Qualification Approval
We want to make the qualification approval process as clear, straightforward, and supportive as possible.
This guidance explains what you can expect when submitting a qualification for approval, what information may be required, and how our Quality Team will work with you throughout the process.
Getting started with qualification approval
To begin, your centre will complete the Qualification Approval form. Once this form is submitted, it automatically generates a request to our Quality Team, who will carry out an initial review. This allows us to ensure that each qualification meets our quality standards and that learners receive a robust, fair, and reliable assessment experience.
Our aim is not only to approve qualifications, but to support centres in delivering them successfully, efficiently, and in line with regulatory and awarding expectations.
Using an approved platform
If your centre is delivering the qualification through one of our approved platforms (such as Equal), the approval process is usually quick and simple. In these cases, we can approve the qualification provided that:
- the staff responsible for delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance hold the appropriate Assessor and IQA qualifications
- these qualifications are valid and current for the type and level of provision being delivered.
Using an approved platform gives reassurance that the assessment structure and systems already meet our requirements, allowing us to focus mainly on staff competence and quality assurance arrangements.
Using a non‑approved platform
If your centre is not using one of our approved platforms, we may need to request additional information before approval can be granted. In most cases, this will involve asking for your Centre Devised Assessment (CDA) materials.
These materials help us understand how you plan to assess learners and allow us to confirm that:
- assessments are appropriate for the qualification level
- they are valid, fair, and reliable
- learners have the opportunity to fully cover all required outcomes and assessment criteria.
Once received, your CDA materials will be reviewed by a member of our External Quality Assurance (EQA) Team. This independent review ensures consistency and confirms that assessment decisions can be made confidently and fairly.
As with approved platforms, we can approve qualifications only if the staff delivering and quality assuring them hold the appropriate Assessor and IQA qualifications.
Staff qualifications and quality assurance
Regardless of the delivery method or platform used, staff competence is a key part of the approval process. We must be confident that:
- assessors are suitably qualified and experienced
- Internal Quality Assurers have the relevant IQA qualifications
- quality assurance systems are in place to support consistency and continuous improvement.
This approach protects both learners and centres and ensures the qualification maintains its value and credibility.
Charges for qualification approval
If your centre already offers approved qualifications within the same qualification group, we are pleased to confirm that no additional charge will be applied for approval.
However, if the qualification is part of a new qualification group, an approval fee will apply. This reflects the additional time and resources required to review materials and complete the necessary quality checks. Full details of any applicable charges will be shared clearly during the approval process, so there are no unexpected costs.
Ongoing support
Our Quality and EQA teams are here to support you. If further information is required, or if we need clarification during the review process, we will contact you promptly and work with you to resolve any issues. Our goal is always to help xentres achieve approval while maintaining high standards for learners.
If you have any questions at any stage, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Quality Team. We are committed to working in partnership with you to deliver high‑quality qualifications with confidence.