OTHM Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
Launch Your Quality Assurance Career in Education
Are you passionate about maintaining quality in education and training? Do you want to ensure learners receive consistent, fair assessments? The education sector needs qualified Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs) to maintain assessment standards.
But here’s the challenge: you can’t quality assure assessments without formal IQA qualifications. Training centers, colleges, and awarding organizations require their quality assurance staff to hold recognized IQA credentials.
The OTHM Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is your entry into this essential role. This qualification equips you to quality assure assessments, support assessors, and maintain educational standards.
What is the Level 4 IQA Award?
The OTHM Level 4 Award is a specialized qualification for Internal Quality Assurers working in education, training, and assessment environments.
Qualification Overview:
- Level: RQF Level 4 (Higher Education Certificate equivalent)
- Credits: 9 credits
- Duration: 3-4 months
- Mode: 100% online with practical component
- Focus: Internal quality assurance of assessments
- Regulation: Ofqual (UK Government)
- Recognition: Global, essential for IQA roles
This is the industry-standard qualification for anyone quality assuring assessments in educational settings.
M2Y Safety - Quality Assurance Excellence
M2Y Safety Consultancy provides comprehensive IQA training with practical focus:
✓ Experienced IQA Tutors: Learn from practicing quality assurers
✓ Practical Approach: Real assessment scenarios
✓ Support Throughout: Guidance for portfolio development
✓ UAE Context: Understanding local education environment
✓ Job Connections: Links to training centers needing IQAs
✓ Ongoing Support: Mentorship beyond qualification
Course Investment
| Currency | Course Fee | Monthly* | Weekly* |
|---|---|---|---|
| AED | 2,800 AED | 700 AED | 161 AED |
| USD | $762 USD | $191 USD | $44 USD |
| INR | ₹63,500 INR | ₹15,875 INR | ₹3,663 INR |
*Based on 4-month completion
Package Includes:
- All learning materials
- Tutor support and guidance
- Portfolio assessment
- OTHM Level 4 Award certificate
- IQA toolkit and templates
- Access to learning platform
IQA Career Salaries
Quality assurance roles offer stable, rewarding careers:
| Position | Entry Level | Experienced | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| IQA (Part-time) | AED 3,000 – 5,000/month | AED 5,000 – 8,000/month | AED 8,000 – 12,000/month |
| IQA (Full-time) | AED 8,000 – 11,000/month | AED 11,000 – 15,000/month | AED 15,000 – 20,000/month |
| Quality Manager | AED 12,000 – 16,000/month | AED 16,000 – 22,000/month | AED 22,000 – 28,000/month |
| Head of Quality | AED 18,000 – 24,000/month | AED 24,000 – 32,000/month | AED 32,000 – 42,000/month |
UAE education and training sector salary data (2024)
Additional Opportunities:
- Multiple part-time IQA contracts (accumulate to full-time+ income)
- Freelance quality assurance consultancy
- Training center development roles
- Awarding organization positions
Focused Curriculum
Unit: Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of Assessment
This comprehensive unit covers everything you need to become a competent IQA:
Key Learning Outcomes:
1. Quality Assurance Principles:
- Purpose of internal quality assurance
- Quality assurance cycle
- Roles and responsibilities of IQAs
- Regulatory and organizational requirements
- Quality improvement strategies
2. Planning and Monitoring Assessment:
- Developing quality assurance plans
- Sampling assessment decisions
- Monitoring assessor performance
- Risk-based approaches to sampling
- Documentation and record-keeping
3. Evaluating Assessment Practice:
- Observing assessor practice
- Reviewing assessment decisions
- Providing constructive feedback
- Identifying development needs
- Supporting assessor CPD
4. Maintaining Assessment Standards:
- Standardization activities
- Ensuring consistency across assessors
- Dealing with assessment irregularities
- Appeals and complaints procedures
- Continuous quality improvement
5. Managing Information:
- Quality assurance documentation
- Maintaining audit trails
- Report writing for stakeholders
- Data analysis for quality improvement
- Communication with external quality assurers
Practical Assessment
Portfolio Requirements:
- Evidence of IQA planning
- Observation reports
- Feedback records
- Standardization documentation
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Professional reflection
Assessment Support:
- Detailed portfolio guidance
- Template documents provided
- Tutor feedback on drafts
- Practical examples and scenarios
- Resubmission opportunities
Who Should Enroll?
Perfect for:
- Current Assessors wanting to progress to IQA role
- Training Coordinators adding quality assurance responsibility
- Subject Matter Experts moving into quality assurance
- Quality Professionals entering education sector
- Teachers/Trainers developing quality assurance expertise
- Educational Administrators enhancing qualifications
Entry Requirements:
- Experience in assessment OR relevant subject expertise
- Understanding of assessment principles
- Level 3 qualification (or equivalent experience)
- Strong attention to detail
- Good communication skills
Why Become an IQA?
High Demand
- Every training center needs qualified IQAs
- Regulatory requirement for educational institutions
- Shortage of qualified IQA professionals
- Multiple employment opportunities
Career Flexibility
- Part-time or full-time options
- Work with multiple organizations
- Remote IQA work increasingly common
- Portfolio career opportunities
Professional Development
- Essential educational credential
- Gateway to senior quality roles
- Transferable across education sectors
- Continuous learning environment
Impact
- Ensure learner success
- Maintain educational standards
- Support assessor development
- Drive quality improvement
Career Progression
Starting Point:
- Part-time IQA for training center
- IQA for specific qualification
- Support IQA role
Development:
- Full-time IQA position
- Multiple IQA contracts
- Lead IQA responsibilities
- Complete Level 4 Certificate in Leading IQA
Advanced:
- Quality Manager positions
- Head of Quality roles
- External Quality Assurer (EQA)
- Training center management
- Consultancy work
UAE Education Sector Context
Growing Demand:
- Expansion of vocational training centers
- Skills development initiatives
- International qualification delivery
- Quality accreditation requirements
Key Employers:
- Private training centers
- Vocational colleges
- Corporate training departments
- Government training initiatives
- International qualification providers
- Online education platforms
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily, though IQA practice is ideal. You need access to assessment activities to build your portfolio. This can be through your current workplace, voluntary IQA work, or arrangements M2Y can help facilitate with training centers.
Most students complete in 3-4 months with consistent effort. The timeline depends on your access to IQA practice and time available for portfolio development.
Yes, but you'll need to arrange access to assessment activities. Many students secure part-time IQA positions with training centers while completing the qualification, or we can help connect you with opportunities.
The Award (9 credits) qualifies you to practice as an IQA. The Certificate (15 credits) adds units on leading and coordinating IQA activities. Start with the Award, then progress to the Certificate for leadership roles.
OTHM qualifications are Ofqual-regulated (UK government) and recognized internationally. Many UAE training centers accept OTHM IQA qualifications. Always check specific employer or regulatory requirements.
Assessment Process
Portfolio Development:
- Plan quality assurance activities
- Conduct IQA observations and reviews
- Provide feedback to assessors
- Document all IQA activities
- Reflect on practice
- Submit portfolio for assessment
Timeline:
- Month 1: Learn IQA principles and planning
- Month 2: Conduct IQA practice and gather evidence
- Month 3: Complete portfolio development
- Month 4: Final portfolio submission and assessment
Success Story
Fatima’s IQA Career:
“I was an assessor for 3 years but wanted to progress. The Level 4 IQA Award opened doors immediately. Before completing, I secured a part-time IQA role with a Dubai training center (AED 4,500/month for 2 days/week). After completing the qualification, I added two more IQA contracts. Now I work as IQA for three centers, earning AED 13,500/month part-time while maintaining flexibility. Best career move I made.”
Enroll Today - Start Your IQA Career
Quality assurance is essential in education. Training centers need qualified IQAs. This is your opportunity.
Simple Enrollment:
- Contact M2Y Safety
- Discuss your IQA practice access
- Submit simple enrollment documents
- Start learning within 48 hours
Essential Resources
Your Quality Assurance Journey Begins
Education quality matters. Learner success matters. Fair assessment matters. As an Internal Quality Assurer, you ensure all three.
The education sector needs qualified IQAs. Training centers are hiring. Start your IQA career today.
Ensure quality. Support learners. Build your career.
Enroll now. Quality assure tomorrow.
