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Home / Teaching / What is an IQA Qualification

What is an IQA Qualification

Picture of Aliza Hasnain

Aliza Hasnain

  • 7 min read

Table of Contents

The role of an Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) process in educational centres is to provide fair and accurate assessment practices. It is a basic necessity for every Centre, irrespective of size or type.

Central to IQA are Internal Quality Assurers or Moderators, who are tasked with supporting assessment practices. They also provide feedback to assessors and maintain proper record-keeping.

There is a need for ongoing support for assessors and transparent learner entry requirements for the Level 4 IQA qualification course.

Moreover, efforts should be made to prevent malpractice and conflicts of interest. Ultimately, IQA upholds the integrity of assessment processes and delivers quality education.

What is an Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)?

Internal Quality Assurance (IQA), also known as internal moderation, carries out the following tasks:

  • Make sure that teachers mark students’ work accurately and fairly according to the standards set for each topic.
  • Make sure that all teachers grade students’ work consistently.
  • Assessors are following important principles like being fair, transparent, and trustworthy.

Why is it Important for your Centre to have an IQA System?

No matter the size or type of your Centre, having your own IQA system is important. This system is a key part of an overall quality assurance process. It would help if you appointed someone in your Centre to oversee the IQA system. This person acts as a link between your Centre and the external quality assurance process.

An IQA (Internal Quality Assurance) qualification ensures professionals can maintain the quality of assessments. The Level 4 IQA Award covers key units on principles and practices, while the Lead IQA Course prepares individuals to manage quality assurance teams. These qualifications are important for advancing in quality assurance roles.

The Role of Internal Quality Assurers/Internal Moderators

The people responsible for IQA in your Centre are Internal Quality Assurers or Internal Moderators. They have the following important tasks:

  • Supporting programme planning: They help teachers plan assessments by ensuring they match what students should learn.
  • Supporting assessors: They regularly check the work of assessors, give them feedback, and help them improve. This allows them to grow professionally and supports their future development.
  • Planning with Assessors: Work with assessors to plan how assessments will be checked. This includes examining different types of assessments, such as practical tasks and written tests.
  • Keeping Records: Keep records of what learners achieve. Make sure these records are up to date.
    Keeping Things Safe: Keep assessment materials and evidence safe while checking them.
  • Checking Portfolios: Before final certification, check a sample of portfolios to ensure they meet the standards.
  • Meeting Deadlines: Make sure any tasks we ask for are done on time.

What is the Difference between an IQA and a Lead IQA?

IQA (Internal Quality Assurer)

An IQA confirms that assessment practices are consistent and that the standards set by the organisation and the regulatory body are met.

Lead IQA (Leading Internal Quality Assurer)

A Lead IQA has a more senior role. They are in charge of overseeing the IQA process for the whole organisation or sector. They lead a team of IQAs for the organisation’s quality assurance policies and practices.

Aspect

IQA (Internal Quality Assurer)

Lead IQA (Leading Internal Quality Assurer)

Responsibility 

Makes sure that assessment practices meet set standards

Oversees the IQA process across the organisation or sector

Leadership

Typically, does not involve leadership roles

Typically, involves leadership roles e.g. team management 

Scope

Focuses on quality within a specific area or a team

Focuses on quality assurance (QA) across the entire organisation

Strategic planning 

May not involve strategic planning 

Involves strategic planning

Do Internal Quality Assurers/Moderators Need Specific Qualifications?

When it comes to those involved in Internal Quality Assurance (IQA), having the right experience and IQA qualifications is important. Here’s what we generally look for:

Subject Knowledge: They should know about the subject or area they are assessing.

Vocational Competence: If needed for a specific qualification, they should be good at the job related to that qualification.

Assessment Experience: They should have experience assessing different assessment reports.

Understanding of Key Principles: They need to understand important things like being consistent, transparent, fair, and trustworthy.

Know the Policies: They should be familiar with their Centre’s policies on quality assurance and the requirements for the qualification.

It is considered best practice for Internal Quality Assurers/Internal Moderators to have one of the following IQA training qualifications:

Learner Entry Requirements for an IQA Qualification

IQA Learner Entry Requirements

Age

18 years or above

Prior Qualifications

No prior qualifications required 

Prior Skills 

No skills required

Enrolment Restrictions

None

Access for IQA Learners with Disabilities

Learners with disabilities should have the same chances to study and succeed. The aim is to prevent discrimination based on age, disability, gender, marriage, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Make sure that the assessments are fair and allow every learner to show what they can do.

The IQA Certification Course Structure

The IQA certification course comprises three mandatory units covering topics related to internal quality assurance. During this course, learners will learn how to manage teams, create quality assurance policies, and use effective assessment practices. Below are the units covered in this course:

Unit 1: Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of Assessment
Unit 2: Internally Assure the Quality of Assessment
Unit 3: Plan, Allocate and Monitor Work in Own Area of Responsibility

IQA Certification Course Objectives

Learners taking the unit Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of Assessment do not have to be involved in checking the quality of their work.

Learners taking the assessment units called Internally Assure the Quality of Assessment must be involved in checking the quality of their work. They need to collect evidence from at least two assessors as part of a qualification.

Recruiting Learners with Integrity

Centres must recruit learners honestly and fairly, especially regarding qualifications. They should make learners understand what qualifications they are signing up for and that those qualifications will meet their needs.

During the recruitment process, the Centre should assess each potential learner. At Hurak Learning, we judge fairly and professionally whether the learner can complete the assessment and get the qualification. The assessment should also determine what support the learner might need to access the required qualification.

FAQs

What is the Level 4 IQA Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practise?
The Level 4 IQA Award certifies you as a fully qualified Internal Quality Assurance. With this award, you can check assessments from others within your organisation.

Why should I become a qualified IQA?
Being a qualified IQA helps organisations maintain high assessment standards. It also opens doors to supervisory or managerial roles.

What will I be doing as an IQA?
As an IQA, you will supervise and give feedback to trainers and assessors. You will review assessment records and decisions and meet with learners. You will also monitor assessors and promote best practices within the organisation.

What is an IQA Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (Units 1-3)?
Qualified IQAs can aim for The Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice. It is the most advanced course and qualifies you to lead a team of internal quality assurers.

You can also complete The Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practise with Hurak Learning.

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