1.
The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Jenny Patrickson Executive Director

2.
Background to the QCF <ul><li>Leitch Report - 2006 </li></ul><ul><li>Vocational Qualification Reform Programme – led by DIUS, QCA, Ofqual, LSC, UKCES and the Alliance of SSCs </li></ul><ul><li>QCF is a key component of the VQRP </li></ul>

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The QCF <ul><li>The QCF will replace the NQF in England, Wales and NI (NQF closes December 2010) </li></ul><ul><li>A simple and rational structure for units and qualifications </li></ul><ul><li>Supports the accumulation and transfer of credit achievement, alongside qualification achievement </li></ul>

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The QCF <ul><li>Credit is the currency of achievement </li></ul><ul><li>Units of learning are all assigned a standard currency of credit to represent the volume of learner achievement </li></ul><ul><li>Credit can be accumulated and transferred to build over time towards a qualification </li></ul><ul><li>Units can be shared or restricted </li></ul>

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<ul><li>A learner usually completes a qualification with one centre, through one awarding organisation </li></ul>Current System

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<ul><li>Qualifications can now be achieved with credit through more than one provider, and from more than one awarding organisation </li></ul>QCF Flexibility

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<ul><li>Learners can add to previously achieved credit to complete qualifications </li></ul>Credit accumulation and transfer

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Requirements for Centres <ul><li>Become familiar with the QCF and principles of credit </li></ul><ul><li>All centres will need to register with MIAP to gain access to the LRS (to allow centres to search for ULNs, register new learners and maintain learner accounts) </li></ul><ul><li>See QCF regulatory arrangements handout – page 28, a – i </li></ul>

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Principles of the QCF <ul><li>Each unit has a credit value (1 credit = 10 hours of learning) </li></ul><ul><li>Hours are notional (not GLH) </li></ul><ul><li>RoC in the QCF define the number of credits required for achievement of a particular qualification </li></ul><ul><li>RoC also shown any mandatory and/or optional units required and any exemptions or opportunities for RPL </li></ul>

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Principles of the QCF <ul><li>Size of combined credit values is expressed using the terms Award, Certificate or Diploma </li></ul><ul><li>Award = 1 – 12 credits (10 – 120 hrs) </li></ul><ul><li>Certificate = 13 – 36 credits (121 – 360 hrs) </li></ul><ul><li>Diploma = 37 + credits (361 hrs or more) </li></ul>

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Benefits of the QCF – Providers <ul><li>A wider range of accredited provision available </li></ul><ul><li>Ability to personalise and tailor learning to serve the needs of learners </li></ul><ul><li>Improved information regarding learners’ prior achievements </li></ul>

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Benefits of the QCF – AOs <ul><li>Potential for a wider range of provision to be accredited </li></ul><ul><li>Potential increased market opportunities with the widespread use of units </li></ul><ul><li>Potential increased demand by employers to deliver accredited training </li></ul><ul><li>Ability to respond quickly to develop additional units and qualifications to meet market demands </li></ul>