OAL Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance of Assessment
The OAL Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance of Assessment is a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification designed for experienced assessors and internal quality assurers who are responsible for maintaining the quality and consistency of assessment decisions across different training centres or organisations.
This qualification enables individuals to carry out external quality assurance (EQA) duties in line with regulatory requirements, ensuring that assessment practices meet national standards and that learner outcomes are fair, valid, and reliable. It is an essential qualification for those working with awarding organisations, sector skills councils, or professional bodies in an external quality assurance role.
Ideal for professionals looking to expand their responsibilities beyond internal verification, this award provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in externally monitoring and evaluating the quality of assessment processes.
This qualification ensures that external quality assurers understand and apply national assessment standards, monitor assessor and centre performance, and contribute to the continuous improvement of quality assurance systems.
Key areas of focus include:
- Understanding the principles and practices of external quality assurance
- Planning and conducting effective external monitoring visits
- Evaluating internal quality assurance systems and documentation
- Providing accurate and constructive feedback to centres and assessors
- Managing risk and maintaining compliance with awarding organisation policies
- Supporting and advising centres on continuous improvement and best practice
Assessment is based on real work activities, with learners required to produce a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their ability to carry out external quality assurance duties in a live setting.
Upon completion, learners will be equipped to operate as effective External Quality Assurers and may progress to senior EQA roles or qualifications in education management, quality systems, or regulatory compliance.
While there are no strict academic prerequisites for this qualification, learners must meet the following criteria to ensure successful participation and achievement:
- Minimum Age Requirement:
Learners must be 19 years of age or older at the time of registration. OAL does not accept registrations from learners under 19 years old. - Educational Background:
There are no formal educational qualifications required, but it is recommended that learners have a relevant Level 3 qualification in assessment practice, such as the OAL Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocational Achievement. - Occupational Experience:
- Learners should have practical experience in assessment and internal quality assurance (IQA) processes.
- Learners must have access to at least two assessment centres or providers where they can carry out real external quality assurance activities.
- English Language Proficiency:
- Learners should have a sufficient level of English (equivalent to CEFR Level B2 or above) to read technical documents, communicate effectively, and complete written assessments.
- Access to Real Work Environment:
- Learners must be in a position where they can perform external quality assurance duties in a live environment, including reviewing assessor practices, sampling assessment decisions, and supporting centre improvements.
- Potential and Opportunity to Achieve:
- Centres must ensure that learners have the motivation, capability, and access to carry out the activities needed to gather valid assessment evidence for the qualification.
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 |
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.
The OAL Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance of Assessment is designed for experienced education and training professionals who are, or intend to be, involved in the external quality assurance (EQA) of vocational qualifications and assessment processes. It is ideal for those responsible for monitoring assessment and internal quality assurance across multiple centres or training providers on behalf of an awarding organisation or regulatory body.
This qualification is particularly suitable for:
- Practicing or aspiring External Quality Assurers (EQAs) working with awarding organisations or certification bodies
- Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs) seeking to advance their careers and broaden their responsibilities
- Senior assessors or education managers looking to take on regional or multi-centre quality assurance roles
- Compliance officers or quality leads involved in maintaining standards across training centres
- Professionals working in apprenticeships, further education, or work-based learning who want to contribute to maintaining national quality assurance standards
It is relevant across a wide range of sectors, including health and social care, construction, engineering, retail, hospitality, education, and more—anywhere regulated qualifications are delivered and assessed.
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