Open University Awarding Body · RQF Level 4
Training and Development (Human Resource Development)
You don’t just earn this. You learn to use it, one-to-one, on your own real work.
- LevelRQF Level 4
- Total credits15
- Guided learning98 hours
- Units in this qualification26
Awarded by Open University Awarding Body · on the Ofqual register
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What you’ll learn
What each unit actually teaches you to do
The Level 4 NVQ in Training and Development (Human Resource Development) enables learners to contribute to recruitment and selection processes. It also covers assessing candidates, identifying training needs, and designing training materials. This qualification is suitable for individuals working in human resources and training roles.
These are the units Open University Awarding Body registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated, and every one you earn is yours to keep.
Advise and Support Candidates to Identify Prior AchievementReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the underpinning principles of recognising prior learning (RPL) and its importance in education and training.
- Advise candidates on the RPL process, including eligibility criteria and evidence requirements.
- Support candidates in identifying their prior achievements, skills, and knowledge relevant to the learning programme.
- Understand different assessment methods suitable for evaluating prior learning, such as portfolio assessment and interviews.
- Know relevant organisational policies and procedures related to RPL and candidate support.
Agree Learning Programmes with LearnersReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Agree learning goals with learners that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
- Assess learner needs and preferences through appropriate methods, such as initial assessments and interviews.
- Develop a personalised learning plan that aligns with the agreed learning goals and learner needs.
- Accurately record the agreed learning programme, including learning activities, resources, and assessment methods.
Assess Candidate Performance _no certification after 28/02/2005 is available for this unit_Real unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles that underpin effective assessment practices.
- Plan assessments that are fair, valid, reliable and safe.
- Gather sufficient and authentic evidence of candidate performance against agreed standards.
- Make sound and justifiable assessment decisions based on the evidence gathered.
- Provide constructive and developmental feedback to candidates to support their learning and development.
Assess Candidate Using Differing Sources of Evidence _no certification after 28/02/2005 is available for this unit_Real unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the different sources of evidence that can be used to assess candidate performance.
- Assess candidate performance against agreed standards and benchmarks.
- Gather evidence from a range of sources to support assessment decisions.
- Understand the application of assessment criteria in evaluating candidate competence.
- Document assessment outcomes accurately and comprehensively, in line with organisational requirements.
Assess Individuals for Non-Competence Based Assessment SystemsReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles and characteristics of non-competence based assessment systems
- Assess individuals using appropriate methods within non-competence based assessment systems
- Plan assessments effectively, considering the individual's needs and the requirements of the assessment system
- Conduct assessments in a fair, objective, and consistent manner
- Record assessment outcomes accurately and in accordance with organisational procedures
Co-ordinate the Provision of Learning Opportunities with Other Contributors to the Learning ProgrammeReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Identify all contributors to the learning programme, including trainers, assessors, and support staff.
- Communicate learning opportunities effectively to contributors, ensuring they are fully informed of their roles and responsibilities.
- Co-ordinate learning activities to ensure a cohesive and integrated learning experience for learners.
- Monitor the provision of learning opportunities to ensure they are delivered effectively and meet learner needs.
Contribute to Recruitment and Selection of PersonnelReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the key principles and stages of recruitment and selection processes within organisations.
- Contribute to the creation and review of accurate and comprehensive job descriptions.
- Participate effectively in interview processes, adhering to organisational procedures.
- Assess candidate suitability against pre-defined criteria and job requirements.
- Understand the legal and ethical considerations relevant to recruitment and selection, including equality and diversity legislation.
Create a Climate Conducive to LearningReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the various factors that can influence the learning process for individuals and groups.
- Create a positive and inclusive learning environment that fosters engagement and participation.
- Motivate learners by employing a range of strategies and techniques tailored to their individual needs and preferences.
- Understand the different learning styles and how to adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning preferences.
- Manage learner behaviour effectively, promoting a respectful and productive learning atmosphere.
Design Assessment Methods to Collect Evidence of Competent PerformanceReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core principles and diverse methods of assessment, including their strengths and limitations.
- Design assessment methods that are appropriate for the learning outcomes and the needs of the learners.
- Develop practical and user-friendly assessment tools, such as observation checklists, questionnaires, and practical tasks.
- Ensure the validity and reliability of assessment methods, minimising bias and promoting fairness.
- Document the entire assessment process accurately and comprehensively, maintaining records of evidence and feedback.
Design Learning Programmes to Meet Learners' RequirementsReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand learning theories and principles and how they apply to the design of learning programmes
- Analyse learners' requirements to inform the design of effective learning programmes
- Design learning activities that are engaging and meet the identified learning requirements
- Select appropriate resources to support learning activities and enhance the learning experience
- Develop assessment strategies to measure learners' progress and the effectiveness of the learning programme
- Document the learning programme design, including learning outcomes, activities, resources, and assessment methods
Design, Test and Modify Information Technology _IT_ Based MaterialsReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the key principles of designing effective IT-based learning materials, considering accessibility and user experience.
- Thoroughly test IT-based materials to identify and resolve any technical issues or usability problems.
- Design engaging and interactive IT-based learning materials that meet specific learning objectives.
- Modify existing IT-based materials to improve their effectiveness and relevance to learners' needs.
- Evaluate the overall effectiveness of IT-based materials in achieving learning outcomes and enhancing the learning experience.
Design, Test and Modify Training and Development MaterialsReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of instructional design and their application to training materials.
- Develop engaging and effective training materials using appropriate methods and resources.
- Test training materials to ensure their suitability and effectiveness.
- Understand different evaluation methods for assessing the impact of training and development programmes.
- Modify training materials based on feedback and evaluation results to improve their effectiveness.
- Use appropriate technologies to design, develop, and deliver training and development materials.
Devise a Plan for Implementing an Organisation's Training and Development ObjectivesReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand organisational training and development objectives and their alignment with strategic goals
- Devise an implementation plan that outlines the steps required to achieve the organisation's training and development objectives
- Identify resources required for training and development activities, including personnel, equipment, and funding
- Evaluate the plan's effectiveness in achieving the organisation's training and development objectives
Evaluate Training and Development ProgrammesReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand various methods for evaluating training programmes, including quantitative and qualitative approaches.
- Collect data on training programme effectiveness using appropriate tools and techniques, such as surveys and observations.
- Analyse training programme data to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
- Make evidence-based recommendations for improving the design, delivery, and impact of training programmes.
- Report on evaluation findings clearly and concisely, using appropriate formats and channels.
Evaluate and Develop Own PracticeReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of reflective practice and its importance in professional development.
- Evaluate own practice critically, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
- Identify specific areas for development based on self-assessment, feedback, and performance data.
- Develop a realistic and achievable action plan to address identified development needs.
- Implement improvements in own practice, monitoring progress and seeking feedback to ensure effectiveness.
Exchange Information to Solve Problems and Make DecisionsReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand various methods of exchanging information effectively within a professional context.
- Apply problem-solving techniques to identify and resolve issues.
- Make informed decisions based on available information and potential consequences.
- Understand the importance of effective communication in problem-solving and decision-making processes.
- Analyse information from different sources to support problem-solving and decision-making.
Externally Verify the Assessment Process _no certifcation after 28/02/2005 is available for this unit_Real unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the key stages and processes involved in the assessment process.
- Know the principles of external verification and its role in maintaining assessment quality.
- Verify assessment decisions to ensure they are fair, valid and reliable.
- Understand the importance of quality assurance in assessment and the mechanisms for ensuring it.
- Know relevant regulations and guidelines relating to assessment and external verification.
Identify Organisational Training and Development NeedsReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the factors that contribute to organisational training needs.
- Identify skills gaps within the workforce.
- Analyse training requirements based on identified skills gaps and organisational objectives.
- Understand various methods of identifying training needs, such as performance appraisals and skills audits.
- Prioritise training needs based on their impact on organisational performance and strategic goals.
Improve Training and Development ProgrammesReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core principles of training and development, including learning theories and instructional design.
- Evaluate training programmes to determine their effectiveness and impact.
- Identify areas for improvement in training programmes based on evaluation data and feedback.
- Implement improvements to training programmes to enhance learning outcomes and participant satisfaction.
- Understand the importance of evaluation and feedback in ensuring the ongoing relevance and effectiveness of training and development initiatives.
Internally Verify the Assessment Process _no certifcation after 28/02/2005 is available for this unit_Real unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the key stages and activities involved in the assessment process, including planning, delivery, and review.
- Know the internal verification requirements, including sampling strategies, documentation, and reporting procedures.
- Verify assessment decisions against agreed standards and criteria, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
- Provide constructive and developmental feedback to assessors, supporting their professional development.
- Understand the quality assurance procedures relevant to assessment, including internal and external quality assurance mechanisms.
Maintain and Improve Service and Product OperationsReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the key elements of service and product operations within a specific context.
- Maintain service standards to ensure consistent quality and customer satisfaction.
- Identify areas for improvement in service and product operations through analysis and evaluation.
- Implement improvements to service and product operations, monitoring their effectiveness.
- Understand the importance of continuous improvement in maintaining competitiveness and meeting evolving customer needs.
Manage Relationships with Colleagues and CustomersReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of effective communication, including verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills.
- Build rapport with colleagues and customers by demonstrating empathy, active listening, and respect.
- Manage conflict constructively by using appropriate conflict resolution techniques.
- Maintain professional relationships with colleagues and customers by adhering to ethical standards and boundaries.
- Understand organisational policies and procedures related to relationships with colleagues and customers, including confidentiality and data protection.
Monitor and Review Progress with LearnersReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the importance of monitoring learner progress to identify potential issues and provide timely support.
- Monitor learner progress using a range of methods and tools.
- Provide feedback to learners that is constructive, specific and focused on their development.
- Identify support needs of learners and refer them to appropriate resources.
- Review progress with learners, setting targets and agreeing action plans.
Recommend, Monitor and Control the Use of ResourcesReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand resource management principles and their application in a learning and development context
- Recommend resource use based on identified needs and priorities
- Monitor resource use to ensure efficiency and effectiveness
- Control resource use to prevent waste and ensure compliance with organisational policies
- Optimise resource allocation to maximise the impact of learning and development activities
Specify the Contribution of Training and Development to Organisational DevelopmentReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the contribution of training and development to organisational development and performance improvement
- Specify training needs based on a thorough analysis of individual and organisational performance gaps
- Align training and development initiatives with organisational goals and strategic priorities
- Measure the impact of training and development on individual and organisational performance
Support and Advise Individual LearnersReal unit · Open University Awarding Body
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of supporting learners, including ethical considerations and safeguarding practices.
- Advise individual learners on their learning journey, providing guidance on resources, pathways, and career options.
- Identify the specific needs of individual learners through observation, assessment, and communication.
- Develop a comprehensive support plan that addresses identified learner needs and promotes their progress.
- Monitor and review the effectiveness of the support plan, making adjustments as necessary to ensure optimal outcomes for the learner.
The honest bit
You’ve started things before
Most courses were built for a room full of people who aren’t you. A cohort moves on whether or not your week allowed it, and by the third week the thing you’re behind on becomes the reason you stop opening it.
There’s no cohort here, and no timetable to fall behind. Before anything starts, Zavmo asks when you’re sharpest and how long you can realistically sit down for, then builds the sessions around those answers. A bad fortnight changes your pace. It doesn’t put you behind.
And you only pay once you start learning. Searching and planning are free, and you can cancel any time — so the cost of finding out is an afternoon, not a year.
Your passport
Every credit is a stamp you keep
Level 4 credits are regulated. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you’ve earned and what’s next.
Each stamp is a real unit registered against this qualification.
Who’d teach you this

The Evidence Evaluator
Assessor
Helps you show what you can actually do, gathering the evidence that proves it as you learn.
Meet all twelve tutorsWhere this connects
Where these credits take you
A qualification is never a dead end here. See the jobs its credits open, the national occupational standards its units map to, and the future skills they quietly build.
- Assess candidates using a range of methods
- Create a climate that promotes learning
- Develop and adapt ILT materials to support learning
- Develop plans to meet your organisation's goals
- Develop yourself as a reflective supported employment practitioner
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a Training and Competence Scheme
- Evaluate the learning activities undertaken by individuals and teams within a Training and Competence Scheme
- Implement a cost effective and practical Training and Competence Scheme
Where this can lead
Learning & Development Coordinator
This L&D Coordinator role is a fantastic starting point for a career in learning and development. We're not just looking for someone to fill a seat; we're looking for someone with potential who wants to grow with us. If you're organised, helpful, and eager to learn, you'll find plenty of opportunities here to build a rewarding career.
See the whole journey →Showing 6 roles, drawn from 117 job records mapped to this qualification.
Skills it covers
What the job actually needs. These are the standards the units are built against, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.
How you’ll actually learn this
One-to-one, on your own real work
A qualification is usually something done to you: sit the class, sit the exam, hope it sticks. Here it’s the opposite. You learn it one-to-one with a companion, on your own real work, and you keep going until you can use it, not just recall it.
Applied to your work in any of these jobs
Learners will explore the principles of Recognising Prior Learning (RPL) and develop skills to advise and support candidates in identifying prior achievements. The unit includes understanding assessment methods and relevant policies to facilitate the RPL process.
- Remember
- Understand
- Apply
- Analyse
- Evaluate
- Create
Built for Training and Development (Human Resource Development)
26 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Open University Awarding Body.
- Advise and Support Candidates to Identify Prior Achievement
- Agree Learning Programmes with Learners
- Assess Candidate Performance _no certification after 28/02/2005 is available for this unit_
- Assess Candidate Using Differing Sources of Evidence _no certification after 28/02/2005 is available for this unit_
- Assess Individuals for Non-Competence Based Assessment Systems
- Co-ordinate the Provision of Learning Opportunities with Other Contributors to the Learning Programme
and 20 more in the full unit list below.
One to one, not one to many
No two people run this the same way
A course is written once and handed to everyone. This is assembled around you, and keeps changing as it learns you. Five things it reads, and what each one changes.
- Your actual work Every unit is taught against a live piece of your own work, not a worked example from a textbook.
- What you already know The first conversation finds your starting point, so you skip what you can already do and spend the time on what you cannot.
- The conditions you learn under Not a learning-styles quiz. The evidence does not support those. The dimensions the research does back, read once and used to shape the plan.
- How far you got last time It picks up mid-thought. The tutor knows what you said, what you struggled with, and what it asked you to try.
- Which tutor suits the moment Twelve of them, each for a different kind of thinking. The one who walks you through a first idea is not the one who stress-tests it.
See how you learn, free. Eight questions, no sign-up. A directional taster; the diagnostic inside Zavmo goes deeper and keeps adapting.
Why it sticks
Most courses stop at remembering
There’s a well-known ladder of how deeply you learn something, called Bloom’s Taxonomy. Most courses get you up the first two rungs: you remember some facts, you pass a test, you forget it. Real skill lives at the top. Judging, deciding, creating. And this isn’t a generic ladder: every rung has a named Zavmo tutor who walks you up it.
- 6CreateThe Creative Catalyst
- 5EvaluateThe Evidence Evaluator
- 4AnalyseThe Analyst
- 3ApplyThe Coach
- 2UnderstandThe Connector
- 1RememberThe Builder
Where most courses leave you Where Zavmo takes you
The value
Why the companion is worth £70 a month
You’re not paying for the units. They’re regulated, and the same wherever you earn them. You’re paying for the one thing that decides whether you actually get there: a companion that makes them stick, on your real work.
That is one-to-one on this qualification, every day, on the work you already do, for £70 a month. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it. Billed monthly, cancel any time and billing stops.
Earned on your own work, taught to the top.
Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it.
Build my plan, freeNo card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.