & Guilds. Becoming a lecturer requires knowledge in your chosen subject area as well as teaching skills; becoming an assessor usually requires occupational competence coupled with some form of qualification such as a coaching or assessing qualification.

Another path towards becoming an IQA is through gaining relevant qualifications such as Level 4 Internal Verifier/Quality Assurance Qualifications. These courses provide learners with the necessary knowledge and understanding required for verifying assessments within their own organisation’s context, which includes assessing evidence from other providers if needed. The course also covers topics like auditing procedures, evaluating learning materials, developing quality assurance systems and conducting reviews on assessment practices within organisations.

For those without prior experience or qualifications, employers may offer apprenticeships that allow them to gain practical experience while studying for recognised qualifications in this field. Additionally, taking up voluntary positions at local colleges or training centres can provide an opportunity to observe how they manage their assessment process and learn from experienced professionals who work there. With enthusiasm for working with people who want to achieve success, these pathways make it easier for individuals looking to break into the profession of IQA.

Key Takeaway: Becoming an IQA requires knowledge and experience in the field, which can be gained through qualifications such as Level 4 Internal Verifier/Quality Assurance Qualifications or apprenticeships.

Benefits of becoming an IQA

Job Security:

One of the main benefits associated with becoming an internal quality assurer is job security – since demand tends to remain fairly consistent across different sectors due to increasing levels of regulation surrounding apprenticeships programmes UK-wide.

Knowledge & Skills:

As an IQA you will gain valuable knowledge about teaching practices, assessment methods, and quality assurance processes. You will develop skills such as problem solving, communication, teamwork and leadership which are highly sought after by employers in the sector.

Career Progression:

Working as an IQA provides excellent opportunities for career progression within the field of further education. With additional qualifications or training you could progress into roles such as Head of Department or Senior Management positions within colleges or training providers.

Flexibility:

The role of an IQA often involves working with different organisations on short-term contracts so there is plenty of flexibility when it comes to choosing where you want to work and how long your contract lasts.

Job Satisfaction:

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an IQA is seeing learners achieve their goals through successful completion of courses or qualifications they have worked hard towards achieving – this can bring great job satisfaction.

Being recognised for your achievements in this role can be extremely satisfying; whether it is receiving praise from colleagues or recognition from awarding bodies, these rewards make all the hard work worthwhile.

Key Takeaway: Working as an IQA provides excellent opportunities for career progression and job satisfaction, with the added benefit of flexibility. Skills such as problem solving, communication, teamwork and leadership are developed through this role. Career progression from IQA could be into operations or quality management.

Finding IQA Jobs

Are you looking for a job in further education, skills and learning? Finding the right job can be difficult. It takes time to search through hundreds of postings, compare salaries and benefits packages, and determine which jobs are best suited to your qualifications. But with Bolt Jobs, finding IQA jobs is easier than ever before.

Bolt Jobs is an online platform that provides access to thousands of jobs from leading employers in the training sector across the UK. With its easy-to-use interface, you can quickly find relevant positions based on location or sector. You can also filter by salary range or type of contract – such as full-time or part-time – so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs.

Conclusion

Becoming an IQA is a great career choice for those looking to work in the further education sector. With the right qualifications and experience, you can make a real difference. If you're interested in exploring IQA jobs, Bolt Jobs is here to help. Our platform makes it easy to search for roles that match your skillset and interests so you can find the perfect job for you.