Quality Assurance (QA) Standards

Quality Assurance (QA) Standards fr Training Institutins Date: September 2013

TABLE OF CONTENT 1. INTRODUCTION... 3 2. REGISTRATION OF TRAINING INSTITUTION... 4 2.1. REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION OF TRAINING INSTITUTION... 4 2.2. PROCESS FOR REGISTRATION OF TRAINING INSTITUTION... 5 2.3. TRAINING INSTITUTION REGISTRATION DECISION... 6 2.4. CESSATION OF TRAINING ACTIVITIES... 6 2.5. RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION OF TRAINING INSTITUTION... 6 2.6. APPEAL... 6 3. REGISTRATION AS MANAGER/PROGRAMME OFFICER... 7 3.1. CRITERIA FOR REGISTRATION AS MANAGER/PROGRAMME OFFICER... 7 3.2. PROCESS FOR REGISTRATION AS MANAGER/PROGRAMME OFFICER... 8 3.3. MANAGER/PROGRAMME OFFICER REGISTRATION DECISION... 8 3.4. RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION AS MANAGER/PROGRAMME OFFICER... 9 3.5. APPEAL... 9 4. REGISTRATION AS TRAINER... 10 4.1. CRITERIA FOR REGISTRATION AS TRAINER... 10 4.2. PROCESS FOR REGISTRATION OF TRAINER... 11 4.3. UPGRADE IN LEVEL AND EXTENSION OF FIELD OF COMPETENCE... 11 4.4. TRAINER REGISTRATION DECISION... 11 4.5. APPEAL... 12 5. APPROVAL OF COURSE... 13 5.1. CRITERIA FOR COURSE APPROVAL... 13 5.1.1 Curse Details Requirements... 13 5.1.2 Curse Delivery Requirements... 14 5.1.3 Evaluatin... 17 5.2. PROCESS FOR COURSE APPROVAL... 18 5.3. COURSE APPROVAL DECISION... 18 5.4. CANCELLATION OF APPROVAL OF COURSE... 19 6. ACCREDITATION OF PROGRAMME... 20 6.1 CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION OF PROGRAMME RUN THROUGH COLLABORATIVE ARRANGEMENT... 20 6.1.1 Curse Details Requirements... 20 6.1.2 Curse Delivery Requirements... 21 6.1.3. Evaluatin... 24 6.1.4. Institutinal Requirements... 25 6.1.5. Quality Assurance Requirements... 26 6.1.6 Cllabrative Arrangement Requirements... 27 6.2 PROGRAMME ACCREDITATION PROCESS... 28 6.3 VISIT TO THE INSTITUTION... 28 6.4. PROGRAMME ACCREDITATION DECISION... 29 6.5. APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION OF ADDITIONAL PROGRAMME... 28 6.6. CANCELLATION OF ACCREDITATION OF PROGRAMME... 29 6.7. APPEAL... 29 6.8. RE-ACCREDITATION... 30 7. AUTHORISATION AND NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES... 31 8. MONITORING... 33 9. FEES APPLICABLE... 34 2

1. Intrductin The Mauritius Qualificatins Authrity (MQA) is a crprate bdy under the aegis f Ministry f Educatin and Human Resurces. It regulates training at the Technical & Vcatinal Level in Mauritius fllwing the enactment f the Mauritius Qualificatins Authrity Act 2001 (as amended under the Educatin and Training (Miscellaneus Prvisins) Act 2005) and the Mauritius Qualificatins Authrity (Registratin) Regulatins 2009. In accrdance with the MQA Act 2001, a training institutin means a training prvider at the technical and vcatinal level respnsible fr develping and dispensing knwledge, understanding and skills thrugh any mde. Sectin 15 f the Act prvides that n wner r manager f a training institutin shall perate a training institutin unless it has been registered and accredited under this Act. Any institutin therefre intending t prvide training shuld be registered as per requirements fr registratin f training institutins. Nn-Award curses and Award prgrammes will be apprved/accredited subject t satisfying the criteria fr curse apprval/prgramme accreditatin respectively. 3

2. Registratin f Training Institutin 2.1. Requirements fr Registratin f Training Institutin Any rganisatin willing t prvide training is required t be duly registered with the MQA and shuld meet the fllwing requirements. The fllwing shuld be submitted: 1. Cmplete applicatin/s n MQA prescribed frm/s fr -Training Institutin -Manager -Prgramme Officer/s Nte: Registratin f Manager & Prgramme Officer will be subject t cmplying with respective criteria 2. Apprpriate prcessing fees 3. List f trainers Trainers shuld be apprpriately qualified staff fr each curse Nte: Trainers will be registered subject t cmplying with criteria fr registratin as trainer. 4. List f nn-training staff Supprt staff present fr the day t day peratin f the training institutin, wherever applicable 5. List f curses A list f curses t be dispensed Nte: Curse (nn-award curse and award prgramme) will be apprved / accredited subject t satisfying criteria fr curse apprval/ prgramme accreditatin respectively 6. Organisatin s legal dcument/s Organisatins shuld exist as a legal entity 7. Business registratin certificate (where applicable) Nature f business shuld be specific t technical, vcatinal and prfessinal training 8. Authrities clearances Organisatins shuld shw cmpliance t building, health & safety and fire requirements 9. Site plan/s Site plan shuld indicate the exact gegraphical lcatin/s f the rganisatin 10. A refund plicy Evidence f system in place fr refund t trainees 11. An insurance cver Public liability insurance cver against accidents/hazards ccurring within the premises f the training institutin 4

2.2 Prcess fr Registratin f Training Institutin START Applicatin received Applicatin assigned t MQA Officer Applicatin evaluated Meets dcumentatin requirements Y Site visit cnducted Meets requirements Y N N Further infrmatin requested Further infrmatin requested Meets dcumentatin requirements Y Meets requirements Y N Registratin REFUSED N Applicant infrmed Registratin GRANTED 5

2.3 Training Institutin Registratin Decisin Registratin f training institutin may be granted fr a perid valid up t three (3) years subject t cntinued cmpliance with cnditins and regulatins, r refused 2.4 Cessatin f training activities Registered training institutins wishing t cease peratin shuld infrm the Authrity in writing preferably three (3) mnths prir t the date f clsure and shuld ensure that all trainees have cmpleted their curse/prgramme r shuld make alternative arrangement acceptable t the Authrity. 2.5 Renewal f Registratin f Training Institutin At the expiry f registratin f training institutin, the registratin renewal may be cnsidered subject t: adherence t respective criteria fr registratin; submissin f updated infrmatin as applicable; submissin f an evaluatin reprt having cmplied with cnditins gverning registratin; having cmplied with MQA Regulatins; nt having any adverse reprt. Applicatin fr renewal f registratin f Training Institutin shuld be made n the prescribed applicatin frm three (3) mnths befre the date f expiry f registratin. The MQA will cmmunicate the applicant f the decisin f the Authrity at latest ne (1) mnth befre the expiry f registratin. 2.6 Appeal Any appeal shuld be made as per prvisins made under the MQA Regulatins within 21 days f the decisin f the Authrity. 6

3. Registratin as Manager/Prgramme Officer Each training institutin shall have a Manager and a Prgramme Officer. A Manager may, subject t the required apprpriate academic qualificatins being held by her/him, als be appinted t act as Prgramme Officer. The Manager shuld ensure quality and relevance f training at his institutin. The Prgramme Officer will be respnsible fr academic, technical and vcatinal matters. An applicatin fr Registratin as Manager/Prgramme Officer shuld be made n the respective MQA prescribed applicatin frms. 3.1. Criteria fr Registratin as Manager/Prgramme Officer The Manager shuld have managerial cmpetencies acceptable t the Authrity. A persn can act as Manager fr nly ne (1) training institutin at a time. The Prgramme Officer shuld be registered as trainer and shuld have at least tw (2) years training/teaching experience in the academic, technical and vcatinal sectr. A persn can act as Manager/Prgramme Officer prvided that s/he: is resident in Mauritius; is f gd character; is medically fit. A persn can act as Prgramme Officer fr nly ne (1) training institutin at a time, and s/he is allwed t crdinate curses fr a maximum f three (3) different fields f training and s/he shuld be registered as trainer in at least ne f these fields. In case the Manager/Prgramme Officer mves t anther training institutin, the MQA shuld be infrmed immediately. 7

3.2. Prcess fr Registratin as Manager/Prgramme Officer Quality Assurance Standards START Applicatin received Applicatin assigned t MQA Officer Applicatin evaluated Meets dcumentatin requirements Y Meeting f applicant with regn panel Meets requirements Y N N Further infrmatin requested Further infrmatin requested Meets dcumentatin requirements Y Meets requirements Y N Registratin REFUSED N Applicant infrmed Registratin GRANTED 3.3. Manager/Prgramme Officer Registratin Decisin Registratin as Manager/Prgramme Officer may be granted fr a perid valid up t 3 years subject t cntinued cmpliance with MQA Regulatins and respective cnditins gverning the registratin f Manager/Prgramme Officer, r, refused. The registratin as Manager/Prgramme Officer ceases t be valid, inter alia: if the Manager/Prgramme Officer is in nn-cmpliance with the cnditins gverning registratin as Manager/Prgramme Officer and Mauritius Qualificatins Authrity (Registratin)Regulatins; if the registratin f the training institutin has been cancelled. 8

3.4. Renewal f Registratin as Manager/Prgramme Officer At the expiry f registratin f Manager/Prgramme Officer, renewal f registratin may be cnsidered subject t: adherence t respective criteria fr registratin; submissin f updated infrmatin as applicable; having cmplied with cnditins gverning registratin; having cmplied with Regulatins; nt having any adverse reprt. Applicatin fr renewal f registratin f Manager/Prgramme Officer shuld be made n respective prescribed applicatin frms three (3) mnths befre the date f expiry f registratin. The MQA will cmmunicate t the applicant f the decisin f the Authrity at latest ne (1) mnth befre the expiry f registratin. 3.5. Appeal Any appeal shuld be made as per prvisins made under the MQA Regulatins within 21 days f the decisin f the Authrity. 9

4. Registratin as Trainer N persn is authrised t act as a trainer unless s/he is duly registered with the MQA. An applicatin fr Registratin as Trainer shuld be made n the MQA prescribed applicatin frm. 4.1. Criteria fr Registratin as Trainer 4.1.1 The applicant shuld pssess the fllwing:- 1. Basic Qualificatins -Cambridge Schl Certificate with 5 credits including English, French and Mathematics r an alternative/equivalent qualificatin; -Cambridge Higher Schl Certificate r an alternative/equivalent. 2. Higher Qualificatins -Academic/Technical/Vcatinal/Prfessinal qualificatins issued by a recgnised institutin. 3. Experience Applicants shuld preferably have relevant wrking experience. Applicants shuld preferably have fllwed an apprved train the trainer prgramme r any alternative prgramme acceptable t the Authrity. Exceptinally applicants withut basic academic qualificatin/s but having at least five (5) years f experience in certain specific trades r areas may be cnsidered fr registratin. 4.1.2 A persn can act as Trainer prvided that s/he: is resident in Mauritius; is f gd character; is medically fit. In additin t abve, applicants f freign natinality shuld submit the fllwing: valid wrk/residence permit/ccupatin permit; phtcpies f relevant pages f passprt; a Curriculum Vitae and phtcpies f all certificates duly certified as true cpies by relevant Authrities; relevant dcuments as required by the applicable laws. 10

4.2. Prcess fr Registratin f Trainer START Applicatin received Applicatin assigned t MQA Officer Applicatin evaluated Meets dcumentatin requirements Y Assessment* Meets requirements Y N N Further infrmatin requested Further infrmatin requested Meets dcumentatin requirements Y Meets requirements Y N Registratin REFUSED N Applicant infrmed Registratin GRANTED *An assessment may include, inter alia, the fllwing: interviewing the applicant; appraising applicant s training delivery skills. 4.3. Upgrade in level and extensin f field f cmpetence Request fr upgrade in level and extensin f field f cmpetence will be entertained upn submissin f duly filled prescribed applicatin frm. 4.4. Trainer Registratin Decisin Registratin as trainers will be granted in respect f the Technical and Vcatinal Training (TVT) sectr based n the Natinal Qualificatins Framewrk (NQF) valid 11

fr a perid f three (3) years subject t cmpliance with the cnditins gverning registratin as Trainer. Fr trainers f freign natinality, validity f registratin will be subject t wrk/residence/ccupatin permit being in rder. 4.5. Appeal Any appeal shuld be made as per prvisins made under the MQA Regulatins within 21 days f the decisin f the Authrity. 12

5. Apprval f Curse Training prviders willing t ffer nn-award curses shuld submit their applicatin fr apprval f curse in the MQA prescribed frms. Curses may be cnducted at permanent site (ne r multi sites) temprary site/wrkplace as identified by the applicant and may be ffered either thrugh face-t-face r distance mde. Applicants intending t ffer curses thrugh mixed mde shuld ensure adherence t the respective requirements. Criteria fr apprval f curse include Curse Detail Requirements, Curse Delivery Requirements and mechanism in place fr Curse Evaluatin. Apprval f curse will be subject t submissin f cmplete applicatin preferably tw (2) weeks befre the start date f the curse and satisfying the criteria. 5.1. Criteria fr curse apprval Any apprval f curse shuld be in accrdance t criteria specified at sectins 5.1.1, 5.1.2 & 5.1.3. Criteria at sub-sectins 5.1.2.1 and 5.1.2.2 are specific t curses delivered at multi-sites r temprary site/wrkplace and thrugh distance/nline mde respectively. 5.1.1 Curse Details Requirements The prvider shuld adequately and apprpriately design, develp, deliver and review its curses t be cnsistent with its gals and bjectives. The gals and bjectives shuld be clear defining the training prvider s aim and the steps t be taken t achieve same. Gals and bjectives identify the type and scpe f educatinal services prvided, fr whm, and why such prvisin is imprtant. The gals and bjectives shuld be measurable s that the prvider and thers will knw with certainty whether aims are achieved and if nt, what actins are being taken. 13

Curseware/Teachware The title f the curse shuld reflect the subject area. The curse bjectives are cnsistent with the knwledge, skills and attitudes t be imparted in rder t fulfil the stated training needs. The curse is relevant t business/scial/industrial training needs. The curse cntent/syllabus is relevant t the curse bjective. The curse is utcme riented (curse cntent shuld be cmpetency-based). The targeted ppulatin satisfies the entry requirements which shuld be clearly spelt ut. The training apprach/strategy/methdlgy t be emplyed is suitable fr the attainment f the curse bjectives. Equipment, tls and cnsumables are as per the requirement f the curse. Availability f bks, handuts, training materials, student manuals, trainer manuals, diskettes, CDs, training vides and internet facilities pertaining t the curse are desirable. Curse duratin, schedule and implementatin plan including trainer s schedule shuld be specified. 5.1.2 Curse Delivery Requirements Psitive learning utcmes fr learners depend n the effective delivery f welldesigned prgrammes. Prgramme delivery is effective when learning is purpseful, there is attentin t learner needs, the delivery methds used are apprpriate and varied and there is an apprpriate balance f thery and practice. Staff Training staff shuld be duly registered as trainers with the MQA. There shuld be a valid agreement between trainer/s and the prvider in respect f the curse being delivered. Nte: In case curse is delivered n line, MQA registered Trainer is ptinal (see sectin 5.1.2.2.). 14

Exceptinally, training institutins/rganisatins willing t have the services f freign trainer fr shrt perid f time shall submit a detailed CV f the freign trainer prir t the running f curse and in this respect, the trainer will be issued a n bjectin letter t prvide training. Facilities Training premises are adequate fr training purpses and cmply with the applicable laws relating t the ccupatinal health and safety f persns n the premises and have licenses as issued by the relevant authrities. The envirnment is cnducive t teaching, and learning is easily accessible t trainees and prvisin has been made fr accessibility fr disabled persn (as far as pssible). Evidence f licensing agreement between the training institutin and the licensr wherever applicable. Phtcpying facilities and teaching aids such as bard, multimedia cmputer, prjectr, vide & audi equipment, and labratry are available as applicable. Nte: ptinal, in case curse is delivered nline, (see sectin 5.1.2.2). 5.1.2.1. Curse delivered at different Sites In case the curse is being delivered at multi-site (mre than ne permanent site) temprary site/wrkplace the prvider, in additin t Curse Delivery Requirements, shuld satisfy the fllwing: (i) Multi-site (mre than ne permanent site) There shuld be systems in place t ensure that plicies and prcedures are applied cnsistently acrss all sites as fllws: all sites are integrated int a single cherent quality management system all sites are accuntable t a single management bdy there is a clearly designated head ffice there are clearly identified lines f reprting and accuntability between the sites and head ffice the name f the rganisatin is clearly displayed and used at each site recrds are accessible at the central management bdy 15

students at each site knw they are enrlled as part f a multi-site establishment students and thers knw where and hw t cntact the head ffice and there are n unreasnable barriers t this all advertising and dcumentatin, including letterhead page, indicate the multi-site nature f the establishment (ii) Temprary Site/wrkplace The prvider shuld ensure that temprary site/wrkplace are suitable as training venues and are prperly equipped and distinct ensure that health and safety nrms are respected. submit evidence that it has made necessary arrangement with the ptential venue where training will be cnducted. 5.1.2.2. Curses delivered thrugh Distance Mde The apprach used in the delivery f curses as used by the prvider influences the learning utcme. Therefre in case curses are being delivered thrugh distance mde there shuld be evidence n the plicies and prcedures which reflect the nature f distance learning delivery and shuld result in psitive learning utcmes fr trainees. In particular, this includes prgramme develpment and review prcesses that take cgnizance f the mde f delivery learning resurces that are apprpriate fr the particular mde f delivery learner infrmatin and supprt systems that ensure learners wrking in islatin receive the necessary level f supprt and guidance recruitment and selectin f staff with experience in distance learning systems fr mnitring student satisfactin that are apprpriate fr the needs f distance learners 16

systems fr recrding student prgress and final achievement that are apprpriate E-learning In additin t the abve, in case curses are being delivered thrugh e-learning, there shuld be in place the minimum requirements that include: PCs CDs, DVDs, Tapes, TV, Vide, Telephne etc (as applicable) Main Server, Netwrk set-up (as applicable) Relevant Sftware & its crrespnding licence Facilitatr (ptinal) Online mde In additin t the requirements f distance learning and e-learning, in case curses are being delivered thrugh nline mde, there shuld be in place the minimum requirements that include: High speed Internet/Intranet/LAN/WAN with a mst recent brwser (as applicable) Audi equipment Trainer (facilitatr) 5.1.3 Evaluatin The prvider shuld have mechanism in place fr evaluatin. All participants must be given an pprtunity t evaluate the quality and delivery f curse. The prvider has prcesses t regularly mnitr student satisfactin. The prcesses and tls used shuld be apprpriate t the learning envirnment and the types f students enrlled. The prvider shuld ensure that a certificate f attendance is issued t trainees with a minimum attendance f 80% be issued a certificate f attendance subject t satisfying the institutin s rules and regulatins. The prvider shuld submit feedback/evaluatin f curse as requested by the MQA in relatin t the apprved curse. 17

5.2. Prcess fr Curse Apprval START Applicatin received Applicatin assigned t MQA Officer Applicatin evaluated Meets criteria Y Visit may be cnducted at site Meets criteria N N Y Further infrmatin requested/recmmendatin made Apprval GRANTED with Cnditins Cntinued cmpliance ensured thrugh mnitring Meets criteria Y Apprval REFUSED N Meets requirements Y Apprval maintained N Cancel apprval f curse with crrective actins 5.3. Curse Apprval Decisin The Authrity can either grant apprval f the curse valid fr a maximum perid f 3 years. The apprval will be valid subject t the fllwing cnditins: submissin f a time table fr each run specifying the exact date, time and venue f delivery prir t start f the apprved curse. request fr change/s, if any, pertaining t the apprved curse has been ntified and apprved by MQA prir t the start f the curse. prvided the training institutin is still registered. require the applicant t revise and re-submit applicatin fr further cnsideratin; refuse apprval f the curse; 18

At the expiry f the apprval perid, fresh applicatin fr apprval f curse shuld be submitted. Exceptinally, in case the applicant is nt a registered training institutin, apprval f curse will be granted n a ne-ff basis. 5.4. Cancellatin f apprval f curse The Authrity may cancel the apprval if the rganisatin has been fund t have cntravened the Act r any regulatins made under the Act r has failed t cntinuusly cmply with the criteria and cnditins as prescribed by the MQA. 19

6. Accreditatin f Prgramme 6.1 Criteria fr accreditatin f prgramme run thrugh cllabrative arrangement All registered training institutins intending t run prgrammes awarded by recgnised awarding bdies have t adhere t criteria hereunder. Training prviders willing t ffer award curses shuld submit their applicatin fr accreditatin as prescribed by MQA. Prgrammes may be cnducted at permanent site (ne r multi sites) temprary site/wrkplace as identified by the applicant and may be ffered either thrugh face-t-face r distance mde. Applicants intending t ffer prgrammes thrugh mixed mde shuld ensure adherence t the respective requirements. Criteria fr accreditatin f prgramme include: Curse Detail Requirements Curse Delivery Requirements Curse Evaluatin Institutinal Requirements Quality Assurance Requirements Cllabrative Arrangement Requirements Training institutins submitting applicatin fr accreditatin f prgramme fr the first time shuld submit their applicatin tgether with a self-evaluatin wrkbk. The self-evaluatin wrkbk shuld be prepared as per the Guidelines fr Self Evaluatin Wrkbk and same shuld be frwarded in three (3) hard cpies tgether with an electrnic cpy and ther related attachments as applicable at least tw (2) mnths befre the launch date f the curse. Every 3 years, training institutins ffering accredited prgramme/s shuld frward an updated self-evaluatin wrkbk t the Authrity. 20

6.1.1 Curse Details Requirements The gals and bjectives shuld be clear defining the training prvider s aim and the steps t be taken t achieve same. The prvider shuld ensure that prgrammes: are based n the needs f learners and ther stakehlders; specify the learning utcmes and expected standards f achievement; ensure learning utcmes are achievable within the timeframe f the prgramme; have apprpriate cntent, teaching and learning strategies, resurces and assessment activities; integrate any ff-site practical r wrkplace cmpnents. 6.1.2 Curse Delivery Requirements Psitive learning utcmes fr learners depend n the effective delivery f welldesigned prgrammes. Prgramme delivery is effective when learning is purpseful, there is attentin t learner needs, the delivery methds used are apprpriate and varied and there is an apprpriate balance f thery and practice. The training institutin shuld have plicies t: ensure that learning prgrammes are effectively rganised and managed; ensure that teaching prgrammes are clearly articulated, made knwn t learners and regularly mnitred; ensure that cursewrk and assessment are systematically scheduled. Staff Training staff shuld be duly registered as trainers with the MQA. There is an agreement between trainer/s and the prvider valid fr the prgramme being run. Nte: In case curse is delivered nline, MQA registered Trainer (see sectin 6.1.2.2.). 21

Facilities Training premises are adequate fr training purpses and cmply with the applicable laws relating t the ccupatinal health and safety f persns n the premises and have licenses as issued by the relevant authrities including insurance cver. The envirnment is cnducive t teaching, and learning is easily accessible t trainees and prvisin has been made fr accessibility fr disabled persn. Evidence f licensing agreement between the training institutin and the licensr wherever applicable. Phtcpying facilities and teaching aids such as verhead prjectr, bard, multimedia cmputer, prjectr, vide & audi equipment, and labratry are available as applicable. Nte: ptinal, in case curse is delivered nline (see sectin 6.1.2.2). Resurce centre cnsisting f up t date bks, magazines, CDs etc relevant t the curses being delivered. Nte: ptinal, in case curse is delivered nline (see sectin 6.1.2.2). 6.1.2.1 Curse delivered at different Sites In case the curse is being delivered at multi-site (mre than ne permanent site) temprary site/wrkplace the prvider, in additin t Curse Delivery Requirements, shuld satisfy the fllwing: (i) Multi-site (mre than ne permanent site) There shuld be systems in place t ensure that plicies and prcedures are applied cnsistently acrss all sites as fllws: all sites are integrated int a single cherent quality management system all sites are accuntable t a single management bdy there is a clearly designated head ffice there are clearly identified lines f reprting and accuntability between the sites and head ffice the name f the rganisatin is clearly displayed and used at each site recrds are accessible at the central management bdy 22

students at each site knw they are enrlled as part f a multi-site establishment students and thers knw where and hw t cntact the head ffice and there are n unreasnable barriers t this all advertising and dcumentatin, including letterhead page, indicate the multi-site nature f the establishment (ii) Temprary Site/wrkplace The prvider shuld ensure that temprary site/wrkplace are suitable as training venues and are prperly equipped and distinct. ensure that health and safety nrms are respected. submit evidence that it has made necessary arrangement with the ptential venue where training will be cnducted. 6.1.2.2. Mde f delivery Face t Face cntact Prgrammes may be delivered n a part time r full time basis and Training Institutins shuld ensure that: Fr prgrammes delivered n a part time basis, students shuld spend at least 12 hurs per week at the training institutin. Fr prgrammes delivered n a full time basis, students shuld spend at least 25 hurs per week at the training institutin. Distance Mde The apprach used in the delivery f curses as used by the prvider influences the learning utcme. Therefre in case f curses being delivered thrugh distance mde there shuld be strng evidence n the plicies and prcedures which reflect the nature f distance learning delivery and shuld result in psitive learning utcmes fr trainees. In particular, this includes prgramme develpment and review prcesses that take cgnizance f the mde f delivery learning resurces that are apprpriate fr the particular mde f delivery 23

learner infrmatin and supprt systems that ensure learners wrking in islatin receive the necessary level f supprt and guidance recruitment and selectin f staff with experience in distance learning systems fr mnitring student satisfactin that are apprpriate fr the needs f distance learners systems fr recrding student prgress and final achievement that are apprpriate E-learning In additin t the abve, in case curses are being delivered thrugh e-learning, there shuld be in place the minimum requirements that include: PCs CDs, DVDs, Tapes, TV, Vide, Telephne etc (as applicable) Main Server, Netwrk set-up (as applicable) Relevant Sftware & its crrespnding licence Facilitatr Online mde In additin t the requirements f distance learning and e-learning, in case curses are being delivered thrugh nline mde, there shuld be in place the minimum requirements that include: High speed Internet/intranet/LAN/WAN with mst recent brwser (if applicable) Audi equipment Trainer (facilitatr) 6.1.3. Evaluatin The training institutin shuld ensure that feedback is regularly btained frm learners, emplyers, mderatrs and auditrs, and analysed and acted upn as apprpriate. have prcedures fr systematically mnitring and evaluating all prgrammes t sustain relevancy and using results t imprve learning utcmes and achievement; 24

have prcesses fr mnitring learner and stakehlders satisfactin with the quality f educatin and training prvided; have prcedures fr keeping qualificatins and prgramme cntent current with needs f the wrkplace; submit an evaluatin reprt after curse cmpletin. 6.1.4. Institutinal Requirements The Training Institutin shuld: Gvernance define wnership and gvernance structures manage in the best interests f the establishment Missin state its training activities within a written statement f the establishment s gals and bjectives. have perfrmance indicatrs that will allw it t measure the achievement f its gals and bjectives. Learner supprt ensure that learners fully understand what is required frm them in their curse f study identify learner s specific learning needs and plan hw t address thse needs t ensure they have a reasnable chance f success. deal with learners fairly and equitably prvide access t guidance, supprt systems and welfare services that, inter alia: (i) prtect students and the public frm any physical, cultural, psychlgical, mral r emtinal harm that may result frm the teaching prgrammes r related activities. (ii) respnd apprpriately t identified skill gaps r lack f learner achievement. (iii) prvide supprt and guidance apprpriate t the methd f delivery fr each particular curse f study s learners can plan their learning prgramme t achieve their gal. (iv) infrm students f guidance, supprt, welfare services and health and safety prcedures. (v) keep students recrds. 25

Ethical Standards ensure that a cpy f the cde f practice is made available t each learner upn enrlment. This shuld cver the fllwing aspects: educatinal standards, marketing, curse infrmatin, recruitment, refund plicy. Financial Resurces and Viability (i) New training institutins submitting applicatin fr accreditatin f prgramme shuld submit: a) A Business Plan where the financial prjectins wuld have t be clearly defined. b) Evidence f necessary arrangements made fr refund f curse fees c) A well-defined refund plicy in case learners withdraw frm prgrammes prir t and after the cmmencement date f a prgramme. (ii) Registered Training institutins submitting applicatin fr accreditatin f prgramme fr the first time shuld submit their applicatin tgether with: a) An audited accunt fr the past 3 years as applicable b) Evidence f necessary arrangements made fr refund f curse fees c) A well-defined refund plicy in case learners withdraw frm prgrammes prir t and after the cmmencement date f a prgramme. (iii) Every 3 years, training institutins ffering accredited prgrammes shuld submit: a. The updated audited accunt fr the past 3 years as applicable b. Evidence f necessary arrangements made fr refund f curse fees c. the refund plicy in case learners withdraw frm prgrammes prir t and after the cmmencement date f a prgramme. 6.1.5. Quality Assurance Requirements The prvider must apply rigrus quality assurance mechanisms which must include: systems and prcedures fr ensuring that assessment has been carried ut systematically and validly; systems and prcedures fr the appintment, training, registratin, deplyment and mnitring f external verifiers, external mderatr/mde 26

f assessment/examiner t versee assessment and awarding arrangements; systems and prcedures that wuld prvide written guidance t examiners, external verifiers, mderatrs etc t supprt the implementatin f its quality assurance mechanisms. Assessment The prvider shuld submit the assessment plicy and the capacity and prcedures t cnduct assessments. The certificatin prcess shuld be clearly described. The prvider shuld als: (a) define plicies and prcedures t ensure assessment: prcesses and decisins will be pen, systematic and cnsistent; methds are apprpriate, fair, manageable and integrated with wrk r learning; evidence will be valid, authentic and cmplete. (b) have prcesses fr internal mderatin; (c) have an understanding f and prcedures fr invlvement in external mderatin activities; (d) ensure that there is a database fr learner s wrk fr mderatin, reassessment and learner appeals; (e) ensure that learners are infrmed f the prcedures fr reassessments and appeals f assessment results. 6.1.6 Cllabrative Arrangement Requirements The training institutin shuld ensure that the cllabratin is legally binding thrugh a frmal agreement. shuld ensure that the awarding bdy is recgnised in its cuntry f rigin r internatinally. shuld ensure that learners benefit frm the same standard f resurces as the regular students f the awarding institutin. shuld ensure that learners are fully infrmed f the nature f the cllabratin between the institutins/rganisatins cncerned. shuld ensure that the awarding institutin undertakes the respnsibility t assure the quality f the educatinal prvisin under the cllabratin. 27

shuld undertake the respnsibility t assure the quality f the training prvisin under the cllabratin. shuld guarantee and prvide evidence that any franchised r licensed rganisatin ffering its prgrammes will cmply with the regulatry criteria and the applicant s submissin; such arrangements must be authrised by the MQA. shuld ensure that the prcedures must require partners r ther stakehlders t reprt t the applicant f any suspected malpractice, and must make clear that failure t cperate can lead t certificates nt being issued and future entries and/r registratins nt being accepted; shuld ensure that it is recgnised by the awarding bdy. 6.2. Applicatin fr Accreditatin f Additinal Prgramme In the event that an institutin already accredited intends t run a new prgramme r new prgrammes, applicatin fr the accreditatin f the new prgramme(s) shuld be made at least 3 mnths befre the launch date tgether with the prcessing fee. In such cases, details nly pertaining t the new prgramme(s) need t be submitted as per the criteria fr Accreditatin. 6.3 Prgramme Accreditatin Prcess Preparatin f the Self Evaluatin wrkbk by the Institutin The first and mst imprtant step in the prcess f institutins seeking accreditatin f prgramme is the preparatin f the Self-Evaluatin wrkbk by using the abve criteria. Steps f the Accreditatin Prcess The MQA has frmulated a three stage prcess which cmprises the fllwing: (i) preparatin f a Self Evaluatin wrkbk by the Training Institutin n criteria defined by the MQA; (ii) validatin f the wrkbk by a Team appinted by the MQA thrugh n-site visit; and (iii) accreditatin decisin by the MQA. 6.4 Visit t the Institutin On receiving the Self-Evaluatin wrkbk frm the institutin, the MQA will cnstitute a Team with a Team Leader. Befre cmmencement f the visit, the 28

Team will meet befrehand t discuss their bservatins based n the Self- Evaluatin wrkbk. During the visit t the institutin, the Team will lk fr evidences t validate the Self-Evaluatin wrkbk. Frm infrmatin gathered during the visit, the Team prduces a written reprt t which the institutin may respnd. Bth the team reprt and institutin respnse, if any, tgether with the Self-Evaluatin wrkbk and ther dcuments are then cnsidered by the MQA. 6.5. Prgramme Accreditatin Decisin The prgramme is given Prvisinal Accreditatin fr the first chrt prvided the training institutin maintains its registratin and is subject t quality cntrl as undertaken by the MQA. The MQA may grant Accreditatin f the prgramme fr a maximum perid f three (3) years prvided the training institutin maintains its registratin. The MQA can refuse t grant Accreditatin f Prgramme. The MQA may cnduct peridical auditing t ensure cntinued cmpliance with the criteria and may require evidence f cmpliance, prgress reprt and/r a visit frm the institutin. 6.6. Cancellatin f Accreditatin f Prgramme The Authrity may cancel the accreditatin if the training institutin has been fund t have cntravened the Act r any regulatins made under the Act r has failed t cntinuusly cmply with the criteria and cnditins as prescribed by the MQA. 6.7. Appeal An institutin that has nt been granted Prgramme Accreditatin r prvisinal prgramme accreditatin r its Prgramme Accreditatin r prvisinal prgramme accreditatin cancelled can appeal t the decisin. Any appeal shuld be made within 21 days f the decisin f the Authrity tgether with payment f apprpriate prcessing fees as prescribed in the schedule f fees. 29

In the advent the appeal is rejected r if the MQA maintains its decisin f refusal r cancellatin, the institutin may re-apply in 12 mnths in light f any significant develpment in relatin t the prgramme. 6.8. Re-Accreditatin Applicatin fr Re-Accreditatin shuld be made in the prescribed applicatin frm at least 2 mnths befre the expiry f the current perid. Upn receipt f the applicatin, the MQA will prceed with the Re-Accreditatin. The Re-Accreditatin will fllw the same steps as the Accreditatin prcess. 30

7. Authrisatin and ntificatin f changes Where there is any significant change, evidence is required that adequate planning and analysis f that change has ccurred. The Qualificatins Authrity requires evidence that the training institutin has fully cnsidered the impact f any significant change. Prir ntificatin frm applicant and authrisatin is required depending n the change. Ntificatin Every registered institutin shall ntify the MQA immediately f the fllwing change in the infrmatin submitted t the MQA in respect f registratin f training institutin. change f wnership; change in legal status; change f name f training institutin; change in training facilities; the intent f an institutin t acquire anther entity r institutin; change in any existing partnership, licensing r franchising arrangements. change in curse title change in curse fee change in Trainer any change in the site f delivery f a curse/prgramme; changes t entry requirements MQA reserves the right t accept/reject any change. Authrisatin The MQA shuld be infrmed immediately f any significant change in the infrmatin submitted t the MQA that may include, inter alia, change in lcatin change f Manager/Prgramme Officer changes t the structure f a curse change in delivery mde (e.g. shift frm face-t-face t distance delivery); any ther significant change/s 31

The request shuld include sufficient detail t enable the MQA t cnfirm that the criteria fr apprval and accreditatin will cntinue t be met fllwing implementatin f the changes. Where apprpriate, the Qualificatins Authrity evaluatin may include cnsultatin with any relevant stakehlders and a visit t the training institutin/new site. 32

8. Mnitring Registered Training institutins, nn-award curses and accredited prgrammes will be subject t mnitring by the MQA. The Authrity r any f its fficers authrised by it in writing, may, with r withut ntice, visit any training institutin, and inspect any register r dcuments referred t in regulatin 6 f the Mauritius Qualificatins Authrity (Registratin) Regulatins 2009. The purpses f mnitring f a nn-award curse and accredited prgramme Mnitring by the Qualificatins Authrity is in additin t prviders wn mnitring and reviewing f their curses/prgrammes. Mnitring f curses/prgrammes by the MQA is designed t ensure cmpliance with the MQA Act 2001 and its regulatins particularly the fllwing: the curse/prgramme is being implemented and managed as planned and presented at the time f apprval; apprpriate cnsideratin is given t any recmmendatins made by the Qualificatins Authrity; any mdificatins made by the prvider are bradly cnsistent with the intent f the curse/prgramme and the nging develpment f a quality curse/prgramme; there is independent, external input during reviews and cnsideratin f prgramme enhancements in case f accredited prgramme; the Authrity is made aware f issues affecting the satisfactry prvisin f the curse/prgramme. 33

9. Fees Applicable Prcessing fees Applicatin f registratin f new Training Institutin Applicatin fr renewal f Training Institutin Applicatin fr registratin as Manager/Renewal Amunt (Rs) 7500 3000 1500 Applicatin fr registratin as Prgramme Officer/Renewal 1500 Applicatin fr registratin as Trainer per field/level f cmpetence/renewal - applicatin per field f cmpetence - applicatin fr extensin per field f cmpetence - applicatin fr upgrade per field f cmpetence 1500 1500 1500 1500 Applicatin fr prcessing f accreditatin f prgramme 3000 Applicatin fr prcessing f re-accreditatin f prgramme 3000 Appeal fr Accreditatin f prgramme 4000 Applicatin fr apprval f curse 600 Applicatin fr authrisatin f significant change 600 Registratin fees Registratin f Training Institutin / Renewal Registratin f Manager/Renewal Registratin f Prgramme Officer/Renewal Amunt (Rs) 7500 1500 1500 Accreditatin fees Amunt (Rs) Prgramme Accreditatin fee 3000 N prcessing f applicatins will be undertaken until payment is received. All applicatins shuld be addressed t: The Directr Mauritius Qualificatins Authrity MITD Cmpund Pnt Fer, Phenix 34