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.
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 .
How will the QCF work?
The QCF has been developed through a two year test and trial which ended in July 2008. The final version of the regulatory criteria will be available in autumn 2008. In the QCF, every unit and qualification in the framework has been allocated a level between Entry Level and Level 8 (showing how difficult it is) and a credit value. Credit values represent the number of credits a learner will be awarded for successfully completing the unit. One credit is awarded for the learning outcomes achievable in 10 hours of notional learning time. In the QCF trial, there are three sizes of qualifications: - Award (1 to 12 credits) - Certificate (13 to 36 credits) - Diploma (37 credits or more). So, in the new framework, you can have an Award at Level 1 or an Award at Level 8. This is because the qualification title 'Award, Certificate, Diploma' represents the size of a qualification, not how difficult it is. For more information on the QCF, go to http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_8150.aspx
Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)
Link to the QCF section on QCA website
What is the Foundation Learning Tier (FLT)?
Entry and Level 1 of the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) is described as the Foundation Learning Tier. To improve the experience of learners at this level and raise participation, achievement and progression, the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) have been remitted by the government to develop a more focused and strategic approach to Entry Level and Level 1 provision. This reform is aimed at all learners over the age of 14 working below Level 2, including for example: 14 to 19 year-olds adults with skills gaps adults or young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. By 2010 a suite of Progression Pathways made up of credit-based qualifications and units from the QCF will be in place with clear progression routes through Entry and Level 1 to Level 2. For further information http://qfr.lsc.gov.uk/flt/ and http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_8153.aspx