QCF to RQF changes guide for regulated qualifications

As you aware that in 2015 Ofqual changed the way in which regulated qualifications are described. The main details of these changes are:

The change from the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) which included the sharing of units and structures by different Awarding Organisations to the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and the closure of the shared unit bank.

The size of qualifications in the RQF is indicated by the Total Qualification Time (TQT) Ofqual defines TQT as:

“The number of notional hours which represents an estimate of the total amount of time that could reasonably be expected to be required in order for a Learner to achieve and demonstrate the achievement of the level of attainment necessary for the award of a qualification.

Total Qualification Time is comprised of the following two elements: (a) the number of hours which an awarding organisation has assigned to a qualification for Guided Learning, and (b) an estimate of the number of hours a Learner will reasonably be likely to spend in preparation, study or any other form of participation in education or training, including assessment, which takes place as directed by – but, unlike Guided Learning, not under the Immediate Guidance or Supervision of – a lecturer, supervisor, tutor or other appropriate provider of education or training.”

Moving forward with RQF, the figure assigned to Guided Learning Hours for qualifications with optional units or pathways is calculated as the minimum and therefore will vary according to the choice of units or pathway.

Qualifications developed by TQUK since the introduction of the RQF and closure of the QCF have RQF in the title and fall into two groups:

• Those without TQT and updated single GLH values
• Those with TQT and updated single GLH values – no changes required
• Those without TQT and a single GLH figure have been updated on the Ofqual Register and updated specifications are either on the website or will be as soon as possible.

We have also taken this opportunity to update and refresh the style and content of our specifications.

Work will commence on changing qualifications with titles including (QCF) to (RQF) next week. This involves changes to the title and the addition of TQT and a single GLH value to the specifications.

Updated specifications will become available on the website through December.

Is the change affecting just TQUK or others as well?

The transition applies to all Ofqual regulated qualifications, general and vocational in England and vocational in Northern Ireland and is affecting awarding organisations throughout the country, including TQUK.

How does the change affect my centre and my learners?

In most cases the change is minimal! Other than adding TQT and a single GLH figure, the vast majority of qualifications are undertaking a simple title change. The qualifications in this scenario are effectively the same qualification with much of the same properties (Qualification Number, Level, Content etc.) but with amended or additional details such as the title, GLH and TQT.

Where a qualification has been subject to content change, such as the TQUK Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (QCF) or TQUK Level 2 Award in Confined Spaces - Low and Medium Risk (QCF) we have contacted centres directly to make them aware of the changes and help them to plan for the delivery of the new version of the qualification.

Do the changes affect the assessment that a learner has already completed?

In the title change scenario, because the qualification content remains the same, any assessment completed by learners that meets the requirements of the QCF version of a qualification will also be eligible for the RQF version.

In the content change scenario, because the qualification content has changed, learners that met the requirements of the QCF version may need to complete additional work in order to meet the new RQF version.

How does this affect my own assessment materials, marketing materials or website content?

In the title change scenario, because the qualification content remains the same, any assessment materials that meet the requirements of the QCF version of a qualification will also be eligible for the RQF version. We would require that centres adjust their materials and content to the correct qualification title within a reasonable period. In the short term, learners should be made aware of the difference in qualification title and advised.

In the content change scenario, because the qualification content has changed dramatically, any assessment materials designed to meet the requirements of the new RQF qualifications should be checked beforehand. Any assessment materials can be submitted to TQUK for free so that we can verify that the assessment materials are suitable. Marketing materials and website content should be adjusted to ensure that only qualifications that are available for registration are visible.

How does this affect TQUK produced assessment materials and other resources such as TQUK Manuals and Assessment Records?

In the title change scenario, because the qualification content remains the same, TQUK assessment materials and resources will remain suitable for use with the updated RQF qualifications.

TQUK regularly updates its assessment materials and manuals regardless of these changes and any title changes will simply be incorporated into this process.

In the content change scenario, TQUK has already produced new assessment materials for qualifications that are supported by Assessment Records and will continue to do so.

Again, TQUK regularly updates its resources such as manuals and any title changes will be incorporated into this process.

How does this affect certificates?

In the title change scenario, the TQUK Management Suite will be updated on the same day that the qualification is officially amended on the Ofqual Register. The title of the qualification certificate produced will match the title of the qualification at the time of the certificate claim.

In the content change scenario, the TQUK Management Suite will be updated in line with TQUK's standard procedures for qualification withdrawal and qualification development. Any qualifications where the registration end date has expired will no longer be made available for new learners to be registered, although previously registered learners may still be claimed. Any qualifications where the certification end date has also expired will no longer be available for registration or certification.

How does this affect funding?

In the title change scenario, the qualification retains its original qualification number, largely used by funding agencies to uniquely identify the qualification. Because of this, the vast majority of qualifications will retain their original funding status.

In the content change scenario, funding will no longer be available for the qualification as the qualification has since been expired by TQUK. We have been working closely with funding organisations to ensure that new RQF qualifications will where possible, offer exciting opportunities in funding for providers.

For more information regarding funding, please visit the Learning Aims Search website.

How does this affect Qualification Approval?

In the title change scenario, qualification approval is automatically processed for the updated qualification for free.

In the content change scenario, qualification approval is also automatically processed for the updated qualification for free.

I have a contract with a key customer who is expecting X (QCF) who will now be receiving X (RQF). What should I do?

We would encourage sharing informative publications such as this one, other TQUK publications and those produced by our regulators to engage with them and help them to also understand the changes.