United Kingdom Awarding Bodies
Encyclopedia
In the UK, in order for a qualification to be recognized as part of the National Qualifications Framework
(QCF), and transferable between courses, institutions and occupations, it must be accredited through one of the United Kingdom Awarding Bodies that is regulated by the three government-appointed statutory education bodies.
These are the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
(QCA) in England
, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment
(CCEA) in Northern Ireland
, and the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority
(DELLS) in Wales
.
There are 120 of these Awarding Bodies listed at the National Database of Accredited Qualifications. Some specialize in specific subjects. Others specialize in types of qualifications, such as ‘A’ levels and NVQs (National Vocation Qualifications).
An Awarding Body does not always provide courses that lead to a qualification. Often an Awarding Body will provide an approval process for independent training providers who, if they meet the criteria, are able to award qualifications that are accredited by that Awarding Body.
A qualification from an Awarding Body is always clearly identified as being at one of 9 Levels. These begin with ‘Entry Level’ and then run from Level One through to Level Eight. They have approximate equivalences with Academic Qualifications. Level Five is commensurate with a Bachelors degree and Level Eight is equivalent to a Doctorate degree.
National Qualifications Framework
The National Qualifications Framework is a credit transfer system developed for qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland....
(QCF), and transferable between courses, institutions and occupations, it must be accredited through one of the United Kingdom Awarding Bodies that is regulated by the three government-appointed statutory education bodies.
These are the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
The Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency is an exempt charity, and an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Children, Schools and Families...
(QCA) in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment
Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment is an examination board in Northern Ireland...
(CCEA) in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
, and the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority
ACCAC
ACCAC was the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales....
(DELLS) in Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
.
There are 120 of these Awarding Bodies listed at the National Database of Accredited Qualifications. Some specialize in specific subjects. Others specialize in types of qualifications, such as ‘A’ levels and NVQs (National Vocation Qualifications).
An Awarding Body does not always provide courses that lead to a qualification. Often an Awarding Body will provide an approval process for independent training providers who, if they meet the criteria, are able to award qualifications that are accredited by that Awarding Body.
A qualification from an Awarding Body is always clearly identified as being at one of 9 Levels. These begin with ‘Entry Level’ and then run from Level One through to Level Eight. They have approximate equivalences with Academic Qualifications. Level Five is commensurate with a Bachelors degree and Level Eight is equivalent to a Doctorate degree.