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Can a learner take a cluster of units and rename them as a qualification?
As in any demand led system the learner can take any number (or cluster) of units offered by providers. However they will not be able to combine them and rename them as their own qualification. A qualification will be achieved by gaining the units specified by ‘rules of combination’ for a qualification which are developed by Sector Skills Councils,Awarding Organisationsand other approved organisations.
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Can you tell us more about the QCF test and trials?
The first year's (2006-2007) focus was on testing out the technical details ie the design of units, the combination of units and the credit value of units. The second year's(2007-2008) focus was on the learner's experience. Most tests and trials are led by a sector body or an awarding organisation, though nearly all have awarding organisation involvement. A second set of tests and trials with employer recognised awards and provider recognised awards got underway in October 2007. The final reports from the tests and trials were completed at the end of April 2008. These reports will contribute to inform the final recommendations to ministers about the future of the national roll out of the QCF. For more information, go to http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_8152.aspx .

What is the difference between the NQF and the QCF?
Currently, the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) sets out the levels against which a qualification can be recognised but there are no agreed criteria for the titling or size of qualifications. The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is a new way of recognising skills and qualifications. It does this by awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning) to enable learners to gain qualifications at their own pace along flexible routes. It will also provide a simple and standardised framework that will enable a learner or employer to quickly understand the difficulty (level) and size (number of credits) of any qualifications or units achieved.

Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)
Link to the QCF section on QCA website

What is new about the QCF? How is this different to the Open College Network (OCN)?
The debates about the introduction of credit go back into the 1980s, when credit was very much driven by local developments in adult education. The OCN emerged from these developments. The impetus for the QCF has been from England, Wales and Northern Ireland and its development is at the heart of the government’s planned reforms to vocational qualifications which it sees as key to the UK’s economic growth. Credit is integral to this qualification framework which is at the heart of demand-led funding and delivery. The developers of the QCF have, as you would expect, drawn on the experience of other credit systems. This has included OCN and systems in other countries.

Foundation Learning Tier (FLT)
The QIA Foundation Learning Tier's website and on-line resource. The aim of the site is to help providers prepare for the small scale delivery of Progression Pathways at Entry and Level 1 from autumn 2008.