What does TAQA stand for?
TAQA stands for Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance. It is not a single certificate. It is the collective name for the family of Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications introduced in 2010 to replace the old A1, A2, V1 and V2 assessor and verifier awards. Every awarding organisation on the Ofqual register offers its own version of the same TAQA units with the same unit codes, so a TQUK CAVA and a City & Guilds CAVA cover identical content.
Which qualifications are in the TAQA suite?
| Qualification | Level | Credits | What it lets you do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment | 3 | 3 | Knowledge only; no assessing licence |
| Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment | 3 | 9 | Assess occupational competence on the job (NVQ-style) |
| Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement | 3 | 9 | Assess classroom, workshop or simulated evidence |
| Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) | 3 | 15 | Assess in both environments; the full assessor licence |
| Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice | 4 | 6 | Internally verify other assessors' decisions (IQA) |
| Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice | 4 | 12 | Lead an IQA team |
| Award in Externally Assuring the Quality of Assessment Processes and Practice | 4 | 6 | External quality assurer for an awarding organisation |
| Certificate in Leading the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice | 4 | 12 | Lead external quality assurance |
Source: Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications; TQUK qualification 601/2389/8 for the CAVA.
What is the difference between TAQA and CAVA?
The short version: asking "TAQA or CAVA?" is like asking "GCSEs or GCSE Maths?". CAVA is the Level 3 certificate within the TAQA suite that combines all three assessor units:
| CAVA unit | Unit code | Credits | Guided learning hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding the principles and practices of assessment | D/601/5313 | 3 | 24 |
| Assess occupational competence in the work environment | H/601/5314 | 6 | 30 |
| Assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding | F/601/5319 | 6 | 30 |
The two smaller Level 3 Awards each pair the principles unit with just one of the practice units. Employers and awarding organisations usually ask for the full CAVA because it covers both environments, which is why the Lift College Level 3 Assessor Certificate (CAVA) is the certificate rather than an award. A job advert that says "TAQA qualified" almost always means CAVA or an equivalent older A1 award.
Which assessor qualification do you need?
| Your situation | Qualification to take |
|---|---|
| You want to assess NVQs or RQF diplomas in a workplace (care, construction, hairdressing, business) | CAVA, or the 9-credit Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment |
| You assess in a college, training centre or online classroom | CAVA, or the Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement |
| You are not sure where you will assess yet | CAVA: it covers both |
| You already hold A1 or D32/D33 | Still valid; most centres now ask for CPD evidence, and CAVA is the modern equivalent |
| You want to check other assessors' work | Level 4 IQA Award (you normally need an assessor qualification first) |
| You want to train or teach as well as assess | Add the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, then the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education) |
How do you become an assessor?
- Have occupational competence in the sector you will assess. Most awarding organisations ask for recent experience at or above the level you assess, for example a Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care to assess care at Level 2 and 3.
- Enrol on the CAVA. There is no entry qualification, and you can study online while working.
- Secure access to real learners. The two practice units need observed assessment of at least two learners, so you need a centre, employer or placement that lets you assess.
- Build the portfolio. Assignments for the principles unit, then observation records, product evidence, questioning and three further methods from the vocational skills list. No exams. Pass only.
- Certificate from TQUK, typically within 4 to 8 months of starting, and you can apply for assessor roles. Many assessors go on to the Level 4 HLTA or the Level 5 teaching diploma to move into delivery.
Assessor pay and the step from assessing into FE teaching are covered in our guide to the CAVA qualification and how to become an assessor.
Your next step
Start the Level 3 CAVA course free for 7 days
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Frequently asked questions
Is TAQA the same as CAVA?
Is the CAVA a Level 3 or Level 4 qualification?
Do I need a teaching qualification to be an assessor?
How long does the CAVA take?
Is A1 still accepted instead of CAVA?
Sources checked
- Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications: TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (RQF), 601/2389/8
- Training Qualifications UK (TQUK), qualification specification for the TAQA suite
- Education and Training Foundation, guidance on assessor and quality assurer roles in further education
- Lift College course page, Level 3 Assessor Certificate (CAVA), checked 15 October 2026