Assessment and Quality Assurance (6317)

Last Updated: 14 Aug 2026

The Education and Training Foundation (ETF), in association with City & Guilds, has produced revised guidance for the Assessment and Quality Assurance qualifications available across all Awarding Organisations. This can be found, alongside a guide to the key changes, on the ETF's FE Advice website here.

The revised Assessment and Quality Assurance qualifications have been developed in line with the updated ETF guidance, supporting current assessment and quality assurance practice across a wide range of learning and occupational settings. The suite provides flexible pathways for assessors and internal quality assurance practitioners, including qualifications focused on in-person and remote assessment.

These qualifications are for people working in, or looking to work in, assessment and internal quality assurance. These qualifications are open to people carrying out assessment and quality assurance activities in most learning environments, including FE, Adult Continuing Learning, Employers and the Third Sector. They are designed for anyone assessing and carrying out quality assurance across all occupational sectors, accredited learning, non-accredited learning (where performance is being assessed but the learner is not undertaking a qualification) and qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Available to deliver in the following:
  • England
  • Wales – please check QiW website for available funding
  • Scotland
  • Northern Ireland
  • International

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?

You will develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required to carry out assessment and internal quality assurance activities within occupational and vocational settings.

You can undertake assessment and quality assurance activities in person, remotely, or through a combination of both methods, depending on the qualification selected.

Assessment methods include observation, witness testimony, professional discussion, oral and written questions, assignments, projects, case studies, review of work products and recognition of prior learning. Internal quality assurance activities include monitoring assessment practice, sampling assessment decisions and supporting assessors.

Which level is right for me? 

  • Level 3 Award in Understanding Vocational Assessment (6317-61) if you want to understand assessment practice but are not currently carrying out assessments.
  • Level 3 Award in Assessing Occupational Competence – In Person (6317-62) if you assess competence in the workplace through face-to-face assessment activities.
  • Level 3 Award in Assessing Occupational Competence – Remote (6317-63) if you assess competence remotely using digital technologies and online assessment methods.
  • Level 3 Award in Assessing Occupationally Related Achievement (6317-64) if you assess vocational knowledge, understanding and skills outside of the workplace.
  • Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Occupational Achievement – In Person (6317-65) if you assess both workplace competence and occupationally related achievement through face-to-face methods.
  • Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Occupational Achievement – Remote (6317-66) if you assess both workplace competence and occupationally related achievement remotely.
  • Level 3 Extended Certificate in Assessing Occupational Achievement (6317-67) if you assess occupational competence and occupationally related achievement using both in-person and remote assessment methods. This qualification provides the broadest range of assessment practice within the Level 3 suite.
  • Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment (6317-71) if you need to understand the principles and practices of internal quality assurance but are not currently carrying out internal quality assurance activities.
  • Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment (6317-72) if you are responsible for carrying out the internal quality assurance of assessment decisions, monitoring assessment practice, and supporting the consistency and quality of assessment.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment (6317-73) if you lead a team of internal quality assurers, manage internal quality assurance systems and processes, and hold responsibility for maintaining the quality and effectiveness of assessment across an organisation.
What Careers Can This Lead To?

These qualifications can help you to progress your career as a:

  • Qualified Assessor
  • Trainer.


What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?

To deliver these qualifications you will need qualified assessors - you can train internal members of staff or recruit specially.

You will also need suitable facilities to carry out the required training to enable learners to achieve industry standards.

Centres offering City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Candidates Using a Range of Methods (7317) have automatic approval to offer this qualification.

To find all the resource requirements for assessment and delivery, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

Anyone can take this qualification, but you must make sure all your learners can access the resources they need to complete it.

Level 3

The Level 3 provides a pathway for learners to understand assessment and if required, qualify as an assessor. Learners who wish to achieve these units could be assessing competence or non-competence-based learning, knowledge or skills. They will select the units and qualifications that meet the requirements of what they are assessing.

There are six awards, two certificates and one extended certificate available at Level 3:

  • City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Understanding Vocational Assessment (6317-61) is a knowledge-only qualification designed for those who are starting their journey as an assessor, or those who need to understand assessment principles and practices but are not currently assessing learners.
  • City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Assessing Occupational Competence – In Person (6317-62) is for practitioners who assess occupational competence within the workplace through direct, face-to-face assessment activities.
  • City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Assessing Occupational Competence – Remote (6317-63) is for practitioners who assess occupational competence remotely, using digital technologies and alternative assessment methods to gather valid and reliable evidence.
  • City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Assessing Occupationally Related Achievement (6317-64) is for practitioners who assess knowledge, understanding and skills in occupationally related subject areas, including learning and achievement taking place outside of the workplace.
  • City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Occupational Achievement – In Person (6317-65) is for practitioners who assess both occupational competence and occupationally related achievement through face-to-face assessment methods across a range of assessment environments.
  • City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Occupational Achievement – Remote (6317-66) is for practitioners who assess both occupational competence and occupationally related achievement remotely, using technology-enhanced assessment methods while applying robust assessment principles.
  • City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Certificate in Assessing Occupational Achievement (6317-67) is for practitioners who assess occupational competence and occupationally related achievement using a combination of in-person and remote assessment methods, providing the broadest coverage of assessment practice within the suite.

For full details, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

These qualifications can help you to progress your career as a:

  • Qualified Assessor
  • Trainer.


Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment (6317-30)
Last Registration Date: 31 Dec 2027 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment

  • Accreditation No: 501/1648/4 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 3 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 24 - 24 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 30 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2030 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £48.60 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.
Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment (6317-31)
Last Registration Date: 31 Dec 2027 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment

  • Accreditation No: 501/1676/9 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 9 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 54 - 54 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 90 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2030 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £76.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.
Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (6317-32)
Last Registration Date: 31 Dec 2027 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement

  • Accreditation No: 501/1677/0 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 9 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 54 - 54 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 90 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2030 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £79.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.
Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (6317-33)
Last Registration Date: 31 Dec 2027 Supportive services: SmartScreen Learning Assistant

Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement

  • Accreditation No: 501/1679/4 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 15 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 84 - 84 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 150 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2030 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £107.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

Level 4

There are two awards and a certificate available at Level 4:

  • The Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment (6317-71) is a knowledge-only award for those starting their journey as internal quality assurance practitioners, or those who need to understand internal quality assurance principles and practices but are not currently carrying out quality assurance activities.
  • The Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment (6317-72) is for practitioners who carry out internal quality assurance of assessment decisions within a centre or organisation through activities such as sampling assessment decisions, monitoring assessment practice and supporting assessors.
  • The Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment (6317-73) is for practitioners who lead internal quality assurance activities within a centre or organisation and are responsible for managing quality assurance systems, processes and the performance of assessors and internal quality assurers.

For full details, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

These qualifications can help you to progress your career as a:

  • Qualified Assessor
  • Trainer.


Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (6317-40)
Last Registration Date: 31 Dec 2027

Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice

  • Accreditation No: 501/1649/6 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 6 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 45 - 45 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 60 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2030 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £58.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.
Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (6317-41)
Last Registration Date: 31 Dec 2027 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice

  • Accreditation No: 501/1678/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 12 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 90 - 90 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 120 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2030 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £94.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.
Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (6317-42)
Last Registration Date: 31 Dec 2027 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice

  • Accreditation No: 501/1680/0 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 17 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 115 - 115 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 170 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2030 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £133.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

Additional information for centres

Smart Screen

SMARTSCREEN IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS QUALIFICATION

SmartScreen is our online portal for tutor, assessors and learners that provides unit-specific support materials and tutor forums to complement the delivery and learning experience

Visit Smartscreen.co.uk >

Learning Assistant

LEARNING ASSISTANT IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS QUALIFICATION

Learning Assistant is an innovative and cost effective e-portfolio solution that allows colleges and training providers to dramatically improve the delivery of their vocational qualifications.

Learn more about Learning Assistant >

Here you can find all documents related to this suite of qualifications.

By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to Walled Garden and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

Covid-19

6317 Level 3 and Level 4 Centre Documents

6317 Level 3

Additional documents

Assessment materials

Centre documents

6317 Level 4

Additional documents

Assessment materials

Centre documents

Additional documents

Purpose and Recognition

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