Quality assurance plays an important role in overcoming quality-related concerns within organisations. Quality failures, such as biased assessments, can damage an organisation’s reputation. Early detection of issues saves the cost of correcting systematic errors. To become a quality assurer, you must pass relevant qualifications. QA qualifications are of two types: internal and external. A learner must read the course guidelines carefully to choose the right qualification.
Internal Quality Assurance IQA
Quality assurance is the backbone of maintaining quality standards in products or services. IQA confirms fairness and quality in assessments. Organisations rely on IQAs to oversee assessors’ activities. They confirm that all evaluations are impartial and uphold the organisation’s reputation for quality.
The responsibilities of an Internal Quality Assurer may include:
- Verifying that assessors meet requisite standards
- Organising monitoring activities
- Collaborating with assessors, trainers, and employers for uniformity in assessment practices
- Assessing the performance of trainers and assessors and offering constructive feedback
- Assisting trainers and assessors
- Reviewing samples of assessment records and decisions
- Engaging with learners
- Planning the methods and timing of assessor monitoring
- Identifying the best practices across the organisation
Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) ensures that institutions offering official qualifications regulated by Awarding Organisations maintain high standards.
Awarding Organisations, Bodies, or Exam Boards issue certificates and set qualification standards. An IQA oversees compliance with Awarding Organisation requirements, which is especially important for assessing candidates’ qualification process.
The right quality assurance qualification depends on your goals. Start with the IQA Award Unit 1 for foundational knowledge, or progress to IQA Units 1 and 2 for practical and theoretical skills in monitoring assessments. For leadership roles, the Lead IQA Course prepares you to manage quality assurance teams effectively.