Qualification Specification

Highfield Level 3 Award in

First Aid at Work (RQF)

Qualification Number: 603/2132/5

Version: 2.3 September 2020

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Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 1
 Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 3
Qualification regulation and support ............................................................................................ 3
Key facts ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Qualification overview and objective ........................................................................................... 3
Entry requirements...................................................................................................................... 3
Delivery/assessment ratios .......................................................................................................... 4
Centre requirements ................................................................................................................... 4
Guidance on delivery ................................................................................................................... 4
Guidance on assessment.............................................................................................................. 5
Requalification guidance.............................................................................................................. 6
Guidance on quality assurance..................................................................................................... 7
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) ............................................................................................... 7
Tutor requirements ..................................................................................................................... 7
Assessor requirements ................................................................................................................ 8
Internal quality assurance (IQA) requirements ............................................................................. 8
Countersigning strategy ............................................................................................................... 9
Reasonable adjustments and special considerations ..................................................................... 9
ID requirements .......................................................................................................................... 9
Progression opportunities.......................................................................................................... 10
Useful websites ......................................................................................................................... 10
Recommended training materials .............................................................................................. 10
Appendix 1: Qualification structure ............................................................................................ 11
Appendix 2: Qualification content .............................................................................................. 12
Appendix 3: Sample assessment material ................................................................................... 17
Appendix 4: Acceptable Training/Assessing Qualifications .......................................................... 18
Appendix 5: Acceptable Internal Quality Assurance Qualifications .............................................. 20

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 2

 Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF)
Introduction
This qualification specification is designed to outline all you need to know to offer this qualification
at your centre. If you have any further questions, please contact your account manager.

Qualification regulation and support

The Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) has been developed and is awarded by
Highfield Qualifications and sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The RQF is a
qualification framework regulated by Ofqual and CCEA Regulation. The qualification is also
regulated by Qualifications Wales.

Key facts
Qualification number: 603/2132/5
Learning aim reference: 60321325
Credit value: 2
Assessment method: Practical assessment and multiple-choice theory assessment
Contact hours*: 18
Guided learning hours (GLH): 18
Total qualification time (TQT): 22
*See Guidance on Delivery section for more information

Qualification overview and objective

The objective of this qualification is to support learners in becoming first aiders in the workplace.
The content of the qualification meets the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements for
training first aiders in those organisations that have identified that staff need to be trained to this
level within their first-aid needs assessment.

The qualification covers knowledge such as the roles and responsibilities of the first aider, how to
assess an incident and recognising signs and symptoms of injury and illness. The qualification also
covers first aid skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automated external
defibrillator (AED) and assisting a casualty who is suffering from major injury and illness such as
chest injuries, spinal injuries and anaphylaxis.

In line with guidance provided by the HSE, the qualification supports/approves workplace first aiders
for a period of 3 years, after which point learners will need to retake the course. Therefore, the
qualification is valid for three years from the date of award. In addition to this, it is recommended
that learners refresh their knowledge annually.

Entry requirements
We recommend learners are a minimum of 14 years of age. However, centres will need to assure
themselves that learners, whatever their age, are physically capable of completing the practical
assessment.

It is also advised that learners have a minimum of Level 1 in English.

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 3

Delivery/assessment ratios
To effectively deliver and assess this qualification, centres must not exceed the ratio of 1 tutor or
assessor to 12 learners.

Centre requirements
To effectively deliver and assess this qualification, centres must have the following resources in
place:
• a minimum of 1 Resuscitation manikin between a maximum of 4 learners
• safety procedures in place for manikin faces e.g. facilities to sterilise the manikin faces at
the end of each course OR one disposable face shield per learner OR manikin face wipes to
be used after each learner’s demonstration
• replacement airways and lungs for each resuscitation manikin to be changed at the end of
each course
• a minimum of 1 training defibrillator between a maximum of 4 learners*
• a minimum of 1 disposable training dressing per learner
• a minimum of 1 pair of disposable gloves (not latex) per learner
• a minimum of 1 first aid kit
• training rooms that have carpeted floors or mats/blankets provided, for use during practical
sessions
• adequate training and assessment facilities to accommodate maximum number of learners
on course
• a training room which is safe, that has adequate ventilation, lighting sufficient for learners
to read easily, and temperature suitable to maintain a 'shirt sleeve' environment. It is also
required that training rooms are able to cater for people with special needs (where
appropriate).

*Where fewer AED trainers are provided, learning hours/lesson plans should be adjusted accordingly to ensure
learners are not disadvantaged.

Guidance on delivery
The total qualification time (TQT) for this qualification is 22 and of this 18 are guided learning hours.
This aligns with the Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE) stipulated minimum contact hours for this
qualification, excluding breaks, that should be for a minimum period of 18 hours over 3 days, and
for requalification 12 hours over 2 days. These contact hours must be adhered to unless the learner
meet requirements to complete an Assessment Only Requalification (see Requalification section on
page 6 for further guidance), which has no minimum stipulation on contact hours.

The ‘Assessment Principles for First Aid Qualifications’ also states that this qualification can also be
delivered over a maximum of a 10-week period, with the minimum duration of each training session
being 2 hours.

Use of blended learning

This qualification may be delivered by blended learning where the following principles are adhered
to:
• The time taken to complete the first aid course should not be reduced. There may be a
benefit in flexibility but blended learning should not reduce the overall time required to
take the course.

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 4

 • A minimum of two thirds of the training time should be face-to-face learning for First Aid
at Work courses
• A minimum of one half of the training time should be face-to-face learning for First Aid at
Work Requalification courses only
• The practical content of the qualification should be delivered and assessed face-to-face.
Distance learning must only cover theory.

Following the distance element of learning, learners’ skills and knowledge must be assessed in full
during the face-to-face part of the course, in accordance with the qualification specification.

TQT is an estimate of the total number of hours it would take an average learner to achieve and
demonstrate the necessary level of attainment to be awarded with a qualification, both under direct
supervision (forming guided learning hours) and without supervision (all other time). TQT and GLH
values are advisory and assigned to a qualification as guidance. However, contact hours must be
met.

Guidance on assessment
Highfield has created assessment paperwork for each component of the assessment, which are each
graded pass/fail:

1] Practical observation
The practical assessment is completed throughout the course delivery. This ongoing assessment
requires learners to demonstrate practical first aid skills. The practical assessment will be recorded
using the practical matrix within the Assessment Pack.

2] Centre-marked multiple-choice theory assessment

Learners are required to answer a series of questions contained within theory question papers,
available to download from the members’ area of the website. Oral questioning may be used. In this
case, the assessor should document the responses within the assessment pack.

Learners must achieve a pass in each element to pass the qualification.

Assessment must be undertaken in controlled conditions. This means:

• books and other training aids must not be accessed by the learners.
• at least one authorised member of staff must be present in the assessment area while the
assessment is being carried out.
• learners may complete the theory assessment in more than one sitting however the centre
must collect the paperwork and hold it securely until the assessment recommences.

For more information, please refer to the Highfield Qualifications Core Manual.

Sample assessment materials are included within appendix 3 of this qualification specification. A full
explanation of how to use the Highfield assessment paperwork is provided in the Tutor, Assessor
and Internal Quality Assurance Support Pack, available to download from the Members’ Area of
the Highfield website.

Centres must take all reasonable steps to avoid any part of the assessment of a learner (including
any internal quality assurance and invigilation) being undertaken by any person who has a personal
interest in the result of the assessment.

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 5

Requalification Guidance
The qualification provides learners with a valid first aid at work certificate that supports the
requirements from the HSE approved first aider for a period of 3 years. After this period, learners
are required to retrain.

Highfield offers 2 options for learners who require retraining:

Option 1. The learner can complete a 12-hour Requalification over 2 days. The duration of this
course may be increased to meet additional learning needs if required, but not reduced. As stated
in the ‘Assessment Principles for First Aid Qualifications’, the 12-hour requalification can also be
delivered over a maximum of a 7-week period, with the minimum duration of each training session
being 2 hours.

The centre must keep a copy of the original First Aid certificate that the learner is wishing to update,
together with all assessment paperwork and Internal Quality Assurance paperwork involved in the
requalification process.

Option 2. Learners with recent experience as first aid tutors who fulfil all relevant criteria listed
below will be permitted to undertake the First Aid at Work assessments only (without undergoing
further training or adhering to the usual 12-hour minimum contact time for a Requalification).

To access the Assessment Only Requalification, learners must be able to evidence to the centre:
• their previous First Aid at Work certificate (which should not have expired by more than 1
calendar month at the point of re-assessment)
• successful delivery of a regulated FAW course within the 3 months prior to sitting their
assessments
• a satisfactory internal quality assurance observation report on a regulated FAW course they
have delivered within the past 12 months prior to sitting their assessments

Further information can be found in the Supporting Evidence Checklist form available in the
Download Area. Centres are required to complete this form for learners that complete an
Assessment Only Requalification course to verify that appropriate evidence has been checked and
learners meet all relevant requirements prior to undertaking their assessments. The form and
associated evidence should be retained together with all assessment paperwork and Internal
Quality Assurance paperwork involved in the requalification process. This may be requested for
review as part of External Quality Assurance activity carried out by Highfield.

Learners completing both the 12-hour and Assessment Only Requalifications will still need to be
assessed against all learning outcomes and assessment criteria in both units. For learners to remain
qualified they must also retake their qualification whilst their certificate remains in date.

NB. Learners have a one-month period of grace, post-certificate expiry, to be able to access the
shorter courses, however it is important to note that during this period learners are not qualified to
provide first aid.

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 6

Guidance on quality assurance
Highfield require centres to have in place a robust mechanism for internal quality assurance (IQA).
IQA must be completed by an appropriately qualified person and that person must not have been
involved in any aspect of the delivery or assessment of the course they are quality assuring.

IQA should monitor both the delivery and assessment of the qualification, including any distance
learning, and can involve a number of different methods of monitoring such as observation of course
delivery/assessment, sampling of course assessment material, learner interviews.

Once complete, this assessment paperwork and IQA paperwork must be stored by the centre for a
minimum period of 3 years to allow for quality assurance checks.

Highfield will support centres by conducting ongoing engagements to ensure and verify the effective
and efficient delivery and assessment of the qualification.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

The unit Emergency First Aid in the Workplace is contained within the following two qualifications:
o Highfield Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF)
o Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF)

Learners may transfer achievement of Emergency First Aid to the Highfield Level 3 Award in First
Aid at Work (RQF), provided both are achieved within a 10-week period.

Tutor requirements
Highfield requires nominated tutors for this qualification meet the following:
1. Occupational knowledge and competence in first aid* - evidenced by holding a first aid at
work/medical qualification as detailed below:

• Holding a current First Aid at Work Certificate (issued by an Ofqual/SQA/Qualifications

Wales/CCEA Regulation recognised Awarding Organisation, a HSENI approved training
provider or recognised equivalent*)
or
• Current registration as:
o a Doctor with the General Medical Council (GMC**) or
o a Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC**) or
o a Paramedic with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC**)

2. Knowledge and competency in teaching/training, evidenced by holding an acceptable

teaching/training qualification as detailed in Appendix 4.

3. Knowledge and understanding of how to safely and effectively use an automated external
defibrillation (AED) machine.

*recognised First Aid at Work certificate equivalents that are not listed above, must be submitted to
Highfield with a comprehensive mapping. Please speak to your Account Manager for further
information.

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 7

 **registered healthcare professionals must act within their scope of practice and therefore have
current expertise in first aid to teach/assess the subject.
Note: In addition to the above, tutors are required to keep a log of courses that they have been
involved with and any continuous professional development they have undertaken.

Assessor requirements
Highfield requires nominated assessors for this qualification meet the following:
1. Occupational knowledge and competence in first aid* - evidenced by holding a first aid at
work/medical qualification as detailed below:

• Holding a current First Aid at Work Certificate (issued by an Ofqual/SQA/Qualifications

Wales/CCEA Regulation recognised Awarding Organisation, a HSENI approved training
provider or recognised equivalent*)
or
• Current registration as:
o a Doctor with the General Medical Council (GMC**) or
o a Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC**) or
o a Paramedic with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC**)

2. Knowledge and competency in assessing, evidenced by holding an acceptable assessing

qualification or CPD Training as detailed in Appendix 4.

3. Knowledge and understanding of how to safely and effectively use an automated external
defibrillation (AED) machine.

*recognised First Aid at Work certificate equivalents that are not listed above, must be submitted to
Highfield with a comprehensive mapping. Please speak to your Account Manager for further
information.
**registered healthcare professionals must act within their scope of practice and therefore have
current expertise in first aid to teach/assess the subject.
Note: In addition to the above, assessors are required to keep a log of courses that they have been
involved with and any continuous professional development they have undertaken.

Internal quality assurance (IQA) requirements

Highfield requires internal quality assurers for this qualification meet the following:
1. Occupational knowledge and competence in first aid* - evidenced by holding a first aid at
work/medical qualification as detailed below:
• Holding a current First Aid at Work Certificate (issued by an Ofqual/SQA/Qualifications
Wales/CCEA Regulation recognised Awarding Organisation, a HSENI approved training
provider or recognised equivalent*)
or
• Current registration as:
o a Doctor with the General Medical Council (GMC**) or
o a Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC**) or
o a Paramedic with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC**)

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 8

 2. Knowledge and competency in internal quality assurance, evidenced by holding a qualification
or CPD training as detailed in Appendix 5.
3. Knowledge and understanding of how to safely and effectively use an automated external
defibrillation (AED) machine.

*recognised First Aid at Work certificate equivalents that are not listed above, must be submitted to
Highfield with a comprehensive mapping. Please speak to your Account Manager for further
information.

**registered healthcare professionals must act within their scope of practice and therefore have
current expertise in first aid to teach/assess the subject.

Note: In addition to the above Internal Quality Assurers must:

• have knowledge of the requirements of the qualification they are quality assuring at the
time any assessment is taking place
• have knowledge and understanding of the role of assessors
• visit and observe assessments
• carry out other related internal quality assurance.

Countersigning strategy
While it is a minimum requirement for centres to have the appropriately qualified workforce in
place, it is understood that centres may have new personnel who are working towards those
requirements. During this period, centres are required to have a robust countersigning strategy in
place that supports and validates unqualified assessment/quality assurance decisions, until the
point where they meet the requirements as detailed above.

Reasonable adjustments and special considerations

Highfield has measures in place for learners who require additional support. Please refer to Highfield
Qualifications’ Reasonable Adjustments Policy for further information/guidance.

ID requirements
It is the responsibility of the centre to have systems in place to ensure that the person taking an
assessment is indeed the person they are claiming to be. All centres are therefore required to ensure
that each learner’s identification is checked before they undertake the assessment. Highfield
recommends the following as proof of a learner’s identity:
• a valid passport (any nationality)
• a signed UK photocard driving licence
• a valid warrant card issued by HM forces or the police
• another photographic ID card, e.g. employee ID card, student ID card, travel card etc.
If a learner is unable to produce any of the forms of photographic identification listed above, a
centre may accept another form of identification containing a signature, for example, a credit card.
Identification by a third-party representative, such as a line manager, human resources manager or
invigilator, will also be accepted.

For more information on learner ID requirements, please refer to Highfield Qualifications’ Core
Manual.

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 9

Progression opportunities
On successful completion of this qualification, learners may wish to continue their development by
undertaking one of the following qualifications:
• Level 3 Award in First Aid Response
• Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid

Useful websites
• Health and Safety Executive [Link]
• The Resuscitation Council (UK) [Link]

Recommended training materials

The following resources have been reviewed by Highfield and are recommended training materials
for users of this qualification:

• Morley, J. & Sprenger, C. (2017) First Aid at Work Handbook. Highfield Products
• Morley, J. & Sprenger, C. First Aid at Work Presentation. Highfield Products

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 10

Appendix 1: Qualification structure
To complete the Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) learners must complete the
following 2 mandatory units.

Unit
Unit title Level GLH Credit
reference
D/616/0271 Emergency First Aid in the Workplace 3 6 1
Recognition and Management of Illness and Injury in
H/616/0272 3 12 1
the Workplace

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 11

Appendix 2: Qualification content

Unit 1: Emergency First Aid in the Workplace

Unit number: D/616/0271
Credit: 1
GLH: 6
Level: 3

Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria

The learner will The learner can

1. Understand the role and 1.1 Identify the role and responsibilities of a first aider
responsibilities of a first aider 1.2 Identify how to minimise the risk of infection to self
and others
1.3 Identify the need for consent to provide first aid

2. Be able to assess an incident 2.1 Conduct a scene survey

2.2 Conduct a primary survey of a casualty
2.3 Summon appropriate assistance when necessary

3. Be able to provide first aid to 3.1 Identify when to administer Cardio Pulmonary
an unresponsive casualty Resuscitation (CPR)
3.2 Demonstrate CPR using a manikin
3.3 Justify when to place a casualty into the recovery
position
3.4 Demonstrate how to place a casualty into the recovery
position
3.5 Identify how to administer first aid to a casualty who is
experiencing a seizure

4. Be able to provide first aid to a 4.1 Identify when choking is:

casualty who is choking • Mild
• severe
4.2 Demonstrate how to administer first aid to a casualty
who is choking

5. Be able to provide first aid to a 5.1 Identify the severity of external bleeding
casualty with external bleeding 5.2 Demonstrate how to control external bleeding

6. Know how to provide first aid 6.1 Recognise a casualty who is suffering from shock
to a casualty who is in shock 6.2 Identify how to administer first aid to a casualty who is
suffering from shock

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 12

Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria
The learner will The learner can
7.1 Identify how to administer first aid to a casualty with:
7. Know how to provide first aid
to a casualty with minor • small cuts
injuries • grazes
• bruises
• small splinters
7.2 Identify how to administer first aid to a casualty with
minor burns and scalds

Amplification
Simulation is permitted in this unit.

Further assessment requirements

The following ACs must be assessed by practical demonstration: 2.1, 2.2, 3.2, 3.4, 4.2, 5.2

Role and Responsibilities: this should be the role/responsibilities of a typical first-aider and could
include reference to: preventing cross infection; the need for recording incidents and actions; safe
use of available equipment; assessing an incident; summoning assistance; prioritising treatment;
dealing with post incident stress.
Others may include: Casualty receiving first aid; work colleagues; other people within the workplace
environment.
Consent: Learners should be aware of the need for consent on a continual basis when providing
first aid. Implied consent can be assumed when treating an unresponsive casualty.
When necessary: Learners should be able to evaluate a situation to determine when to summon
further assistance and what type of assistance to request.
When to administer Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation: must include agonal gasps.
CPR must include: ‘correct placement of AED pads’ and ‘follows AED instructions’.
Recovery Position: a position that maintains a stable open draining airway.
Administer first aid: Provide appropriate help to a casualty, manage the situation and seek
appropriate assistance when necessary.
Seizure: relates to a generalised seizure. First aiders should be suspicious of cardiac arrest in any
casualty presenting with seizure.
Shock: including hypovolaemic shock (resulting from blood loss)

Additional assessment guidance

• Unit should be delivered, assessed and quality assured in accordance with Assessment Principles
for Regulated First Aid Qualifications
• First Aid at Work Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 Guidance on Regulations (L74)
• Resuscitation Council (UK) Guidelines
• First Aid at Work Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1982 (Northern Ireland)

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 13

Unit 2: Recognition and Management of Illness and Injury in the Workplace
Unit number: H/616/0272
Credit: 1
GLH: 12
Level: 3

Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria

The learner will The learner can

1. Be able to conduct a 1.1 Identify the information to be collected when gathering

secondary survey a casualty history
1.2 Demonstrate how to conduct a head to toe survey

2. Be able to provide first aid to 2.1 Recognise suspected:

a casualty with suspected • Fractures and dislocations
injuries to bones, muscles and • Sprains and strains
joints
2.2 Identify how to administer first aid for:
• Fractures and dislocations
• Sprains and strains

2.3 Demonstrate how to apply:

• a support sling
• an elevated sling

3. Be able to provide first aid to 3.1 Recognise a suspected:

a casualty with suspected • Head injury
head and spinal injuries • Spinal injury

3.2 Identify how to administer first aid for a suspected head

Injury
3.3 Demonstrate how to administer first aid for a suspected
spinal injury.

4. Know how to provide first aid 4.1 Recognise a suspected:

to a casualty with suspected • Flail chest
chest injuries • Penetrating chest injury
4.2 Identify how to administer first aid for a:
• Flail chest
• Penetrating chest injury
5.1 Identify the factors that affect the severity of burns and
5. Know how to provide first aid
scalds
to a casualty with burns and
scalds 5.2 Identify how to administer first aid for burns involving:
• Dry heat
• Wet heat
• Electricity
• Chemicals

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 14

Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria
The learner will The learner can

6. Know how to provide first aid 6.1 Identify how to administer first aid for eye injuries
to a casualty with an eye involving:
injury • Dust
• Chemicals
• Embedded objects

7. Know how to provide first aid 7.1 Identify the routes that poisons can take to enter the
to a casualty with sudden body
poisoning
7.2 Identify how to administer first aid to a casualty
affected by sudden poisoning
7.3 Identify sources of information for treating those
affected by sudden poisoning

8. Know how to provide first aid 8.1 Identify common triggers for anaphylaxis
to a casualty with anaphylaxis
8.2 Recognise suspected anaphylaxis
8.3 Identify how to administer first aid for a casualty
suffering from anaphylaxis
9. Know how to provide first aid
9.1 Recognise suspected:
to a casualty with suspected
• Heart Attack
major illness
• Stroke
• Epileptic seizure
• Asthma attack
• Diabetic emergency

9.2 Identify how to administer first aid to a casualty

suffering from:
• Heart Attack
• Stroke
• Epileptic seizure
• Asthma attack
• Diabetic emergency

Amplification
Simulation is permitted in this unit.

Further assessment requirements

The following ACs must be assessed by practical demonstration: 1.2, 2.3, 3.3.

Head to toe survey: must be conducted on a casualty with a continually monitored or protected
airway (e.g. a conscious casualty or a casualty placed in the recovery position).

Recognise: to include signs and/or symptoms of the condition and/or where appropriate
mechanism of injury.

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 15

Administer first aid: Provide appropriate help to a casualty, manage the situation and seek
appropriate assistance when necessary.

Head injury: includes concussion, compression and skull fracture. The learner is not expected to
differentiate between these conditions.

Asthma attack: may include assisting a casualty to use a spacer device and to take their own inhaler.

Diabetic emergency: should focus on the condition of hypoglycaemia.

Additional assessment guidance

• Unit should be delivered, assessed and quality assured in accordance with Assessment Principles
for Regulated First Aid Qualifications
• First Aid at Work Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 Guidance on Regulations (L74)
• Resuscitation Council (UK) Guidelines
• First Aid at Work Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1982 (Northern Ireland)

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 16

Appendix 3: Sample assessment material
Highfield provides centres with a practical assessment matrix and a learner theory pack to be used to
assess the qualification.

The theory question papers contain multiple-choice questions that meet the knowledge requirements
of the qualification. A sample of these questions is below:

1. Which of the following is a responsibility of a first aider?

a) Ensure the business complies with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations

b) Undertake the first aid needs assessment

c) Ensure available first aid equipment is fit for purpose

d) Implement controls of identified hazards

2. In which of the following situations must you place a casualty into the recovery
position?
a) An unconscious casualty who is breathing normally

b) A casualty suffering from a stroke

c) A casualty suffering from a heart attack

d) A conscious casualty that has received an electric shock

The practical assessment matrix is used to capture whether the assessor has seen learners
demonstrate each skill to the appropriate standard. A sample of the matrix is below:

Assessment guidance outlining what the appropriate standard is for each skill and task is contained
within the Tutor, Assessor and IQA Support Pack, available to download from the members’ area of
the Highfield website.

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 17

Appendix 4: Acceptable Training/Assessing Qualifications
The following list provides details of acceptable qualifications to undertake the separate roles of trainer
and assessor:

Qualification Train Assess*

CURRENT QUALIFICATIONS (available for new trainers/assessors to undertake):
Level 3 Award in Education and Training ✓ ✓
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training ✓ ✓
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training ✓ ✓
Level 3 Award in Teaching and Assessing in First Aid Qualifications (RQF) ✓ ✓
Cert Ed/PGCE/B Ed/M Ed ✓ ✓
SVQ 3 Learning and Development SCQF Level 8 ✓ ✓
SVQ 4 Learning and Development SCQF Level 9 ✓ ✓
TQFE (Teaching Qualification for Further Education) ✓ ✓
Planning and Delivering Learning Sessions to Groups SCQF Level 6 (SQA
✓ ✓
Unit)
SCQF Level 6 Award in Planning and Delivering Learning Sessions to
✓ ✓
Groups (SQA Accredited)
L&D Unit 6 Manage Learning and Development in Groups SCQF Level 8
✓
(SQA Accredited)
L&D Unit 7 Facilitate Individual Learning and Development SCQF Level 8
✓
(SQA Accredited)
L&D Unit 8 Engage and Support Learners in the Learning and
✓
Development Process SCQF Level 8 (SQA Accredited)
Carry Out the Assessment Process SCQF Level 7 (SQA Unit) ✓
Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment ✓
Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement ✓
Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of
✓
Assessment
Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement ✓
L&D Unit 9DI Assess Workplace Competence Using Direct and Indirect
✓
Methods SCQF Level 8 (SQA Accredited)
L&D Unit 9D Assess Workplace Competence Using Direct Methods SCQF
Level 7 ✓
(SQA Accredited)
OTHER ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
CTLLS/DTLLS ✓ ✓
PTLLS with unit ‘Principles and Practice of Assessment’ (12 credits) ✓ ✓
Further and Adult Education Teacher’s Certificate ✓ ✓
IHCD Instructional Methods ✓ ✓
IHCD Instructor Certificate ✓ ✓
English National Board 998 ✓ ✓

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 18

 Nursing mentorship qualifications ✓ ✓
NOCN Tutor Assessor Award ✓ ✓
S/NVQ level 3 in training and development ✓ ✓
S/NVQ level 4 in training and development ✓ ✓
PDA Developing Teaching Practice in Scotland’s Colleges SCQF Level 9
✓ ✓
(SQA Qualification)
PDA Teaching Practice in Scotland’s Colleges SCQF Level 9 (SQA
✓
Qualification)
PTLLS (6 credits) ✓
Regulated Qualifications based on the Learning and Development NOS
7 Facilitate Individual Learning and Development or NOS 6 Manage ✓
learning and development in groups
Training Group A22, B22, C21, C23, C24 ✓
Learning and Teaching – Assessment and Quality Standards SCQF Level
✓
9 (SQA Unit)
A1 Assess Candidates Using a Range of Methods or D33 Assess
✓
Candidates Using Differing Sources of Evidence
Conduct the Assessment Process SCQF Level 7 (SQA Unit) ✓
A2 Assess Candidate Performance through Observation or D32 Assess
✓
Candidate Performance
Regulated Qualifications based on the Learning and Development NOS
✓
9 Assess Learner Achievement

*Assessors who do not hold a formal assessing qualification may alternatively attend First Aid
Assessor CPD Training with a recognised Awarding Organisation.

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 19

Appendix 5: Acceptable Internal Quality Assurance Qualifications
This list is not exhaustive but provides a guide to acceptable IQA qualifications:

Qualification IQA*
L&D Unit 11 Internally Monitor and Maintain the Quality of Workplace Assessment

SCQF Level 8 (SQA Accredited)
Regulated Qualifications based on the Learning and Development NOS 11 Internally

Monitor and Maintain the Quality of Assessment
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
Internal Quality Assurance of the Assessment Process or D34 Internally Verify the

Assessment Process.
Internally Verify the Assessment Process SCQF Level 8 (SQA Unit) 

NOTE: IQAs who do not hold a formal IQA qualification may alternatively attend Internal Quality
Assurance CPD Training with a recognised Awarding Organisation.

Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) 20