Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)
The recognised assessor qualification for people who assess vocational learners and occupational competence — delivered in the classroom.
- Classroom-based course (1 day)
- Assessor qualification (CAVA)
- Ideal for workplace & vocational assessors
- Awarded by NOCN
Qualification Summary
Who Is This Qualification For?
This course is designed for anyone who needs to assess learners working towards vocational qualifications — especially workplace competence (NVQs) and vocational achievement.
- New or trainee assessors
- Experienced workers moving into assessing roles
- Trainers who need an assessing qualification
- People assessing NVQ portfolios and workplace competence
- Anyone supporting vocational learners in a practical environment
No prior assessing experience needed
This qualification is suitable for those new to assessing and for experienced workers moving into an assessor role.
If you're assessing learners, this is the qualification that backs your decisions up properly.
Units Covered
The CAVA qualification covers the core skills and knowledge needed to assess learners fairly, consistently and competently.
Understanding the principles and practices of assessment
Assess occupational competence in the work environment
Assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding
These units cover how to plan assessments, gather evidence, make valid decisions, and provide clear feedback to learners.
How It Works
This is a classroom-based course delivered in 1 day, supported by structured activities and clear guidance on how assessment works in practice.
Book & Enrol
Confirm your place and receive joining instructions.
Attend the Classroom Day
Tutor-led training with practical examples and group discussion.
Assessment & Evidence
Complete the required learning activities and assignments. We'll explain what good evidence looks like and how to apply it to real learners.
Qualification Awarded
Once requirements are met, the qualification is awarded by NOCN.
Course Duration & Support
A focused, practical course delivered by experienced trainers in a supportive classroom environment.
- 1 day classroom course — Everything covered in a structured single training day
- Tutor support during the day — Guidance throughout from an experienced assessor trainer
- Assessment planning guidance — Clear instruction on how to plan and make assessment decisions
- Suitable for new assessors — No prior assessing experience required to attend
1 Day Classroom Course
Delivered in the classroom with practical activities and structured guidance.
Practical Assessor Support
Learn how to plan assessments, collect evidence and make fair decisions.
Ready to Get Started?
Get qualified to assess vocational learners and support confident, compliant assessment decisions.
Helpful Resources
Quick answers on AET, CAVA, IQA and assessor qualifications — requirements, routes, and next steps.
CAVA Requirements: Who It's For and What You'll Need
Find out who the Level 3 CAVA is for, what the entry requirements are, what access to learners you need, and the realist…
How to Become an NVQ Assessor in the UK
Practical guide to becoming an NVQ assessor in the UK. Routes into assessing, the CAVA qualification, workplace vs class…
AET vs CAVA: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
Clear comparison of the Level 3 AET and Level 3 CAVA qualifications. Understand the purpose, who each suits, how they ar…
How to Choose the Right Teaching or Assessing Qualification
Not sure whether you need AET, CAVA, or IQA? This guide helps you identify the right qualification based on what you act…
Level 3 AET: What to Expect From the 3-Day Classroom Course
Find out exactly what happens on the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) course. Structure, activities, assess…
What Is IQA and What Does an IQA Do?
Clear explanation of Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) in UK vocational qualifications. What an IQA does, how sampling wo…
IQA Requirements and Next Steps (Level 4 Award)
Find out the requirements for the Level 4 IQA Award, who it is for, what experience you need, and what your next steps a…
Can I Teach With AET? What the Level 3 Award Does (and Doesn't) Cover
Honest guide to what the Level 3 AET qualification does and does not enable you to do. Teaching contexts, limitations, a…
Ready to get your teaching or assessing qualification?
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a 1 day classroom course.
No — ApolloQA delivers this course classroom-based only.
No. This course is suitable for people new to assessing and those moving into an assessor role.
The Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA), awarded by NOCN.
You'll have the knowledge and qualification to assess vocational learners and workplace competence, subject to your role and organisation's requirements.
We'll confirm joining instructions and what you need ahead of your course date.
Related Qualifications
Depending on your role, you might also need:
Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET)
For people delivering training or teaching sessions in vocational or workplace learning environments.
Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (IQA)
For quality assuring assessors and maintaining consistent, compliant assessment decisions.
Start Your Enrolment
Complete the form and a member of our team will contact you with course dates and booking details.
Prefer to speak to someone?
Call 0115 990 3229