Highfield Level 4 Award in the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice – EQA qualification

You will learn about the processes and procedures of  External Quality Assurance (EQA), including centre visit planning, EQA report writing, working with Awarding Organisations and supporting centres to improve their quality in assessment. This qualification will allow you to work as a qualified  External Quality Assurer

If you’re looking to advance your career in quality assurance, our comprehensive training course is the perfect stepping stone. Tailored for those eager to gain a nationally recognised qualification, this programme is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel as an External Quality Assurer.

Whether you’re aiming to enhance your professional profile or open new opportunities within Awarding Organisations, our expert tutors will guide and support you throughout your learning journey. Join a community of motivated professionals and take the next step in your career today!

Learners must hold one of the following qualifications prior to enrolling:
• Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
• Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
• Level 4 Award in Conducting Internal Quality Assurance of the Assessment Process V1
• Internally Verify the Assessment Process D34

You must be employed (paid or voluntary) by a recognised Awarding Organisation and able to provide proof of this relationship. The organisation must verify your role in external quality assurance for its centres.

The Award includes 2 required units:

Unit 1 – Principles and practices of External Quality Assurance

This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles and established practices underpinning External Quality Assurance (EQA).

Learners will explore the key responsibilities and ethical considerations of an External Quality Assurer, including understanding regulatory requirements, maintaining objectivity, and ensuring fair and consistent assessment outcomes across centres. The unit covers the processes involved in planning and carrying out EQA activities, such as conducting centre visits, reviewing assessment systems and documentation, and collaborating with internal quality assurers and Awarding Organisations.

Emphasis is also placed on effective communication, EQA report writing, and supporting centres in developing robust quality assurance procedures. By completing this unit, learners will gain the theoretical knowledge required to confidently undertake external quality assurance duties in line with current industry standards.

Unit 2 – Externally assuring assessment quality

This unit is focused on the practical application of external quality assurance within Awarding Organisations. Learners will develop the skills necessary to plan, conduct, and report on external quality assurance activities, ensuring that assessment processes across centres meet regulated standards.

The unit covers the methods for gathering and evaluating evidence of assessment practice, observing assessments, sampling assessor decisions, and providing constructive feedback to centres. Emphasis is placed on maintaining objectivity, adhering to ethical and regulatory requirements, and supporting centres in continuous improvement. By the end of this unit, learners will be equipped to carry out external quality assurance effectively, ensuring fair, consistent, and robust assessment outcomes across multiple centres.

Further information can be found in the Highfield qualification specification.

Unit 1: Understanding the principles and practices of externally assuring the quality of assessment

When you enrol with us, you will be allocated an experienced assessor and receive a textbook  and resources to support you with your qualification. You will then begin working on unit 1. Your assessor will provide guidance and feedback on your written work.

You must complete of a portfolio of evidence that will cover all assessment criteria for the required units.

Unit 1 assessment

• you must complete an assignment which covers assessment criteria. You can submit this in intervals for ongoing support and feedback from your expert tutor.
• you will participate in a planned professional discussion with your tutor to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of assessment.

Unit 2: Externally assure the quality of assessment

The aim of this unit is to assess performance in assuring the quality of assessment from outside an organisation or assessment centre, usually on behalf of an awarding organisation.

All learning outcomes in this unit must be assessed using methods appropriate to the EQA trainee’s performance. You must provide evidence for at least two centres to complete the unit.

These must include:

• observation of performance- you will be observed working with  staff in one for the centres you are carrying out external quality assurance visits. This takes place usually at the start of a  visit or during feedback at the end. This can be  occur during face to face or remote visits.
• examining products of work- you will provide evidence of visit planning the visits and the centre report following the visit.
• questioning- following the observation you will discuss the visit and provide evidence for your actions and judgements.

Direct evidence of this kind may be supplemented, where necessary, by professional discussion, reflective accounts or witness testimony.

You will have 12 months from enrolment to complete the qualification, although many learners complete earlier. The deadline may be extended in line with your allocations of centres to allow you to complete the qualification.

You will be allocated a named assessor who will provide you with unlimited online support throughout the qualification. You will have a face to face online induction with your assessor to plan your first steps and answer any questions you may have. Further tutorials can be arranged with your assessor, either face to face, online or via telephone, as required.

The price includes:

• Expert advice and support from a highly experienced trainer
• Course materials
• Unlimited online support via Teams
• Registration and certification

There are no hidden charges with this qualification. The observation with your assessor is included in the price. This ensures that Best for Training fully meets the observation requirements set by the Awarding Organisation and the Education and Training Foundation.

On successful completion of this qualification, learners may wish to continue their development by completing Highfield Level 4 Certificate in Leading the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (RQF).