Assessor

Also known as -

NVQ assessor, training assessor

An assessor supports and assesses students working towards a vocational qualification within a college, training centre, or workplace. It's an assessor’s job to ensure that trainees meet the occupational standards required to achieve their qualifications. Many assessor positions involve both teaching and assessing.

Average salary*

£23000

£38000

Typical hours per week

37-40

How to become an assessor

There are several routes to becoming an assessor. You could do a college course, an apprenticeship, or apply directly to an employer for work.

You should explore these routes to becoming an assessor, to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

You will need to pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults.

College/training provider

You'll need industry experience and a minimum of a level 3 qualification in the job area you plan to assess. You'll also need an assessing qualification.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

You may also need to meet the requirements of the Consolidated Assessment Strategy for Construction and the Built Environment.

Apprenticeship

You can do a level 4 assessor coach higher apprenticeship.

You'll usually need a level 3 assessor qualification to start, along with a qualification in the subject you want to assess.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Work

If you have several years’ experience and qualifications in an area of construction, you could apply directly to an employer, or complete assessor qualifications on-the-job.

Work experience

Work experience in the area you wish to become an assessor – for example, bricklaying – is essential to finding employment.

Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as an assessor include: 

Excellent planning and organisational skills
Prior experience in an area of construction, i.e. joinery, plumbing or electrical installation
Ability to work autonomously
Able to express ideas succinctly and clearly, both verbally and in writing
Effectively communicating with a range of learners, staff and employers
Being able to demonstrate a clear commitment to high standards and the ability to drive continuous improvement
Up-to-date, broad knowledge of the relevant subject area.

Qualifications

To become an assessor, along with industry experience you'll also require an assessing qualification such as:

Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment,
Assessing Vocationally-Related Achievement
Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement.

You could complete a:

Level 4 Assessor coach higher apprenticeship.

To become an assessor, along with industry experience you'll also require an assessing qualification such as:

Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment,
Assessing Vocationally-Related Achievement
Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement.

To become an assessor, along with industry experience, you'll also require an assessing qualification such as:

Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment,
Assessing Vocationally-Related Achievement
Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement.

You could complete a:

Level 4 Assessor coach higher apprenticeship.

What does an assessor do?

Assessors monitor those taking construction vocational qualifications, ensuring they possess the skills and knowledge required for the job.

The job role of an assessor involves the following duties: 

Planning and delivering vocational training programmes and workshops
Observing and assessing candidates in their workplace
Interviewing candidates and examining their portfolios of evidence
Providing feedback and offering advice
Signing off the award when all requirements are met
Keeping records of candidates' progress
Attending meetings with other assessors
Working closely with training staff and candidates' managers.

How much could you earn as an assessor?

The expected salary for an assessor varies as you become more experienced

Unqualified assessors can earn £20,000 - £23,000
Qualified assessors can earn £24,000 - £37,000
Advanced assessors can earn £37,000 - £41,000+.

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Find an apprenticeship/job

Apprenticeships

Advice and schemes

Career path and progression

As an assessor, you could work in further education or sixth form colleges, adult education or independent training centres.

With experience as an assessor, you could progress to a role as a senior assessor, head of department, or move into senior management.

With relevant experience and qualifications you could lead an assessor team, move into further education teaching or become a training manager.

You could also work as an internal or external verifier, checking the work of assessors and training centres.