Qualifications Credit Framework

1. Qualifications Credit Framework Introduction and Operational arrangements 1

2. Introduction Introduction to QCF Differences between NQF and QCF Centre�s roles and responsibilities Qualifications and unit structure Registration and certification ......BUT.............. 2

3. ......BUT.... WAMITAB has insufficient detail Some things will change Some things will not change WAMITAB aim to streamline and simplify Centre input welcome RB/SW to explain in more detail Questions from Centre personnel 3

4. QCF credit certificates 4

5. Topics The QCF Framework �principles of operation Comparisons between NQF and QCF Status of the NVQ Code of Practice (NQF) 10 Week Rule? Credit �Exemption� Unit Structure � comparisons with NQF Units 5

6. Topics Continued Assessment and Verification of QCF Awards External Verifier Visits/Reporting Claiming Unit and Qualification Certificates Implications on Centre, Assessor and Verifier Approval 6

7. The QCF Framework � principles of operation Structures similar to NQF (Units/Qualifications), But ! All units now have: Numeric Credit Value: �Volume� of learning Credit Level � determines the level of Learner Autonomy/Accountability Levels: Entry Level, + Level 1 to Level 8 7

8. QCF Principles continued: Qualifications specified as: Award (1 - 12 Credits) Certificate (13 � 36 Credits) Diploma (36 credits or more) Of note: WAMITAB Statutory Awards will all be Diploma�s as they have in excess of 100 Credits! 8

9. Comparisons between NQF and QCF NQF will not be �replaced� by the QCF NQF will continue for candidates registered by 31 Dec 2010 for at least 3 years (Cert. End Dates apply) Therefore two frameworks operating together NVQ Code of Practice relates only to NQF! Commonality? � Evidence: VARS!! Valid, Authentic, Reliable, Sufficient, evidence 9

10. Unit comparisons NQF: Standards specified on units by: Performance Criteria (Statements) Knowledge statements Written in 1st Person Unit Level not specified (Determined by Qualification Level) Units can fall to more than one level 1-2/3-4 etc. 10

11. Unit Comparisons QCF: Standards specified on units by: Learning Outcomes (prefixed with �The Learner Will� ...) Assessment Criteria (prefixed with �The Learner Can ...) Written in 3rd Person Knowledge specified in LO and AC with knowledge verbs; e.g. Understand... Know how (to)... 11

12. QCF Units cont: QCF Units have: Credit Value Assigned (denotes size; 1 Credit = 10 hours of �learning�) �Credit Level� Assigned � New Concept: Units now have �Level� as well as the Qualification QCF Qualifications can contain Units at different �Levels� Qualification Level determined by 51% of �Unit Level� content 12

13. Status of the �NVQ Code of Practice� What Code of Practice?? Applies to NQF only! Will continue to apply to NQF QCF Regulatory Arrangements 2008 � Primary regulatory document. 13

14. �10 Week Rule� What �10 Week Rule�? �10 Week Rule� only relates to NVQ�s within the NQF Continues for NQF qualifications Not applicable to QCF qualifications 14

15. Credit �EXEMPTIONS� �Exemption� = A Unit from �elsewhere within the QCF� which the Awarding Organisation confirms can be used as an exemption to a �Rule of Combination� Unit within the QCF Qualification. Principle of �Exemption�: A unit which matches in Content, Level and Size the unit for which Exemption is requested, and is approved for exemption. 15

16. Unit Structure Comparisons of NQF and QCF Unit formats (Handouts) 16

17. Assessment and Verification of QCF Awards Qualification determines assessment method: In the Work Place, or, �Classroom� based = Taught and Tested QCF Units require 100% achievement (Note difference here between �NQF VRQ� and �QCF VRQ�) 17

18. Assessor and IV requirements Requirements for Assessors and IV�s identical to current system in terms of: Operational competence for A/IV (recruitment) A1/A2/D units as required (V1 for Verifier) New Assessor Units 2010 (as applicable) WAMITAB Annual CPD requirements VARS Principles �Personal Interest�: avoided or scrutinised 18

19. Assessment principles: Units are able to be assessed individually �Require the production of sufficient evidence from learners to enable reliable and consistent judgements regarding all learning outcomes against the stated assessment criteria� i.e �100%� & �VARS� 19

20. External Verifier Visits EV�s to review both NQF and QCF provision Single EV Report to record Centre activities for both frameworks and type(s) of qualification (WB/T&T) EV Reports modified to cater for changes 2 visits per annum (no change) 20

21. Implications for Centre, Assessor/Verifier Approval The approval process for Centres, Assessors and Verifiers will be simplified (provided automatically by WAMITAB) where there are equivalent pathways, units etc with NQF awards New technology areas: e.g Anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis and gasification, will require forms submitted for Centre, Assessor and Verifier approval 21

22. Implications for Centre, Assessor/Verifier Approval Assessor/Verifier AVR1 forms � Centres need to identify relevant units or pathways for open option awards Equivalent QCF awards will automatically be recorded for Centres, Assessors/Verifiers, with exception of new technology areas Centres will be issued with QCF Centre Certificates 22

23. Qualifications Credit Framework MIAP/UKRLP/ULN�s 23

24. Acronym Buster MIAP � Managing Information across Partners LRS � Learner Registration Service UKRLP � UK Register of Learning Providers ULN � Unique Learner Number 24

25. Registration with UKRLP The first action a Centre will need to take is to register on the UK Register of Learning Providers if not already registered Web Address is: http://www.ukrlp.co.uk. 25

26. Registration with MIAP 26

27. Using the MIAP Site Once Centres are registered then you will be able to obtain ULN�s for learners who register with them For Centres who have already been involved in Funded Training Programmes such as Train to Gain should already be familiar with this process 27

28. QCF Pages on Website We have produced a guidance document for Operating in the Qualifications & Credit Framework which you can download. There is also a FAQ section on this page 28

29. Registering Candidates Similar process to registering NQF Candidates. WAMITAB Candidate Registration Form will be streamlined and have a section for ULN & Credit information Centres are responsible for determining incoming credit arrangements and reporting to AO ULN are optional (unless learners are on funded programmes) 29

30. Qualifications Credit Framework APL v RPL 30

31. RPL � Recognition of Prior Learning Under the QCF, Accreditation of Prior Learning will become RPL. There are 6 stages to Recognition of Prior Learning 31

32. RPL � Recognition of Prior Learning Stage 1: General awareness about claiming credit � Information, advice & guidance Candidates will need to be advised that they may be able to claim credit for prior qualifications, including timeline, appeals process, and any fees available 32

33. RPL � Recognition of Prior Learning 33

34. RPL � Recognition of Prior Learning Stage 3: Assessment/documentation of evidence Centre must assess evidence to ensure integrity of both the award of credit and the RPL system as a whole 34

35. RPL � Recognition of Prior Learning Stage 4: Feedback After the assessment of the RPL evidence the assessor will need to give feedback to the learner, which may include further evidence gathering or part unit completion 35

36. RPL � Recognition of Prior Learning Stage 5: Awarding Credit WAMITAB will be responsible for recording and awarding credit on receipt of information from the Centre 36

37. RPL � Recognition of Prior Learning Stage 6: Appeal If there is an appeal against a RPL decision then claimants would follow existing appeals procedures already in operation at the centre and WAMITAB 37

38. RPL � Recognition of Prior Learning The RPL system looks complex but is very similar to the existing APL process within the NQF Read the guidance documents from the QCDA 38

39. Questions? ......Discussion 39