The OAL Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance of Assessment is a nationally recognised qualification designed for professionals responsible for maintaining and improving the quality of assessment processes in vocational education and workplace learning. This qualification is aimed at external quality assurers (EQAs) who monitor and evaluate assessment and internal quality assurance practices across multiple centres or organisations.
Focusing on principles such as compliance, standardisation, consistency, and continuous improvement, the qualification equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to carry out external quality assurance activities effectively. This includes planning external quality assurance, conducting external monitoring visits, sampling learner evidence, and reporting on findings in line with awarding organisation and regulatory requirements.
This qualification is essential for experienced assessors and internal quality assurers seeking to progress into external quality assurance roles, particularly those working with awarding bodies, training providers, or professional certification organisations.
Inspire College of Technologies (ICTQual) UK is Directly Approved Training Centre of Occupational Awards Limited (OAL)
The OAL Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance of Assessment is a UK-regulated qualification designed to develop the knowledge and practical expertise required to carry out external quality assurance (EQA) of assessment processes and practices in vocational education and training settings.
This qualification is intended for professionals who externally monitor and evaluate assessment and internal quality assurance across multiple centres on behalf of awarding organisations or other regulatory bodies. It provides a robust understanding of the principles and practices that underpin effective quality assurance, ensuring that assessments remain valid, reliable, and consistent across different learning environments.
Learners will gain competence in planning external quality assurance activities, carrying out external verification visits, sampling learner evidence, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and supporting continuous improvement across centres. The qualification also emphasises the importance of professional conduct, reporting protocols, and collaboration with internal quality assurance teams.
The OAL Level 4 Award is particularly suitable for experienced assessors and internal quality assurers looking to advance into external quality assurance roles within awarding bodies, apprenticeship providers, or further education and skills sectors. It supports career progression into senior quality assurance and compliance roles and contributes to maintaining high standards of vocational education and training delivery.
OAL Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance of Assessment qualification consist of Two mandatory units of 12 credits, with 120 Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 75 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
Mandatory Units
| Sr# | Unit Title | Level | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Principles and practices of external quality assurance of assessment | 4 | 6 | 45 |
| 2 | Externally assure the quality of assessment | 4 | 6 | 30 |
The OAL Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance of Assessment is designed for experienced education and training professionals who are responsible for externally monitoring and assuring the quality of assessment and internal quality assurance practices across multiple centres or training providers.
This qualification is ideal for:
- Practising or aspiring External Quality Assurers (EQAs) working with awarding bodies or regulatory organisations.
- Experienced Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs) seeking to progress into external quality assurance roles.
- Education and Training Professionals involved in managing quality across multiple learning sites.
- Centre Coordinators or Lead Verifiers who oversee the consistency and integrity of assessments.
- Consultants or Compliance Officers working in vocational training, apprenticeships, or work-based learning settings.
It is especially relevant for those who work in further education, training, apprenticeships, and skills development, and who are responsible for ensuring assessments meet national standards and regulatory expectations.
Learning outcomes for OAL Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance of Assessment
1. Principles and Practices of External Quality Assurance of Assessment
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the purpose and function of external quality assurance in vocational assessment.
- Explain the roles and responsibilities of the external quality assurer (EQA).
- Identify regulatory and legal requirements that underpin external quality assurance.
- Understand key principles such as validity, reliability, consistency, and standardisation.
- Evaluate different external quality assurance techniques and methods.
- Understand how to support and develop assessors and internal quality assurance staff.
- Explain how to maintain objectivity, confidentiality, and professionalism in external quality assurance.
2. Externally Assure the Quality of Assessment
Learning Outcomes:
- Plan external quality assurance activities in line with organisational and regulatory requirements.
- Conduct external verification visits, both remotely and onsite, effectively.
- Sample assessment decisions and records across multiple centres or qualifications.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of internal quality assurance systems and assessor practices.
- Identify risks to the quality and integrity of assessment and recommend actions for improvement.
- Provide clear, constructive feedback and support to centres and internal quality assurers.
- Produce accurate and detailed reports to document findings, actions, and recommendations.
- Maintain records and communication in accordance with data protection and audit requirements.
