The Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, usually called CAVA, is the qualification you need to become a qualified assessor of vocational qualifications such as NVQs. It is awarded by ProQual and regulated by Ofqual (qualification number 600/2020/9). It is the full assessor qualification, covering assessment both in the workplace and in other settings such as workshops and classrooms.
If you want to assess the construction NVQs and other competence-based qualifications, this is the qualification assessors hold. It is made up of three units: one covering the knowledge every assessor needs (the principles and practices of assessment), and two covering assessing in practice, assessing occupational competence in the work environment and assessing vocational skills, knowledge and understanding.
It carries a total qualification time of around 150 hours and 84 guided learning hours. It is assessed by portfolio: you complete the knowledge unit, then assess real learners and gather evidence of your assessing practice, supported by your own assessor. Because you assess real candidates, you need access to learners to assess during the qualification.
CAVA is the recognised route into assessing. Once qualified you can assess the vocational qualifications you are occupationally competent in, and you can progress to internal quality assurance with the Level 4 Internal Quality Assurance qualification. You can also browse the construction NVQs these assessor skills apply to.
Assessors who want to move into delivery can add the Level 3 Certificate in Teaching, Training and Assessment.