Guidance on new forms of acceptable Evidence · QCF qualifications are made up of bite size units...
Transcript of Guidance on new forms of acceptable Evidence · QCF qualifications are made up of bite size units...
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Guidance on new forms of acceptable Evidence Including: Personal Learning Record and Screenshots Certification Bodies 01/06/2013 The Federation for Industry Sector Skills and Standards
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 1
Contents
Purpose ............................................................................................................................................... 2
PLR and the Qualification Credit Framework (QCF) ............................................................................ 2
PLR access ........................................................................................................................................... 3
PLR limitations and issues ................................................................................................................... 3
Understanding PLR evidence .............................................................................................................. 3
Other systems and evidence ............................................................................................................... 4
Schools Information Management System (SIMS) ............................................................................. 4
Provisional statement of results ......................................................................................................... 4
Use of Awarding Organisation screenshots ........................................................................................ 4
Awarding bodies populating the PLR .................................................................................................. 4
Continuing developments ................................................................................................................... 6
Peer-to-Peer Transfer ..................................................................................................................... 6
Unique Learner Numbers ................................................................................................................ 6
A unique identifier .......................................................................................................................... 6
Examples of alternative forms of acceptable Evidence ...................................................................... 7
Summary ........................................................................................................................................... 21
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 2
Purpose
This document details information regarding acceptable evidence training providers may use when
submitting Apprenticeship Completion Certificates. Whilst we realise that the best evidence is copies
of certificates, there are occasions where this is not possible and other achievement confirmation is
submitted to evidence the completion of the components within a framework. This document
provides examples of acceptable evidence where the certificate is unavailable which utilises
technologies and systems that are available. Highlighted within the document are the fields that
should be provided by training providers and checked when alternative evidence is submitted such
as unique learner number (ULN).
Personal Learning Record (PLR) introduction
The PLR database is a free and important application that offers access to verified participation and
achievement records of individual learners. The records will detail the qualifications achieved from
either school, college or other further education training providers since its implementation in the
2007/08 academic year, however this does not typically record higher education qualifications
completed within universities.
The system allows the individual learners to access their current and past achievement records and
these records can then be shared with their training provider (this could be school, college, further
education training provider, university) or employer.
The PLR is designed to allow the learner access to their records but they can give their permission for
training providers or employers to gain access to the record, providing they are an approved
organisation, please see PLR access section to find out more on how to become and approved
organisation.
PLR and the Qualification Credit Framework (QCF)
QCF qualifications are made up of bite size units that can be completed individually. The PLR system
enables the learner or anyone given permission to identify the individual units achieved in order to
build up an overall qualification. Once you have established what the learner has achieved you are
able to plan progression routes and identify what units will need to be achieved to gain a
qualification.
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 3
PLR access
Training providers need to be an approved organisation in order to gain access to the PLR via the UK
Register of Learning Providers website where they will be given an UK Provider Reference Number
(UKPRN). Once they have this number they will be able to go onto the Learning Records Service
where they will be able to access the PLR database. All queries in relation to the PLR and access
should be directed to the Learning Records Service:-
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0845 602 2589
PLR limitations and issues
The PLR evidence should only be used as alternative evidence to certificate evidence when
certificates are unavailable and may not be the best option for all apprentices.
There are some legacy data issues where the required information is not shown and the quality of
achievement was not robust. This is mainly due to fact that data loaded to the system was not
standardised or checked. If the PLR does not show the required information you will need to request
alternative evidence from the training provider.
If you do have any concerns over the validity of the PLR information that is presented to you please
contact the Federation as we will be able to verify the qualifications achieved.
Understanding PLR evidence
The PLR system is a straight forward process with clear information regarding achievement provided.
However there are some issues regarding old data. Therefore all PLR information should detail the
information below:
All learners should show; Name and ULN
GCSE – Provider Awarding Organisation, Qualification Type, Aim Description, Grade and
Award date.
Key Skills – May only show a Start and Achievement date. The grade is not applicable and so
will not be shown
BTEC – May only show and Award or Achievement date
If any of this information is not displayed then the use of the PLR is not acceptable and alternative
accepted evidence should be sought. If training providers are unable to provide alternative evidence
then please contact the Federation as we will be able to check the validity of the PLR information
provided.
The PLR examples found later in this document show the varying evidence that training providers
can submit to ACE.
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 4
Other systems and evidence
Schools Information Management System (SIMS)
Due to the initial limitations of the PLR system, screen shots from SIMS will be accepted. However
this will change once the remaining legacy issues with the PLR have been resolved. The Federation
will notify you when SIMS is no longer accepted as evidence, however, if you are unsure as to
whether it is acceptable please do contact the Federation.
SIMS is directly populated by the awarding bodies and can only be accessed by a limited number of
users within individual schools.
If training providers use evidence from SIMS the following information must be clearly displayed:
Result date
Qualification
Board
Status i.e. certificate or unit
Grade/Result
This evidence will then need to be signed and dated by a teacher or exams officer within the school
and show the school stamp/logo.
Provisional statement of results
Provisional statements of results are not accepted as evidence of achievement. This is because they
are provisional and there is a period after being issued where the results are liable to change and
therefore the grade cannot be guaranteed. A final certificate is issued after a period of 3 months
which states the achieved grade or alternatively the evidence can be found from the PLR which will
be updated if an appeal is upheld.
Use of Awarding Organisation screenshots
There are currently 138 awarding bodies across England that have signed up to populate the PLR
system. As a result screenshots from these awarding bodies will be accepted as evidence providing
that all the relevant data is clearly visible and the web link is included on the screenshot.
Awarding bodies populating the PLR
With effect from 01 August 2013, only those Awarding organisations that have signed up to populate the PLR will have their qualifications funded by the Skills Funding Agency. The list below is a current list of those awarding organisations that are currently signed up to using the PLR, however please be aware that this is list is subject to change.
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 5
1st
4Sport British Institute of Facilities Management
Engineering Construction Industry Training Board
Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI Awards Ltd)
Open College Network South West Region
ABC Awards British Safety Council English Speaking Board (International Ltd)
International Dance Teachers Association
Open College Network Yorkshire and Humber Region
Accrediting & Assessment Bureau for Post Secondary Schools Ltd
British Wheel of Yoga Qualifications Equestrian Qualifications Ltd IoL Educational Trust (formely Chartered Institute of Linguists)
Organisation for Tourism and Hospitality Management
Active IQ CABWI Awarding Body First Aid Awards Ltd ITC First Aid Ltd PAA/VQSET
Agored Cymru Cambridge International Examinations Food and Drink Qualifications (FDQ) ITEC (Education and Media Studies) Packaging Industry Awarding Body Company (PIABC)
AIM Awards (Previously Open College Network East Midlands)
Central Qualifications Future (Awards Qualifications)Ltd Kaplan Professional Awards Prince’s Trust
Amateur Swimming Association Central YMCA Qualifications Gemmological Association LAMDA Examinations Pro Qual Awarding Body
AoFA Qualifications Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment
GQA Qualifications Ltd Lantra Awards QUALIF Ltd
Ascentis Chartered Institute of Building Graded Qualifications Alliance GQA Laser (OCN South East Region) Qualifications Network
ASDAN Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance Lifetime Awarding Qualsafe Awards
Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA)
Chartered Institute of Housing I can Qualifications Ltd Logic Certification Ltd Rockschool
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK
IAB (International Association of Book-Keepers)
London Centre of Marketing Royal Academy of Dance
Association of Accounting Technicians Chartered Institute of Personal Development
IFS School of Finance McDondalds Royal Horticultural Society
Association of Business Executives Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply
ILEX Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
Mineral Products Qualifications Council Royal Society for Public Health (RPSH)
Association of Business Managers and administrators
Chartered Management Institute CMI ILM (City and Guilds) (NALP) National Association of Licensed Paralegals
Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
CIBTAC Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing National Federation of Property Professionals
SFEDI Enterprises/SFEDI Awards
Association of International Accountants
City & Guilds of London Institute Industry Qualifications NCFE Signature (CACDP)
ATHE Limited City College Norwich Qualifications Institute of Administrative Management NCTJ Training Skills for Justice (SFJ) Awards
Awarding Body for the Built Environment
Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality Institute of Animal Technology NOCN (National Open College Network) Skillsfirst Awards
BIIAB Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body
Institute of British Sign Language OCN Eastern Region Sports Leaders UK
BPEC Certification Ltd Cskills (Construction Skills) Institute of Export OCN London Swimming Teachers Association Safety Training Awards)
British Ballet Organisation Defence Institute of Operations Management OCN West Midlands Region
British Driving Society Edexcel (Pearson) Institute of qualified lifeguards OCR
British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust
EDI Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation
Open Awards (Previously OCN NWR/OCN North West Region)
British Institute of Cleaning Science EMTA Awards Limited (EAL) Institute of Sales and Marketing Management
Open College Network Northern Ireland
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 6
Continuing developments
Peer-to-Peer Transfer
Work is continuing with many Awarding Organisations to develop the possibility of direct data
transfer between management information systems and ACE (known as peer to peer transfer). This
work is currently being trialled with Pearsons (Edexcel) and if successful will be rolled out to other
awarding organisations.
The peer to peer transfer works on the principal that the awarding organisation will send the
completion data for NVQs, Diploma’s, and Functional Skills etc. straight to the ACE system where the
fields will be auto populated. This is will allow you to see the data required and be sure of its origin.
Unique Learner Numbers
A Unique Learner Number (ULN) is a 10 digit reference number which is used both alongside and to
provide access the PLR of anyone over the age of 14 involved in UK education or training.
Learners will retain the same number for accessing their Personal Learning Record throughout their lives, whatever their level of learning and wherever they choose to participate in education, training and learning. Each ULN is issued and held by the LRS Organisation Portal. The LRS Organisation Portal uses the number to index each learner’s identity details, education and training qualifications within the PLR.
A unique identifier The 10-digit ULN has been designed to ensure that no additional meaning can be inferred from its structure, for example, geographical location or level of learning. Its purpose is purely to provide a unique identifier for each individual's Personal Learning Record.
The ULN is growing in significance as for the first time this identifier will be used for all qualifications
from the age of 14 upwards. Currently a separate identifier has been used for schools (UCI) and then
a separate ULN was issued at FE/HE level. This caused confusion and through the use of a single
identifier there will be greater interaction and easier access to learning records and reports.
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 7
Examples of alternative forms of acceptable Evidence This section gives examples of screenshots accepted as alternative evidence when the completion certificates are unavailable. Exclusion from this list does not imply that the awarding organisation screenshots are unacceptable but if you are unsure with a screen shot that you receive then please contact the Federation for further guidance. Each screenshot includes information on the requirements that makes the evidence acceptable. If any of the information is missing on what has been submitted to you and the training provider cannot access any other form of evidence please contact the Federation as we will work to verify the validity of the qualification. For data protection there is some data that has been blacked out for the purposes of this document. However this data will need to be clear if using any of these to evidence achievement.
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 8
This is a report created from the Personal
Learning Record. This report shows the:
Apprentices Name
Unique Learner Number
Provider
Awarding Body
Qualification Type
Qualification Level
Grade
Date Achieved
Therefore is acceptable evidence for ACE.
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 9
This is a screen shot from the Learning Records
Service detailing information for a specific
qualification and shows:
Apprentices Name
ULN
Qualification Type
Grade
Date Achieved
Provider
Web link for the screenshot
Learning Record Service Logo
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 10
This is a screen shot from the Learning Records
Service showing an apprentice’s Personal Learning
Record and shows:
Apprentices Name
ULN
Qualification Type
Grade
Date Achieved
Provider
Web link for the screenshot
Learning Record Service Logo
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 11
This is a screen shot from the City and Guilds
data base Walled Garden and shows:
• Apprentices Name
• ULN
• Date
• Qualification Type (Description)
• Result (Pass or Conferred is accepted)
• Centre name (Provider)
• Web address for the screenshot
• City and Guilds Logo
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 12
This is a candidate history report from the City
and Guilds data base Walled Garden and shows:
• Apprentices Name
• ULN
• Date
• Qualification Type (Description)
• Result (Pass or Conferred is accepted)
• Web address for the report
• City and Guilds Logo
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 13
This is a candidate detail example from the
Edexcel data base and shows:
Apprentices Name
Centre Name
Award Issue Date
Programme Description, Level and Title
Result – detailing the level and grade of
the unit/award
Edexcel Logo
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 14
This is a candidate detail example from the
Edexcel data base and shows:
Apprentices Name
Centre Name
Programme Title and Level
Qualification Type
Award Date
Edexcel Logo
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 15
This is a candidate detail example from the OCR
data base and shows:
Apprentices Name
OCR candidate number
Scheme Title
Unit/Key Skills Level
Result
Result Date
Web address
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 16
This is a candidate detail example from the OCR
data base and shows:
Apprentices Name
OCR candidate number
Scheme Title
Unit/Key Skills Level
Grade (where applicable)
Date Awarded
Web address
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 17
This is a screenshot example from the AQA data
base and shows:
Apprentices Name
AQA candidate number
Date
Title
Result
AQA logo
Web address
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 18
This is a candidate detail example from the IMI
portal data base and shows:
Centre Name
Apprentices Name
Qualification details: QAN number, title,
date achieved, status
IMI logo
Web address
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 19
This is student examination results information
from the SIMS data base and shows:
Apprentices Name
Date
Level
Awarding Organisation
Status
Result
SIMS logo
Signature and date of a the person who
accessed the results (examinations
officer)
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 20
This is student examination results information
from the SIMS data base and shows:
Apprentices Name
Date
Level
Awarding Organisation
Status
Result
SIMS logo
Signature and date of a representative of
the school (examinations officer)
Guidance on acceptable evidence for certification bodies June 2013 © FISSS 21
Summary
As of the 1st of June 2013 the examples within this document will be accepted as alternative
evidence when claiming for an Apprenticeship Completion Certificate on ACE.
However these will not replace the use of actual certificates, these will still be the preferred option
and be used to evidence achievement wherever possible.
If you have any questions as to whether the evidence you receive is acceptable or not please contact
the Federation.