IPSQA Award in Tertiary & Adult Education provides a globally transportable and relevant certification for trainers, assessors and moderators.
IPSQA focuses on assessment rather than training, which is why we do not offer role-specific instructor certifications. This approach helps maintain the integrity and impartiality of our assessment practices. However, we recognize the critical importance of having credible and experienced trainers, assessors and moderators regardless whether they are in the public safety sector or not.
The IPSQA Award in Tertiary & Adult Education (ATAE) certification is a comprehensive, ISO17024:2012 compliant quality-assured program designed to ensure adult educators have the necessary skills and knowledge needed to become effective educators to deliver skills based training, undertake personnel competency assessment and validate assessment tools prior to use.
Pre-requisites:
Candidate must hold prior to commencing assessment for the ATAE:
- CorePass® Workplace Trainer (or RPL of equivalent*)
- IPSQA Assessor Course
- IPSQA Administrator Course
- IPSQA Moderator Course
The Award in Tertiary & Adult Education [ATAE] requires the successful completion of three parts:
- Part A: Supervised multi-choice examination
- Part B: Practical skills assessment – observation of instructional ability
- Part C: Completion of portfolio of evidence including supervisor attestation and verified experience
Part A and B tests candidates against a range of knowledge and skill requirements including:
- Adult learning theory and concepts
- Instructional design models
- Lesson plan development
- Managing group dynamics
- Skills lesson delivery to adult learning groups
- Preparing candidates for assessment
- Competency assessment
- Candidate feedback
- Evaluation of training sessions
- Pre-assessment moderation of assessment tools
Assessment Overview:
Part A: A standardized online exam is used as part of the assessment (Part A) and available in over 50 languages and tested under the supervision of a proctor. Accredited Testing Centres (ATCs) may also develop their own examination and subject it for moderation and approval by IPSQA (a fee applies).
Part B: As an ISO17024:2023 compliant certification product, the skill assessment is undertaken by an independent assessor (by subject matter experts holding a diploma or higher in adult education).
Part C: The candidate must also submit a portfolio of evidence to validate their competency in training, assessing and moderating, within 6 months. This portfolio is reviewed by a different assessor (assigned by IPSQA), not domiciled in the same country as the candidate as part of our Foreign Interference Protection (FIP) protocol which is unique to IPSQA.
Though we require our assessors to maintain currency, the ATAE does not expire and is valid regardless of subsequent versions being issued. Candidate for this award must complete the IPSQA Assessor course, but are under no obligation or guarantee of being designated a registered IPSQA assessor or have assessor scope approved.
Audience
The IPSQA Award in Tertiary & Adult Education (ATAE) is designed to appeal to a diverse group of professionals from various industries from public safety, construction, energy, mining and other trades. This certification is particularly relevant for:
- Assessors: Professionals who evaluate the competence and skills of others in their field.
- Trainers and Instructors: Those responsible for delivering educational content and developing skills in others.
- Team Leaders: Individuals who guide and mentor teams within their organizations.
- Training Officers: Specialists dedicated to organizing and overseeing training programs.
- Learning & Development Officers: Professionals focused on enhancing the knowledge and capabilities of their workforce.
Download
Download our ATAE brochure (PDF).
Next Steps
Successful candidates working within the public safety sector may wish to consider seeking higher level certification offered by IPSQA such as our ProQual NFPA 1041 (Fire & Emergency Services) Instructor Level I-III.
Candidates must demonstrate skills consistently with approved references such as the text Fire and Emergency Services Instructor (IFSTA).
For candidates seeking certification for related competencies, IPSQA offers a range of other certification products including:
- IPSQA Certificate in Public Safety (Emergency Vehicle Operator)
- IPSQA CorePass® Wildfire Awareness
- IPSQA CorePass® Public Safety Radio
- IPSQA CorePass® Confined Space Awareness
- IPSQA CorePass® Height Safety I/II
- IPSQA CorePass® INSARAG First Responder
- IPSQA CorePass® Community Emergency Response
- IPSQA CorePass® First Aid I-IV (Basic to Advanced)
- IPSQA CorePass® Workplace Fire Suppression I

Real-time QR code certificate verification on all IPSQA products
*Recognition of Prior Learning
Accredited Testing Centres can provide Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for CorePass Workplace Trainer for those holding one of the following:
- National Certificate in Adult Education & Training or higher
- New Zealand Certificate in Adult & Tertiary Teaching or higher
- Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (any version) or higher
- Instructor Certification from a recognised global training agency or state government department.
IPSQA can provide Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the IPSQA Moderation Course for those holding one of the following:
- Unit Standard 11551 Moderate Assessment/Quality Assure Assessment (any version)
- TAEASS503 Lead assessment validation processes.
A fee may apply for the above. RPL is not available for the IPSQA Assessor or Administrator courses.
Further information
Contact us or your local Accredited Testing Centre for further information.