Are you looking to advance your career in education, training, or vocational assessment? The ProQual Level 4 Award in the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is a highly regarded qualification that equips professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to become External Quality Assurers (EQAs).
This qualification is ideal for those who already have experience as assessors or internal quality assurers (IQAs) and now wish to move into external quality assurance. It provides the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to evaluate assessment practices externally, ensuring that learning providers meet required quality standards. The course is part of the UK’s regulated qualifications framework and is respected internationally by institutions and employers who follow British education systems or competency-based training models.
The ProQual Level 4 Award is a Level 4 qualification, equivalent to the first year of undergraduate study in the UK. It is delivered through a flexible format, often available online, in-person, or as blended learning. Most learners complete the qualification within 3 to 6 months, depending on their availability and access to a suitable workplace. Assessment is based entirely on practical application and a portfolio of evidence—there are no written exams.
The ProQual Level 4 Award in the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is a highly respected, practical qualification for professionals committed to improving the quality of education and training. It provides the skills, recognition, and career mobility needed to succeed as an EQA and is suitable for individuals working across a variety of educational contexts.
Whether you’re looking to formalize your existing experience, enter a new career path, or take your skills international, this qualification offers a strong foundation in external quality assurance. With flexible study options and globally relevant content, it is one of the most valuable qualifications available for professionals in the assessment and quality assurance field.
ProQual Level 4 Award in the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
The ProQual Level 4 Award in the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice consists of 2 units :
- Understanding the Principles and Practices of Externally Assuring the Quality of Assessment
- Externally Assure the Quality of Assessment
GLH (Guided Learning Hours) and TQT (Total Qualification Time) are terms commonly used in vocational qualifications to help define the amount of time a learner is expected to spend on their studies.
1. GLH (Guided Learning Hours)
GLH refers to the number of hours a learner spends being directly taught, supervised, or supported during their course. This includes the time spent in activities such as:
- Classroom instruction
- Practical workshops
- One-on-one tutoring or mentoring sessions
- Online learning sessions with tutor support
In other words, GLH represents the time that learners are actively engaged with their instructors or learning activities.
2. TQT (Total Qualification Time)
TQT represents the total amount of time a learner is expected to invest in completing a qualification, including:
- GLH (Guided Learning Hours): Time spent on direct learning, as explained above.
- Self-Directed Learning: This includes time spent on independent study, research, assignment completion, preparation for exams, and any other work the learner does outside of direct teaching hours.
TQT is a broader measure that includes all the time required to achieve the qualification. It helps learners and employers understand the overall commitment required for the qualification.
Key Differences Between GLH and TQT:
- GLH focuses on direct learning with guidance or supervision.
- TQT includes GLH as well as independent study time and other learning-related activities.
Example:
If a qualification has a TQT of 600 hours and a GLH of 250 hours, it means the learner should spend 250 hours in direct learning (classroom, online, or tutor-led sessions) and 350 hours on independent study or research.
Upon completing this Course students will be able to:
Understanding the Principles and Practices of Externally Assuring the Quality of Assessment
- Understand the context and principles of external quality assurance.
- Understand how to plan the external quality assurance of assessment.
- Understand how to manage information relevant to the external quality assurance.
- Understand how to externally evaluate the quality of assessment and internal quality assurance.
- Understand the legal and good practice requirements relating to external quality assurance.
Externally Assure the Quality of Assessment
- Plan the external quality assurance of assessment.
- Externally evaluate internal quality assurance and assessment.
- Maintain and improve internal quality assurance processes.
- Manage information relevant to the external quality assurance of assessment
- Maintain legal and good practice requirements when externally monitoring and maintaining the quality of assessment.
Benefits of the ProQual Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance
Earning this qualification offers numerous practical and professional benefits, especially for those involved in assessment and quality assurance roles:
- Enhances Professional Credibility
Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high assessment standards, regulatory compliance, and best practices in education. - Recognition as a Qualified EQA
Become a certified External Quality Assurer (EQA), qualified to monitor and verify assessments across multiple centers or providers. - Improved Career Prospects
Access a wider range of roles such as EQA, External Verifier, Compliance Officer, Quality Consultant, or Assessment Auditor. - Flexible Study Options
Complete the course through online, blended, or self-paced learning—ideal for working professionals. - Work-Based Assessment
No written exams; you are assessed through a portfolio of real-world evidence and observation in your current role. - Higher Earning Potential
Qualified EQAs often command better salaries or consulting fees due to the specialized nature of their work. - Increased Job Security and Versatility
Skills gained are applicable across various sectors including education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and corporate learning. - International Recognition
The Ofqual-regulated qualification is accepted in many countries following UK vocational standards, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and more. - Supports CPD and Long-Term Growth
Counts toward Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and supports progression into senior roles or further qualifications. - Foundation for Advanced Study
Provides a stepping stone to higher-level qualifications such as: - ProQual Level 4 Certificate in Leading the EQA of Assessment Processes and Practice
- Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET)
The ProQual Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance is designed for professionals involved in assessment and quality assurance processes who want to advance into external verifier or compliance roles. It is suitable for:
- External Quality Assurers (EQAs)
Individuals currently working as EQAs who want to gain formal recognition and certification for their role. - Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs)
IQAs who are looking to move into external quality assurance and expand their responsibilities. - Qualified Assessors (e.g., TAQA, A1)
Assessors who want to take their careers further by monitoring assessment standards across multiple organizations or centers. - Quality Managers and Compliance Officers
Professionals responsible for managing quality assurance systems within training providers or awarding bodies. - Freelance Education and Training Consultants
Individuals who offer quality assurance services and need a recognized qualification to strengthen their profile and credibility. - Staff at Awarding Bodies or End-Point Assessment Organizations (EPAOs)
Those involved in standardization, assessment monitoring, or compliance across qualification delivery. - Educators and Trainers in Vocational Education
Trainers who want to ensure the quality and fairness of assessments in their institutions or partner centers. - Professionals Seeking International Roles
Those pursuing quality assurance roles in countries that follow UK education and vocational standards, such as the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and others.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for this qualification, learners are expected to meet the following entry requirements :
Age Requirement:
- Must be 18 years or older at the time of enrollment.
Educational Background:
- No formal academic qualifications are required.
- A good standard of English literacy and numeracy is expected.
- Basic understanding of assessment principles is helpful.
Experience:
- Should have previous or current experience in one or more of the following roles:
- Assessor
- Internal Quality Assurer (IQA)
- Trainer or Tutor involved in vocational assessment
- Quality Manager or Compliance Officer in an education or training organization
- Must be in a position to carry out external quality assurance duties as part of the course.
- Access to real assessment environments (e.g., assessors, records, learners, or centers) is essential for collecting evidence.
Recommended Prior Qualifications (Not Mandatory):
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)
- Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
- Equivalent assessor/IQA qualifications or professional experience
Workplace Requirements:
- Learners must have access to:
- At least two assessors whose work they can externally quality assure
- Relevant documentation, assessment records, and standardization processes
- Opportunities to observe and report on assessment and verification activities
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Qualification Process
Qualification Process for the ProQual Level 4 Award in the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
- Self-Assessment:
Begin by evaluating your eligibility to ensure you meet the qualification requirements, including work experience, knowledge, and language proficiency. - Registration:
Complete your registration by submitting the required documents, including a scanned copy of a valid ID, and paying the registration fee. - Induction:
An assessor will conduct an induction to confirm your eligibility for the course and explain the evidence requirements. If you do not meet the criteria, your registration will be canceled, and the fee will be refunded. - Assignments & Evidence Submission:
Provide all assignments and the necessary evidence based on the assessment criteria outlined in the course. If you are unsure of the required evidence, consult with the assessor for guidance on the type and nature of evidence needed. - Feedback and Revision:
The assessor will review your submitted evidence and provide feedback. Evidence that meets the criteria will be marked as “Criteria Met,” while any gaps will be identified. You will be asked to revise and resubmit if needed. - Competence Evidence:
Submit final evidence demonstrating that all learning outcomes have been met. This evidence will be marked as “Criteria Met” by the assessor once it is satisfactory. - Internal Quality Assurance (IQA):
The Internal Quality Assurance Verifier (IQA) will review your evidence to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance with standards. - External Verification:
The IQA will submit your portfolio to ProQual External Quality Assurance Verifiers (EQA) for final confirmation. The EQA may contact you directly to verify the authenticity of your evidence. - Certification:
Upon successful completion of all checks, ProQual will issue your official certificate, confirming that you have attained the ProQual Level 4 Award in the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice.
