February 2009 Version 1. An Introduction to the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

Transcription

1 February 2009 Version 1 An Introduction to the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

2 Contents Page 3 How will the QCF change current practice? 7 Background to the QCF 13 Changes to vocational qualifications 19 QCF IT 23 Employer and provider recognition 25 What happens next? The introduction of the QCF has created a complex and evolving landscape for all those involved in its delivery. We have created this guide to give you a sound background to the main issues as they stand at this time. However, be aware that not everything is set in stone and some information may change as we tread carefully through controlled implementation. 2

3 How will the QCF change current practice? 3

4 How qualifications work now Provider Awarding organisation NQF qualification A simple, but inflexible 1-1 relationship: Under the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), a learner almost always completed a large qualification, with one learning provider, through one awarding organisation. This often restricted a learner s choice in the what, where and when of their own skills development. It is thought that this would have restricted the UK in its aim to be a world leader in skills by

5 More flexibility under the QCF Awarding organisations Provider(s) Qualification x credit unit y credit unit z credit unit x + y + z credits More choice and flexibility: A qualification is now made up of more manageable chunks of learning. It is completed on achieving the credit set out by the rules of combination. The credit value is a measure of the notional learning time of that unit. To make learning more manageable there are now three sizes of QCF qualifications. For more detail see pages

6 Credit accumulation and transfer (CAT) Awarding organisations Provider(s) Qualification Banked credit Banked credit New credit Banked credit New credit New credit Progression in smaller steps: Progression is assisted by the accumulation and transfer of credit. This allows for more flexible career pathways, with reduced repetition, as learners can build on previously banked credit in the same area. The QCF also allows credit to be accumulated and transferred across more than one provider, and from more than one awarding organisation. 6

7 Background to the QCF 7

8 Out with the old PAST > National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Vocational qualifications (including NVQs) accredited onto the NQF. PRESENT > Mixed Economy The QCF is now open with a mixed economy until the end of 2010 whilst qualifications are prioritised and redeveloped for the QCF. JAN 2011* > Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) All accredited vocational qualifications now on the QCF. NQF set to be closed. *Expected Let s find out what this means >>>> NQF NQF QCF QCF 8

9 In with the new The Qualifications and Credit Framework: Recognises achievement through the award of credit for units and qualifications. Provides more flexible routes to full qualifications, achievable in smaller steps, with the aim of offering more choice. There are no longer types of qualifications a new titling system hopes to bring greater transparency. Two phase tests and trials took place with awarding organisations, Sector Skills Councils (SSCs), providers and learners between Will introduce a central shared service for the aggregation of learner achievement (learner records due at the end of 2010). See page 20. Regulatory arrangements released in Aug We have now entered controlled implementation. We already have over 1600 QCF units available to centres in over 500 QCF qualifications. 9

10 Where is the QCF being implemented? Scotland is already operating under the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), which differs in structure to the QCF parties are looking at cross framework articulation. SCQF QCF The QCF will be implemented across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Wales the QCF will form part of the larger Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW). QCF CQFW as part of the QCF 10

11 Proposed benefits of the new framework More inclusive and responsive to current and future employer requirements = demand-led system. More flexible routes to gaining full qualifications, enabling progression in smaller steps. Allows learners to study at a pace, place and time that suits their individual circumstances. Introduces a more transparent naming system, bringing greater consistency and understanding across all vocational qualifications. The QCF forms an integral part of a larger UK Vocational Qualification Reform Programme (UKVQRP). The Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) programme has been setup to help develop the economic performance of the UK through an improved vocational qualification system. 11

12 Development timelines of the QCF March 2003: Initial plans set out for a credit based framework. Mar 2008: Phase 2 tests and trials recommendations submitted. June 2008: Final recommendations from tests and trials to ministers. Dec 2010: NQF closes NQF 2011 QCF Sept 2006: Tests and trials begin. July 2007: Phase 1 tests and trials completed, report released. Sept 2010: QCF learner records set to be launched. August 2008: QCF regulatory arrangements released. Jan 2011: QCF is the only accreditation framework available for vocational qualifications. 12

13 Changes to vocational qualifications 13

14 The introduction of credit Credit and level assigned to every unit. Credit is a measure of volume, where one credit = 10 hours of notional learning time. This addresses all learning regardless of where, when and how. Units and credit in the QCF Credit can be transferred between qualifications, as long as it forms part of the rules of combination. All units use the same unit template, consisting of learning outcomes (what a learner needs to know, understand or do) and assessment criteria (which specify if the learner has met the outcomes to a defined level). Some units will be shared, with learners able to accumulate credit towards a qualification from more than one awarding organisation. Many of these shared units will be developed in collaboration. 14

15 New qualification structures and rules of combination 1 Rules of combination set out the credit (units) that can be combined to achieve the qualification. 4 GCSEs grades A - C are equivalent to level 2; A-levels are equivalent to level 3; and a PhD is level 8. 2 Simplified titles for qualifications will clearly indicate size, level and content. 5 Size of combined credit value expressed using the terms Award, Certificate and Diploma. 3 Level of challenge for each unit and qualification will range from entry to level 8. 6 Nesting of qualifications in the same subject area can reduce repetition during career progression. 15

16 Awards, Certificates and Diplomas Level of challenge for units and qualifications ranges from entry to level Credits L1 DIPLOMA ENTRY DIPLOMAS L2 DIPLOMA L1 CERTIFICATE ENTRY CERTIFICATES Credits L3 DIPLOMA L2 CERTIFICATE L1 AWARD ENTRY AWARDS 1-12 Credits QUALIFICATION SIZE (VOLUME) 1 Credit = 10 hours of learning time Learning time is the notional number of hours it takes the average learner to complete all the learning outcomes of that unit. L3 CERTIFICATE L2 AWARD 1 ENTRY L3 AWARD L4 DIPLOMA L4 CERTIFICATE L4 AWARD QCF 6 Qualifications L5 DIPLOMA L5 CERTIFICATE L5 AWARD L6 AWARD 7 8 LEVEL (Challenge) L6 CERTIFICATE L7 AWARD L8 AWARD AWARD ARD 1-12 Credits L6 DIPLOMA L7 CERTIFICATE L8 CERTIFICATE CERTIFICATE TE Credits The rest of the qualification title will describe the subject content (and eventually the qualification purpose). L7 DIPLOMA L8 DIPLOMA DIPLOMA 37+ Credits Qualification size is indicated by use of the terms Award, Certificate or Diploma.

17 QCF tests and trials qualification example: Retail Skills group, designed to replace three NVQs QCF tests and trials qualification structure Complexity Entry level up to level 8 Credit size (Award, Certificate or Diploma) Content of the qualification 13 qualifications in Retail Skills were made up of credit from a group of: 9 level 1 units 42 level 2 units 31 level 3 units. The rules of combination state which credits can contribute, which are mandatory and which are optional. Depending on the rules, at least 50% of credit must be at the level of the qualification. Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Level 2 Level 2 Level 3 Level 3 Award (7 credits) Certificate (19 credits) Diploma (37 credits) Award (9 credits) Certificate (24 credits) Diploma (37 credits) Certificate (31 credits) Diploma (43 credits) in Retail Skills in Retail Skills in Retail Skills in Retail Skills in Retail Skills in Retail Skills in Retail Skills (Management) in Retail Skills (Management) 17

18 Some other useful information What is happening to NVQs? Will assessment be different under the QCF? How does this fit in with the new strategy in England? What is the Foundation Learning Tier (FLT)? What is the difference between the Diploma and QCF Diplomas? NVQ is no longer a type of qualification. But the term NVQ can still be used in brackets at the end of the title, if the qualification meets a set of rules set out by the new regulator, Ofqual. Some industry areas may choose to lose the term altogether, with some keeping it as a valuable brand. The types/methods of assessment available for vocational qualifications will not differ under the QCF. However, awarding organisations must ensure each unit can be individually assessed. The QCF will cover the qualification components of Apprenticeships, FLT, and the Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL) element of14-19 Diplomas. GCSEs and A-Levels are not currently within the QCF. The FLT is the term that will be used for a group of entry and level 1 QCF qualifications. A proportion of LSC funding will be driven towards this provision. England only. See The Diplomas (14-19 Diplomas in England) are not QCF qualifications, although the ASL components will be drawn from the QCF. In QCF terminology, a Diploma is a qualification with a volume of learning greater than 36 credits. 18

19 QCF IT Credit accumulation and transfer (CAT) Learner Records (LRs) Unique Learner Numbers (ULNs) 19

20 Learner records due in 2010 A major element of the centralised IT system for QCF, which will eventually manage the CAT across awarding bodies, is the introduction of online learner records (LRs): Recording achievement Tracking progress 20 Every learner will receive a centralised electronic learning record for credit and qualifications achieved under the QCF (no NQF achievement). Web portal access allows learners to log in and track their progress towards achieving QCF credit and qualifications. Plotting progression Learners can use the LR to explore potential routes to future achievement and progression from any credit already accumulated. Proving achievement England only? Learners can give permission for others to view sections of the LR. This could include showing it to potential employers, allowing learners to prove their skills and achievements electronically. LRs will be set up to meet the country-specific requirements for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Unique Learner Numbers (ULNs) are required for the population of any QCF achievement.

21 A Learner Record how QCA s tests and trials version looked Qualifications and Credit Framework Learner Achievement Record Home FAQ A-Z Glossary My LAR Qualifications Awarded Units Achieved Manage Access Learning Provider 3rd Party Routes to Achievement My Routes Manage my Profile Log Out Units Achieved Awarding Body EDI EDI Level Title Learner Achievement Record For Mike Jones ( ) Centre Level Help to keep the retail unit secure LIVERPOOL COMMUNITY 2 (E.7v1) COLLEGE Level Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong 3 Learning Sector Credit Value Date Awarded 6 29/08/2007 UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL BIRMINGHAM NHS FOUNDATION 6 01/09/2007 TRUST City & Level Source required goods and services QUAY ASSESSMENT TRAINING 10 06/09/2007 Guilds 3 in a retail environment LIMITED City & Level Team working multi agency working LIVERPOOL COMMUNITY Guilds 3 and working in partnership with COLLEGE parents 4 29/08/2007 Printer Friendly Format City & Level Wrap and pack goods for customers LIVERPOOL COMMUNITY Guilds 1 in a retail environment COLLEGE 3 03/09/2007 The final learner records will look very different to the tests and trials version called the Learner Achievement Record but the main principles will be the same. 21

22 Unique Learner Numbers (ULNs) 1 Centres must obtain a ULN for each learner from MIAP s learner registration service. They can already pass this on to City & Guilds via the Walled Garden. Provider 2 ULN generation and authentication. The ULN plays a key role in allowing learner achievement to be accumulated and transferred via central records (for both Diplomas and QCF). City & Guilds is already accepting ULNs. For more information, check out Diploma Aggregation Service (DAS) 3 Once City & Guilds has authenticated ULNs they can populate records with learner achievement. QCF Learner Records (2010) 22

23 Employer and provider recognition 23

24 Employer and provider recognition As part of the QCF, employers and training providers will have the option to have their own quality in-house training programmes recognised, accredited and awarded on the QCF. There are two main ways this can be done: 1 by becoming an awarding organisation in their own right, managing the development and quality assurance of the qualification, 2 by working with an existing awarding organisation who will help design, award and quality assure their bespoke qualification on their behalf. We are working with a number of employers who have already had qualifications accredited on the QCF, including B&Q, De Vere Hotels and Plymouth Gin. 24

25 What happens next? 25

26 What work will this involve for City & Guilds? City & Guilds has achieved a lot so far but there is still more to do: Review and redevelopment of NQF qualifications, plus any new developments. Improve administration processes in order to meet the requirements of the QCF. Make the required system changes to exchange data with the QCF service layer (learner records). Ensure the pricing of our units and qualifications reflects the new market needs. Review how we run centre management and quality assurance to ensure the right approach under the QCF. Provide our customers with the required support and information during implementation. 26

27 Qualification developments on to the QCF Prioritisation of qualification developments will be determined by the introduction and implementation of the SSCs sector qualifications strategies (SQSs), action plans and any updates to National Occupational Standards (NOS). The SQS and action plans set out what will be developed and what will be funded in each industry area. All the SQSs are expected by July Timely delivery of those plans is required to ensure sufficient time to develop QCF qualifications. How will I know when specific qualifications are going to be redeveloped for the QCF? We will be using the standard City & Guilds monthly ings to update centres on the developments in each individual industry/subject area. will also keep you posted on the development of our key qualifications for the QCF (coming soon). We also suggest you keep a keen eye on relevant SSCs plans. 27

28 Funding of QCF qualifications (England only) The SQS will determine the qualifications that will be funded in each industry area. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) soon to be the Skills Funding Agency is beginning to roll out funding for a mixed economy of QCF and NQF provision, placing increasing emphasis on the delivery and gradual shift to QCF provision (as it becomes available). From September 2009 the LSC will only fund the QCF version, when both an NQF and QCF version are available in the same area. The LSC have indicated that from August 2010 the majority of funding will be withdrawn for new enrolments on NQF qualifications. The bulk of QCF funding will still be focused on full qualifications. There are small trials of unit funding taking place in England during 2008/2009. Closer alignment of success rates with credit is expected in 2010/2011. This is also when Apprenticeship frameworks will have to be fully redeveloped and on the QCF. The use of the ULN will soon become a mandatory element in the funding process. You should contact your local LSC office for details of funding in your region 28

29 Communication during implementation Dedicated support section of the website: Including detailed FAQs ULN information at: Free QCF SmartScreen forum Centre briefing events/workshops Monthly mailings (e-updates) please register at: Dedicated support: 29

30 The key QCF implementation dates Aug 2008 Nov 2008 Aug 2009 Aug 2010 Sept 2010 QCF regulatory arrangements published Implementation proposals and timelines released If both a NQF and QCF version of the same subject are accredited, the LSC will only fund the QCF version for any new registrations Majority of funding withdrawn for any new registrations on NQF qualifications QCF Learner Record launch expected The QCF is now open, with thousands of learners already completing QCF units and qualifications Dec 2010 NQF set to close for new registrations all key qualifications now accredited on the QCF 30

31 Some useful web pages for more information City & Guilds QCA (QCF) National Database of Accredited qualifications (NDAQ) Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) MIAP DIUS VQ reforms Ofqual Learning and Skills Council UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) Quality Improvement Agency (QRSP) 31

32 All the information you need in one place: Web: cityandguilds.com/qcf Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is true and correct at time of going to press. However, City & Guilds products and services are subject to continuous development and improvement and the right is reserved to change products and services from time to time. City & Guilds cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of information in this publication The City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved. City & Guilds is a trademark of the City and Guilds of London Institute. City & Guilds is a registered charity (charity number ) established to promote education and training. 1Giltspur Street London EC1A 9DD T+44 (0) F+44 (0)