The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

Jenny Patrickson

Executive Director

Background to the QCF

• Leitch Report - 2006

• Vocational Qualification Reform Programme – led by DIUS, QCA, Ofqual, LSC, UKCES and the Alliance of SSCs

• QCF is a key component of the VQRP

The QCF

• The QCF will replace the NQF in England, Wales and NI (NQF closes December 2010)

• A simple and rational structure for units and qualifications

• Supports the accumulation and transfer of credit achievement, alongside qualification achievement

The QCF

• Credit is the currency of achievement• Units of learning are all assigned a

standard currency of credit to represent the volume of learner achievement

• Credit can be accumulated and transferred to build over time towards a qualification

• Units can be shared or restricted

A learner usually completes a qualification with one centre, through one awarding organisation

Current System

Qualifications can now be achieved with credit through more than one provider, and from more than one awarding

organisation

QCF Flexibility

Learners can add to previously achieved credit to complete qualifications

Credit accumulation and transfer

Requirements for Centres

• Become familiar with the QCF and principles of credit

• All centres will need to register with MIAP to gain access to the LRS (to allow centres to search for ULNs, register new learners and maintain learner accounts)

• See QCF regulatory arrangements handout – page 28, a – i

Principles of the QCF

• Each unit has a credit value (1 credit = 10 hours of learning)

• Hours are notional (not GLH)• RoC in the QCF define the number of credits

required for achievement of a particular qualification

• RoC also shown any mandatory and/or optional units required and any exemptions or opportunities for RPL

Principles of the QCF

• Size of combined credit values is expressed using the terms Award, Certificate or Diploma

• Award = 1 – 12 credits (10 – 120 hrs)• Certificate = 13 – 36 credits (121 – 360 hrs)• Diploma = 37 + credits (361 hrs or more)

Benefits of the QCF – Providers

• A wider range of accredited provision available

• Ability to personalise and tailor learning to serve the needs of learners

• Improved information regarding learners’ prior achievements

Benefits of the QCF – AOs

• Potential for a wider range of provision to be accredited

• Potential increased market opportunities with the widespread use of units

• Potential increased demand by employers to deliver accredited training

• Ability to respond quickly to develop additional units and qualifications to meet market demands