Early childhood education is crucial for a child’s development. Early years assessors are important in ensuring educators meet the correct standards.
What is an Early Years Assessor?
An early years assessor evaluates and checks the skills and knowledge of people working towards early childhood education qualifications. Assessors ensure learners have the skills needed to work in nurseries, preschools, or childcare settings. They observe students, give feedback, and help them meet the required standards in their work and studies.
Early Years Assessor Qualification
To become an early years assessor, you need specific qualifications that show you have the knowledge and skills needed to assess early childhood education and care effectively. These qualifications ensure you can help learners grow in their understanding of child development.
Levels and Types of Qualifications Needed
The qualifications you need depend on the type of assessor role you want. To start, you’ll need a Level 3 Certificate in childcare, education, or a related field. This provides the foundation for your career. However, to move forward and become a qualified assessor, you should also complete additional training in assessment.
- Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment
This qualification assesses learners in a real work environment, such as nurseries or childcare centres. - Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement
This is for assessing learners in a classroom or workshop setting, where practical skills are taught.
These two qualifications can also be combined into the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA), which is widely recognised and preferred for many assessor roles.

Interested in becoming an Early Years Assessor?
First, gain the right qualifications, hands-on experience, and assessor training. Check our CAVA, ACWE and AVRA courses to help you become an assessor and play an essential part in developing future educator.