What ensures that assessment procedures meet the quality criteria set by regulatory bodies?

The selection of internal quality assurance as the correct answer highlights the focus on maintaining standards and quality within assessment procedures. Internal quality assurance encompasses systematic processes designed to ensure that assessments are consistent, fair, and reflective of the intended outcomes. This includes regular monitoring and evaluation of the assessment practices to ensure they align with the quality criteria set by regulatory bodies.

Internal quality assurance involves activities such as routine audits, feedback mechanisms, and the development of assessment methodologies that are robust and reliable. It serves as a critical framework to evaluate the effectiveness of assessment processes, making necessary adjustments, and ensuring that all participants receive assessments that meet the established standards.

In contrast, while quality control mechanisms and quality assurance systems are part of overall quality management approaches, they may not be as focused on the internal processes specific to assessments. Compliance verification relates more to ensuring adherence to external standards rather than the internal processes that drive quality assurance. Thus, while these concepts are related, the specific targeted role of internal quality assurance in maintaining assessment quality is why it is deemed the most appropriate choice.