RLSS Trainer Assessor Qualification (TA)
The RLSS UK Trainer Assessor (TA) course allows successful candidates to qualify as Trainer Assessors, enabling them to deliver and assess RLSS UK vocational qualifications across the UK and Ireland.
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What is an RLSS UK Trainer Assessor (TA)?
An RLSS UK Trainer Assessor (TA) is someone who is approved to teach and assess RLSS UK qualifications. TAs may train and assess colleagues within their own organisation, or deliver RLSS UK qualifications to external businesses, centres, or members of the public, depending on their role and setup.
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Prerequisites to Become an RLSS UK TA
To attend an RLSS UK Trainer Assessor course, candidates must meet the following requirements:
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Be 18 years of age or over
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Hold a current Licence to Operate membership with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)
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Hold the full RLSS UK qualification that matches the course they intend to deliver (for example, to train and assess the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), the candidate must already hold a full NPLQ)
How Do I Become a Trainer Assessor (TA)?
Step 1: Hold the Relevant RLSS UK Qualification
Before enrolling on a Trainer Assessor course, candidates must already hold the full RLSS UK qualification in the area they wish to deliver. For example, anyone aiming to become an NPLQ Trainer Assessor must first be a qualified NPLQ lifeguard.
Step 2: Complete the Trainer Assessor Core Qualification
Most Trainer Assessor courses listed on the RLSS UK Course Finder include a Trainer Assessor Core Qualification, which is completed over three days. This core training consists of three modules and qualifies candidates as a Probationary RLSS UK Trainer Assessor for AED.
The TA Core Qualification includes:
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Module 1: Train the Trainer (1 day)
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Module 2: Train the Assessor (1 day)
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Module 3: CPR and AED (1 day)
Days 4 and Beyond: Qualification Specialism
Trainer Assessor courses usually include training in a specific qualification specialism, such as NPLQ or NRASTC. Once the TA Core has been completed, candidates do not need to repeat it when adding further specialisms in the future.
Available TA specialisms and their additional delivery time include:
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National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) – 2 days
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National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC) – 1 day
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National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) – 3 days
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National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) – 2 days
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Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) – 1 day
If you are interested in delivering RLSS UK First Aid qualifications, additional prerequisites apply. Please refer to the guidance on becoming a First Aid Trainer Assessor for further details.
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You only need to qualify as a Trainer Assessor in one specialism initially — there is no requirement to complete all available options.
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Step 3: Find a Trainer Assessor Course in Your Chosen Specialism
Once you meet the prerequisites, you can search for a suitable Trainer Assessor course in your chosen specialism using the RLSS UK Course Finder. This allows you to locate upcoming courses in your area.
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How to Find a Trainer Assessor Course with a Certain Specialism
Trainer Assessor courses are listed by qualification type on the RLSS UK Course Finder, making it easy to search specifically for the specialism you need, such as NPLQ, NRASTC or OWL.
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Step 4: Successfully Complete Your Trainer Assessor Course
After passing an RLSS UK Trainer Assessor course, candidates become a Probationary Trainer Assessor (PTA). During this period, PTAs are supported by a National Trainer Assessor (NTA) or an approved mentor while delivering their first trainer and assessor courses.
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The probationary period lasts for a maximum of two years. If a PTA does not successfully complete their probation within this time, they will be required to requalify by retaking the relevant specialism course.
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Course cost - £750
