The Assessment Cycle and the Role of Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

To deliver high-quality education and training, it is essential to understand both the assessment cycle and the role of Internal Quality Assurance (IQA). IQA does not sit at the end of the process. Instead, it operates throughout the entire assessment journey.

IQA is continuous. It supports, monitors and improves assessment practice at every stage.

What Is the Assessment Cycle?

Although awarding organisations may describe it slightly differently, the assessment cycle typically includes:

• Planning assessments
• Agreeing assessment methods
• Carrying out assessments
• Making assessment decisions
• Recording outcomes
• Providing feedback to learners
• Reviewing and evaluating the process

These stages ensure that assessment decisions are structured, fair and aligned with qualification requirements.

How IQA Supports Every Stage of the Assessment Cycle

The role of the IQA is not to repeat the assessor’s work. Instead, the focus is on ensuring assessment practice is:

• Valid
• Fair
• Reliable
• Consistent

At each stage of the cycle, IQA plays a supportive and quality-focused role.

1. Planning Assessments

Assessors must plan assessments that meet qualification requirements while considering learners’ individual needs.

At this stage, the IQA may review assessment plans to ensure they are:

• Appropriate
• Achievable
• Clearly structured

This early oversight helps prevent issues later in the process.

2. Agreeing Assessment Methods

Assessors decide how learners will demonstrate knowledge and competence, for example through observation, questioning or written work.

The IQA checks that chosen methods are:

• Suitable for the learner
• Permitted within the qualification’s assessment strategy
• Capable of generating sufficient evidence

3. Carrying Out Assessments

During the assessment stage, evidence is gathered using approved methods. This may include observation, professional discussion, assignments or practical demonstration.

The IQA later samples this evidence to confirm that decisions are accurate and aligned with the required standards.

4. Making Assessment Decisions

Once decisions are made, consistency becomes critical. IQAs sample across:

• Different learners
• Different assessors
• Different assessment methods

Learners producing work of equal quality should receive the same outcome. IQA protects this principle of fairness.

5. Providing Feedback to Learners

Effective feedback supports learner progress and development. It should be:

• Clear
• Constructive
• Supportive

The IQA may review feedback to ensure it helps learners understand their progress and next steps.

6. Review and Evaluation

The final stage of the cycle involves reflection. Assessors and IQAs evaluate:

• What worked well
• What could be improved
• How standards can be maintained or enhanced

This reflection drives continuous improvement and ensures the assessment process remains robust and effective.

Where Does IQA Fit into the Assessment Cycle?

The answer is: everywhere.

IQA is a continuous process of monitoring, supporting and improving assessment practice. It:

• Protects qualification standards
• Supports assessors in their professional practice
• Ensures learners receive a fair and consistent experience

Internal Quality Assurance is not merely a compliance requirement. It is a vital component of delivering high-quality education and maintaining a robust, fair and fit-for-purpose assessment cycle.