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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 .
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.
Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)Link to the QCF section on QCA website
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 is happening to NVQs?The QCF currently does not recognise any qualification types - it only defines qualifications in terms of size and demand. In the NQF, each qualification type has its own regulatory criteria. NVQ is a qualification type as it has its own codes of practice. There is only the QCF regulatory arrangements within the QCF. They specify that the term ‘NVQ’ may be used as a bracketed addition to a qualification title for certain occupational qualifications provided they meet the requirements set out in the regulatory document 'Operating rules for using the term NVQ in a QCF Qualification title' For further information both this document and the 'Regulatory arrmangements for the QCF' can be found in the 'Key Documents' page on this website.