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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 are the timescales for QCF going live? When will the changes happen? The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) was approved by Further Education Minister Sion Simon on 14th November 2008. Those qualifications that have been reformed became available for delivery from autumn 2008 and the expectation is that all vocational qualifications will be reformed by 2010. Some reformed vocational qualifications can already be found on the National Database of Accredited Qualifications (www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk ), which contains all accredited qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. To find reformed qualifications users should use the search function on the database, typing in 'QCF'. The qualification regulator Ofqual, who defines the criteria for the Qualifications and Credit Framework and the regulatory arrangements for the organisations that design, develop and submit qualifications, published the new regulatory criteria in August 2008.
Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) StructureThe structure of the QCF framework.
Unit ProformaTemplate for the development of a unit.
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.