The key difference between CAVA and TAQA

The main difference between CAVA and TAQA is that CAVA is a qualification, whereas TAQA is a suite of qualifications. The TAQA suite actually includes the CAVA course.

Still confused? Let’s break it down a little more.

 

What is TAQA?

TAQA is a blanket term for a group of qualifications. The acronym TAQA stands for Training, Assessment, and Quality Assurance.

Level 3 units and qualifications under TAQA focus on assessment, and Level 4 looks at quality assurance.

 

TAQA qualifications

This group of assessor and quality assurance qualifications include:

  • Level 3 Award in Understanding Principles and Practices of Assessment
  • Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment
  • Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement
  • Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
  • Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
  • Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
  • Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice

At Level 3, there are three units, with four possible combinations to become qualifications. The first is the theory unit ‘Understand the principles and practices of assessment’, which can be taken as a standalone qualification (Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment).

There are then two practical units that can be added to this. The second unit, ‘Assess occupational competence in the work environment’ plus the theory unit, creates the Level 3 Assessing Competence in the Work Environment qualification.

The other practical unit, ‘Assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding’, plus the theory unit create the Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement.

 

What is CAVA?

So, what then is CAVA? CAVA is an acronym for one of these TAQA qualifications – the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement. CAVA is the most popular in colleges and formal educational settings, but is not always the most appropriate for those assessing solely in a workplace environment.

By combining all three units mentioned above, the learner gains the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement qualification.

In summary, TAQA is a suite of assessor-related qualifications while CAVA is the abbreviation of one specific qualification within this suite.

How to choose the right qualification for learners and staff?

Which award you need depends on your assessment environment and what part the person being qualified has to play in learning and development. Often when we speak to organisations across the justice sector, we identify that the CAVA qualification can be difficult to achieve, and we would recommend the Competence in the Work Environment Award instead.

Through our team of experienced and qualified trainers, assessors and IQAs, we offer the full range of assessor and internal quality assurer qualifications, accredited by awarding organisation SFJ Awards.

Upcoming webinar

Where to start with assessment qualifications for your organisation?

Find out about the Training, Assessment, and Quality Assurance (TAQA) suite (including the Certificate for Assessing Vocational Achievement, or CAVA) and what qualifications your employees may need as part of the learning and development process.

Our highly experienced, qualified training professionals will take you through each of the qualifications, what they cover, and what settings they are most appropriate for. They will also talk about how the qualifications are used as part of a learning and development function, and the quality assurance function they inform to ensure quality of learning opportunities in the workplace.

Where to start with assessment qualifications for your organisation? Webinar