Moving to QCF – Implications for WAMITAB Awards

After attended WAMITAB’s briefing meeting on last friday 14th May to discuss qualifications in the Waste Management Industry and what the move to QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) means for learners, we thought it would be useful to share some information with learners and employers alike as to some of the differences and key dates that apply.

QCF Is the new framework for creating and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is designed to give a wider range of learners the opportunity to get the qualifications they need, in a way that suits them. QCF qualifications are designed with the help of employers so learners can be assured that they’re gaining skills that employers are looking for.

The existing NVQ qualifications in the Waste Management Industry have been based on the outgoing NQF (National Qualifications Framework). The last dates for registering for these qualifications depend on what award you are undertaking. Candidates wishing to register for a Statutory award, Ie NVQ Level 3/4 of Cotc have until the 30th September this year, whilst Non Statutory awards, ie NVQ Level 1/2 will have until 31st December this year.

After this date, all new candidates will be registered under the QCF awards.

As you would expect, there are transitional arrangements in place. Candidates who register under the old scheme will still have time to complete their awards and gain accreditation. Anyone undertaking a NVQ Level 1 will have 12 months, whilst a Level 2 will have 2 years to complete their awards. Candidates undertaking Level 3/4 awards will have 3 years in which to complete their award.

Unlike the NVQ Level system, the QCF differencitates the level of qualification through three levels. Award, Certificate and Diploma.

• An award is made up of a qualification with between 1-12 credits.
• A Certificate is made up of a qualification with between 13-36 credits.
• A Diploma is made up of qualification with over 36 credits.

Based on this, all WAMITAB Stautory Awards (ie old NVQ4 CoTC) will be Diplomas as they have in excess of 100 credits.

Under the QCF it is also possible to to apply for exemptions from units in an award if the candidate has already completed a unit through another awarding body QCF qualification, if that unit matches the content, level and size. This will initially be on a case by case basis after taking through with your assessor. The final decision as to whether an exemption will be approved is with WAMITAB.

As far at the candidate is concerned, there will be little difference as far as assessment is concerned. Assessors will continue to assess candidates ensuring that evidence is Valid, Authentic, Reliable and Authentic (VARS).

We will be looking to register new candidates under the new QCF framework as soon as possible and will post updates regularly. If you have any questions, please post them over on the forum and www.wamitabtraining.co.uk.