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What is the UKVQRP
The UK Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme has been set up by the government to create a system that responds to the needs of learners and employers through the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework, by enhancing the role of the Sector Skills Councils and through changes to funding systems. You can find further information on the DIUS website: http://www.dius.gov.uk/vqreform/
Date published:		Related category(ies):	FAQs ;
Number of views:	356	Resource type(s):	Development of the QCF; Educational policy
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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.

What are the timescales for QCF going live? When will the changes happen?
It is expected that ministers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will make a final decision about the roll-out of the QCF in autumn 2008. It is expected that the number of QCF VQs will then grow quickly and by the end of 2010 all VQs will be reformed. This will be a phased implementation. Over 500 vocational qualifications (VQs) can already be found on the National Database of Accredited Qualifications (www.ndaq.org.uk), which contains all accredited qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. To find reformed qualifications users should search for "QCF".

How will the QCF work?
The QCF has been developed through a two year test and trial which ended in July 2008. The regulatory arrangements for the QCF was published in August 2008 and can be found in the 'Key Documents' page of this website. 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

What are rules of combination (RoC)? Who decides these?
These rules show the credits that need to be achieved, through a combination of particular units, so that the qualification can be awarded. The rules of combination are developed by Sector Skills Councils, awardingorganisations and approved organisations. The level of a unit is not determined by the qualification of which it is a part. This will mean that you can have a qualification with some units from different levels. This principle will support progression between levels.