Press Release
Date: Tuesday 27th April 2004 (NR/11/04)
REVISED STATUTORY REGULATIONS FOR EXTERNAL QUALIFICATIONS
The Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment, in partnership with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and ACCAC in Wales, has published revised arrangements for the regulation of qualifications.
The statutory regulation of external qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland sets out clear principles for regulation, and a revised National Qualifications Framework and regulatory criteria for the accreditation of qualifications. The document has been significantly enhanced for ease of use and understanding by awarding bodies and other key stakeholders.
The revised regulations increase the number of levels in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) from six to nine (Entry level to level 8). Entry level and levels 1, 2 and 3 remain unchanged. Levels 4 to 8 have been aligned with the five levels of the Qualification Assurance Agency’s (QAA) framework for higher education, which will help progression across the two frameworks and improve alignment with the Scottish and Irish frameworks.
Clear level indicators have been designed to show the learning and achievement that is recognised by qualifications at each of the nine levels. They provide guidance on the knowledge and skills recognised at each level and how they can be related to particular job roles that will enable learners to make well-informed judgements on the qualifications they need and to identify clear progression routes to their chosen career.
Gavin Boyd, Chief Executive of CCEA, commented:
“We are committed to effective and robust regulation that
is clear, and responsive to the needs of learners.
The revised National Qualifications Framework will sweep away the artificial distinctions made between ‘general’, ‘vocationally related’ and ‘occupational’ qualifications. From now on the regulatory authorities will focus on exactly what level of knowledge and skills a particular qualification represents, and the opportunities for progression it opens up, regardless of how and where it is delivered, promoting access, motivation and achievement in education and training.”
The revised regulations were subject to a full public consultation across England, Wales and Northern Ireland that ended in November 2003. This has resulted in a more effective, flexible and responsive approach to regulating external qualifications. The regulations come into effect on 1 September 2004 and awarding bodies can now start making arrangements for compliance.
The statutory regulation of external qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is available on the CCEA website at www.ccea.org.uk It has been sent to all 114 awarding bodies which have qualifications accredited to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and is also relevant for sector bodies, Sector Skills Councils, professional bodies and organisations involved in the delivery of accredited qualifications.
Media enquiries to Ruth Maguire on (028) 9026 1216, Mobile 07796947993. E mail rhmaguire@ccea.org.uk
ENDS
Note to Editors
CCEA is the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment.
CCEA places learners and those who have a concern for their educational and personal development at the forefront of its thinking. CCEA's mission is:
"To enable the full potential of all learners to be achieved and recognised"
What we do
CCEA is a unique educational body in the UK , bringing together the three areas of curriculum, examinations and assessment.
Advising Government – on what should be taught in Northern Ireland ’s schools and colleges.
Monitoring Standards – ensuring that the qualifications and examinations offered by awarding bodies in Northern Ireland are of an appropriate quality and standard.
Awarding Qualifications
– as Northern Ireland’s leading awarding body we offer a diverse range of qualifications, such as GCSEs, including the new GCSE Double Award specifications in vocational subjects, GCE A and AS levels, Entry Level Qualifications, and Graded Objectives in Modern Languages.
- CCEA also offers a range of Awards and Certificates in Education, Training and Skills (ACETS) targeted at learners who want to get
the knowledge, understanding and skills needed
to hit the ground running in the world of work.
