QCF Regulatory arrangements published

QCF Regulatory arrangements published

After formal consultation, regulators in England (Ofqual), Northern Ireland (CCEA) and Wales (DCELLS) have jointly developed and published the regulatory arrangements for the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). This document will play a key role in the transition from tests and trials to full implementation of the QCF.

You can view the arrangements here via the Ofqual website. They can also be found on the CCEA and DCELLS sites.

We are in the process of reviewing the arrangements in detail to see what impact this will have on our plans for developing and quality assuring QCF accredited qualifications.

QCF implementation proposals

City & Guilds, along with all other stakeholders, are still awaiting the implementation timelines and proposals for full QCF roll-out. These details are expected no earlier than October/November 2008. Therefore, 2008-2009 looks very much like a year of controlled implementation, rather than full operation. There is no apparent shift in the plans to closer date of the current National Qualifications Framework (NQF) at end of 2010.  You can view the latest guidance that Ofqual have produced on implementation of the QCF here.

Use of the term ‘NVQ’ in the QCF

The QCF does not recognise differing types of qualifications (eg VRQ and NVQ) but the QCF regulations have stated that the term ‘NVQ’ can be used in the title of QCF qualifications.  Ofqual have produced an additional regulatory document 'Operating rules for using the term ‘NVQ’ in a QCF qualification title'.  City & Guilds are working closely with SSCs and other organisations to ensure the needs of sectors are fully reflected in the qualifications that are developed for the QCF.

Want to know more about the QCF?

For more information on the QCF, have a look at our dedicated web section at www.cityandguilds.com/qcf.