NVQ Assessor

NVQ/SVQ assessors are responsible for ensuring that people working towards National or Scottish Vocational Qualifications in a wide range of vocational areas meet the required standards. All NVQ/SVQ assessors have occupational experience, eg to assess hairdressers the assessor must be a qualified hairdresser.
As NVQs/SVQs are work-based qualifications, assessors visit candidates in their workplace to check that they meet the required occupational standards. Assessors:

• observe trainees and assess the standard of their practical work
• assess portfolios of evidence and give detailed feedback and advice to candidates
• keep detailed records of their candidates’ progress and pass on relevant information to the NVQ/SVQ awarding bodies.

For most people, undertaking NVQ/SVQ assessments is part of a wider job role such as trainer or tutor. In many roles, assessors also plan and deliver NVQ/SVQ training programmes.
Some assessors are based within one centre or workplace, whilst others travel to many different locations to undertake assessments. NVQ/SVQ assessors usually work around 37 hours a week. Some employers provide flexible working schemes and part-time work is possible.
Salaries range from £16,000 to £35,000 a year, depending on the sector, experience and the level of NVQ/SVQ they are assessing.
NVQ/SVQ assessors should have:

• strong communication skills
• good team working skills
• occupational competence in the area that they are assessing to at least the level of award being assessed
• an interest in promoting education and training.

NVQ/SVQ assessors work within NVQ/SVQ Assessment Centres, training centres, colleges and private companies. There is a strong demand for assessors in many vocational sectors such as care, sport, hospitality and retail.
NVQ/SVQ assessors are required to have an assessment qualification A1 or A2.
In addition, they are usually required to have at least two years’ experience in the subject or work area they are assessing, usually at a managerial level.
Assessors can gain further professional qualifications in order to broaden their role, for example, working as Internal or External Verifiers, checking the standard of work of NVQ/SVQ assessors and the training centres in which they are based.
Some NVQ/SVQ assessors go on to work in training or development roles within assessment centres, NVQ/SVQ training providers, colleges or companies.