Students and workers who are studying to obtain National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) need NVQ assessors to be sure they are meeting all of the necessary standards to achieve these qualifications. The assessors deliver workshops and training programmes, observe NVQ candidates at their workplaces, record the progress of their candidates, attend meetings with their colleagues and examine portfolios. NVQ assessment is also often just one part of other professions in the caring or retail industries
NVQ assessors typically work in training centres or offices, but may sometimes need to travel to the workplaces of their candidates. Evening and weekend work is fairly infrequent in this profession. A number of training centres and colleges offer the many professional qualifications NVQ assessors need to enter and advance in this responsible career
Full time workers earn between £16,000 and £25,000 per year, but many NVQ assessors are paid hourly rates. A new series of vocational qualifications will replace NVQs starting from 2011.

NVQ Assessors are required to support people working towards National Vocational Qualifications. They need to ensure that applicants meet the standards needed to achieve these qualifications. These professionals identify skills that people have and focus on areas that they need to improve. They supervise people at work and provide feedback about standards that are not being met in their duties.

NVQ Assessors usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Creating reports about applicants.
• Supervising people on their job.
• Giving advice to candidates.
• Attending meetings with other professionals.
• Testing candidates with non standard situations.

• Being able to work with candidates from different backgrounds.
• Having good communication skills.
• Being supportive and patient.
• Being able to work alone or with a team.
• Having interpersonal abilities.
• Being able to create accurate reports.
• Having interest in helping people to develop.
• Being tactful and patient.
• Being able to clearly explain complex topics.
• Being well organised.

NVQ Assessor jobs require applicants having experience in the occupational sector and a Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment, Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, or Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement. One recommendation for job application is also having a NVQ level 3 as a minimum. Please check the Lifelong Learning UK for other details about qualifications offered for this area.

External assessors will need a Level 3 External Quality Assurance Qualification and a V1 internal assessor qualification. Internal verifiers require Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, and Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice.