QCF tests and trialsAn introductory guide

What is the QCF?

A simple and rational organising structure

Supports a new way of recognising achievement through the award of credit for units and qualifications.

Provides flexible routes to gaining full qualifications.

Enables qualifications to be achieved in small steps.

Ch

alle

ng

e

Size

Level

1 – 12 credits 13 – 36 credits Above 36 credits

A simple architecture

How it works – step by step

Units (customised parcels of learning/ assessment) are given a level and credit value

Units are submitted to the QCF databank

Units are then combined together to make qualifications

Regulators accredit qualifications to make sure they are of high quality

Learners register for units and qualifications. Online search available.

Learners are awarded credit when they complete a unit or qualification

Awarded credit recorded on an electronic record of achievement (LAR)

Learners can bank, spend or accumulate credit throughout their learning life.

The learner achievement Record

When a learner completes a unit they are awarded the relevant credit(s) and this is recorded on their learner achievement record (LAR)

The LAR is an electronic record that lists an individual’s credit and qualification achievements

Learners can access their LAR online to:

track their progress towards achieving a qualification

explore potential routes to achievement (find qualifications for which they have already achieved some credit)

give permission to others (including employers and providers) to view the information contained within it.

It is intended that learners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will have access to the same data and functionality. Therefore the three regulators are exploring how the LAR can take account of country specific requirements e.g. the Welsh language and CQFW in Wales.

Testing and trialling the QCF

The QCF represents a big change to current arrangements for qualifications

Ministers have asked the three regulators for England (QCA), Wales (DELLS) and Northern Ireland (CCEA) to test and trial the framework

The results of the trials will help us understand whether the framework is….

Flexible

Inclusive

Easy to navigate

Easy to understand

Who is involved in the test and trial projects?

Lead organisation

Awarding bodies

Sector bodies

Community organisations

Voluntaryorganisations

Providers and learners

Employers

How will the tests and trials work?

Tests and trials started in September 2006 and run through to July 2008

Partnerships are running projects with qualifications and learners to test the mechanisms of the QCF

Two phases of test and trial projects (Sept 06 – Summer 08, March 07 – Summer 08)

The experiences and outcomes of each project will be evaluated by an independent organisation (PwC)

These findings will contribute to two reports for ministers:

An interim report (emerging findings) July 2007

A final report (overall findings and recommendations) July 2008

The QCF will form part of the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW). The CQFW covers all post-16 and higher education in Wales. You can get more details from www.Wales.gov.uk

More information

For more information on the QCF you can visit the regulators web pages:

www.qca.org.uk/framework

www.wales.org.uk

www.ccea.org.uk

If you are interested in receiving the QCF monthly e-update please email your details to: stoakesa@qca.org.uk

If you would like to order copies of a QCF introductory leaflet (produced by the regulators) 08700 60 60 15 please call quoting QCA/06/2981. Bilingual copies are available from DELLS 029 2037 5431