Bespoke Qualification Development
If you have a course or programme that you want to formalise into a regulated qualification, we offer a bespoke qualification development service designed to support you from initial concept through to regulation.
This service enables you to transform existing learning into a qualification that sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Regulated qualifications are subject to external quality assurance and standardisation, providing recognised outcomes for learners and strengthening credibility with employers and stakeholders.
Understand what the service includes
Our qualification development approach is collaborative and structured. From the outset, you will work with experienced qualification specialists who guide you through each stage of the process, from proposal and design through to regulatory submission and approval.
The process is efficient and straightforward, so development moves smoothly without unnecessary complexity while maintaining high standards of quality. We are flexible in our approach, allowing the qualification to be shaped around your specific requirements, sector needs, and target learners.
Throughout development, you will benefit from:
- subject expertise and guidance
- a structured development and sign-off process
- support with regulatory requirements and documentation
- collaboration to ensure the qualification meets its intended purpose.
Development timescales will vary depending on the complexity and scope of the qualification, and will be agreed with you before development begins.
Understanding the process
Our process is straightforward and easy to follow.
Proposal
To get things up and running, complete our New Product Idea Form. There are a number of sections to complete, but they're easy to fill out, and the more information you give us, the more we'll be able to understand the project and the length of time it will take to develop.
Once submitted, our Business Development team will review your idea and arrange a discussion with you to explore it further. This helps us determine whether the product is suitable for regulation or whether our endorsed offer may be a better fit.
While developing a regulated qualification can provide strong recognition and long-term value, it is important to consider whether this route is appropriate for your needs.
Regulated qualifications involve additional requirements, including regulatory approval, quality assurance processes, and ongoing compliance. These factors can increase development time, cost, and administrative responsibility.
For some organisations, TQUK’s endorsed course offer may be a more suitable alternative. Endorsed courses sit outside of the RQF and provide a flexible way to deliver bespoke learning without the same regulatory requirements.
Outcome
Following this discussion, we’ll agree on the most appropriate way forward. This may include:
- progressing with development as a regulated qualification
- exploring our endorsed offer as a more suitable route
- confirming that we’re unable to take the idea forward (with clear feedback provided).
Agreements
Once we've approved your development, we provide an agreement outlining the qualifications, timelines, and development costs. This helps everyone involved know exactly what to expect, so there are no unwanted surprises further down the line.
Bespoke qualification development is a paid service. Costs are determined based on your requirements, including the size, complexity, and subject area of the qualification. TQUK will agree fees with you before any work begins, ensuring transparency from the outset.
Drafts
Once everything's signed and the payment made, we start drafting the content in line with the timescales. We work with you to redraft and amend the content until both parties are happy with it. This stage can take the most time, but it ensures the final qualification meets both regulatory requirements and your specific needs.
Sign-off
Once the content has been approved, a final qualification specification is produced for sign-off. This document details the qualification in full so everyone involved can be satisfied that it meets every requirement set out in the agreement. Further tweaks may be required, but once sign-off is gained, it's ready for regulation.
Regulation
We submit the qualification to Ofqual for approval and inclusion on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Once it's regulated, the process is finished, the qualification is complete, and it’s ready for registrations in line with the times set down at the 'Agreements' phase.