Hairdressing Assessor Courses: Unlocking Your Potential as a Professional Trainer

If you’re currently a hairdresser or teach hairdressing, you may be wondering what you need qualifications you may need to become an assessor. Below we have explained the courses that are ideal for you to move forward with your career.

Take a look at our latest assessor jobs.

Overview of Hairdressing Assessor Courses and Qualifications

When you intend to become a hairdressing assessor, you are looking towards a role that is central to the training and development of future hairdressers. The essential qualification you require is the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA). This certificate enables you to assess vocational competencies in a wide range of qualifications, such as NVQs in hairdressing.

Course Structure:

Theoretical Training: You will learn about various assessment methods and principles.
Practical Application: You need to demonstrate your ability to plan, carry out, and evaluate assessments.

Entry Requirements:

You should have a background in hairdressing.
Possessing vocational qualifications at or above the level you wish to assess is generally necessary.

Duration and Learning Mode:

Courses variably offer full-time, part-time, or online learning options, providing the flexibility to fit your study around existing commitments.

Assessment:

Portfolio: Compilation of evidence of your competency as an assessor.
Observation: Direct observation of your assessment process.

Upon completing your training, your role will be pivotal in the support and development of trainee hairdressers, helping them to achieve their own qualifications and flourish within the industry. Your guidance and evaluation not only contribute to individual growth but also uphold the standards of the hairdressing profession as a whole.

Recommended reading: A beginners guide to become a hairdressing assessor

Course Content

In your journey to become a hairdressing assessor, the content of the course plays a pivotal role in equipping you with the necessary skills to accurately evaluate, mentor, and ensure the competence of trainee hairdressers.

Assessment Methods

You will learn a variety of assessment methods to evaluate your trainees' practical and theoretical proficiency in hairdressing. Formative techniques, like observations and quizzes, as well as summative methods including final projects and exams, form the core of your assessment toolkit.

Curriculum Planning

Effective curriculum planning is essential to the success of your trainees. You will master the intricacies of creating lesson plans that align with educational standards. This includes setting learning objectives, choosing relevant learning activities, and ensuring each lesson contributes to the overall course goals.

Quality Assurance

Maintaining the high standards of hairdressing qualifications is critical. You'll be guided on implementing quality assurance frameworks, such as self-evaluation and peer reviews, to guarantee that the training provided meets the industry's rigorous requirements.

Professional Development

Your development as a professional doesn't end with course completion. Staying up-to-date with the latest hairdressing techniques and educational methodologies is a continuous process. The course will detail strategies for your ongoing professional growth, including workshops, conferences, and other CPD (Continuing Professional Development) opportunities.

Course Delivery Methods

Hairdressing assessor courses are available in various formats to cater to your learning style and availability. Below is an overview of the common delivery methods you can choose from.

Online Learning

Online learning offers flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace and in the comfort of your home. Typically, courses include 84 Guided Learning Hours and require a total of 115 Hours Total Qualification Time. Resources are often available through a virtual learning environment.

In-Person Workshops

In-person workshops provide hands-on experience and allow direct interaction with trainers. These courses may be conducted in groups, which could be priced, for instance, at £645+VAT

Assessment and Certification

In the journey to become a hairdressing assessor, you encounter a structured evaluation process which includes continuous assessment, a final examination, and a structured certification process once all criteria are met.

Continuous Assessment

Your expertise and grasp of hairdressing techniques will be continually assessed throughout the course. This ensures you maintain and improve upon your industry-standard skills. Evidence of your competence will be compiled often in a portfolio, as you apply your knowledge in practical settings.

Final Examination

At the end of your course, you will undertake a final examination to verify your competence and understanding. The exam typically includes both practical demonstrations of hairdressing assessments and theoretical knowledge critical to the assessor role.

Certification Process

Upon successful completion of continuous assessments and the final exam, you will undergo a certification process:

Eligibility: You need to have met all the course requirements.
Issuance: An OFQUAL-regulated Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement is awarded, which is recognised across the hairdressing sector.
Record: This certification will be your formal record qualifying you as a hairdressing assessor.

Remember to preserve all evidence of competence and learning, as this forms the basis of your assessors qualification.

Regulatory Bodies

In the UK, regulatory bodies set the standards and qualifications needed to become a hairdressing assessor. They ensure that assessors are competent and qualified to evaluate learners in the hairdressing sector.

National Occupational Standards

The National Occupational Standards (NOS) specify the skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary to perform a particular role within a job sector. As a hairdressing assessor, you are expected to adhere to the NOS that pertain to hairdressing to maintain consistency and quality of assessment within the industry.

Qualification Regulation

Regulation of qualifications for hairdressing assessors is mandated to ensure only qualified individuals can evaluate and certify learners. Your assessor qualification, such as the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA), must align with the regulated framework. The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) oversees these standards, ensuring your credentials are valid and recognised.

Career Progression

In your journey as a hairdressing assessor, career advancement opportunities are plentiful. You can bolster your expertise with advanced teaching qualifications and explore specialist roles within the industry.

Advanced Teaching Qualifications

To enhance your teaching capabilities and career prospects as a hairdressing assessor, you might consider undertaking further education such as a Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA). Achieving this qualification equips you with the skills necessary to assess learners in a work environment and classroom settings. Additionally, pursuing a Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training will prepare you for a more strategic role in curriculum planning and delivery.

Specialist Roles

Broadening your skill set can lead to specialist roles such as an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA), where you'll ensure the quality and consistency of the training and assessments being delivered. Another specialist role could involve becoming a Technical Trainer for specific hairdressing products or techniques, often provided by companies looking to promote their brands to professionals. To secure such roles, gaining a reputation for excellence and reliability in your assessments is essential.

Useful Resources

To help you with your career, we have created some other useful resources for you to read: