VQA: Your Questions Answered
We understand that you may have questions about our new name. We’ve collated some of the key questions below, providing answers to help you navigate this changeover with us. Most importantly, we’re the same organisation. The rebrand isn’t about merging with AQA or becoming something entirely new: we are still a distinct organisation within the AQA Education Group.
Why is TQUK now called VQA?
Answer: VQA marks an exciting new chapter in our growth. VQA isn’t just a new name. It reflects the organisation we have become and our ambition for the future.
We want to keep setting the bar in vocational education through the quality of our qualifications and assessments, the service we provide and the partnerships we build. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved as TQUK and are building on that success as VQA.
Our culture is a big part of who we are, and that will not change.
What does this mean for me as a VQA centre?
Answer: Approved centres and private training providers can access our new branding materials and guidance needed to update websites, documentation and other relevant materials to reflect our new VQA identity here. The same principles and processes will continue to apply for the use of our logo.
Do you have guidance for the action my organisation needs to take?
Answer: We need you to change any reference to us from TQUK to VQA and update any logos used to the new one as soon as practically possible.
We have created a helpful checklist for organisations and this can be found here.
We’re aware that some things will take longer than others – for example websites and digital resources may be quicker than printed materials. But please do ensure each of the checklist items have been completed within the timeframes.
How does VQA relate to AQA?
Answer: VQA is part of the wider AQA Group. We benefit from being part of a respected education organisation with a strong heritage, while continuing to operate as a distinct business. We retain our own culture, specialist vocational expertise and bespoke ways of working, and we collaborate across the group where this brings value to customers and learners.
Will I still deal with the same people?
Answer: Absolutely. You’ll continue to work with the same dedicated team and familiar contacts. Our people are central to what we do, and our commitment to providing excellent customer support remains unchanged.
Have your SLAs or service levels changed?
Answer: No. Our existing SLAs and service commitments remain unchanged. We’re just as committed to providing a responsive, reliable service and supporting you every step of the way.
Our priority is continuity, so you can continue working with us as normal. We retain our own bespoke ways of working and remain focused on making your experience as straightforward as possible. Any practical updates that affect how you contact us or access our services will be communicated clearly.
Will my learners, registrations or qualifications be affected?
Answer: Our rebrand is about our identity and future direction. Our priority remains supporting our centres and learners and ensuring continuity of service.
You’ll notice our qualification titles changing to reflect the new name, however this is the only change. The content, level and size all remain the same, and there is no change to qualification number on the regulator’s portal. This means that funding streams will not be disrupted.
For example, the TQUK Level 3 Award in Education and Training will become the VQA Level 3 Award in Education and Training. Certificates will reflect this new title from 2 November 2026.
Will your website, email addresses or portals change?
Answer: Our website, email addresses, branding and some digital details will reflect our new VQA identity. However, our previous TQUK email addresses will also still work, so nothing will be missed. We’ll share relevant information and guidance, so you know how to access our services and contact our team.
Will you offer new qualifications or services?
Answer: We’re excited about the opportunities ahead as VQA and as part of the AQA Group. Our focus is on building on our existing offering, continuing to meet our customers’ needs and exploring opportunities for future development. We’ll share confirmed updates as they become available.
What if I accidently refer to you as TQUK?
Answer: That’s absolutely fine.
We have a proud history as TQUK, and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved. We’re now VQA, and we’re excited to build on that legacy under our new name. As part of our phased transition, you may still occasionally see TQUK on a document while updates are completed. There’s nothing to worry about if that happens.
We just ask that you follow the guidance for updating your branding within the next one to six months. Read our article dedicated to this for further information.
Over time we will all get used to it!
Will prices, fees, contracts or invoicing arrangements change?
Answer: No. Our prices and fees are not changing as a result of the rebrand. The change is about our identity and the next stage of our growth, not the prices our customers pay. If you have a question about a particular agreement or invoice, your usual contact can help.
Will all exams sat from 2nd November show the new VQA logo?
Answer: For paper-based Functional skills exams. VQA branding will be used from 2 November. On-screen exams will show updated branding from March 2027. This is a decision we have taken to minimise the chance of on-screen exam delivery being disrupted by changes made to live papers.
Learners sitting their exams on-screen will see some aspects changed to VQA, but will be reassured by a statement to explain why this is the case.
All exams, whether they are branded TQUK or VQA, are valid and there will be no distinction drawn between them during the marking process.
Will the VQA qualification still be approved/endorsed by sector bodies?
Answer: Yes. Our qualification numbers will not change. These are the unique identifiers generated by ofqual when we add our qualifications to the register of regulated qualifications and are used by sector bodies and other government departments. We will work with sector and industry bodies that have approved or endorsed our qualifications to reflect the title change to VQA.
Will UCAS still recognise the qualifications?
Answer: UCAS uses the unique qualification number of our qualifications rather than the title when including them on its systems. As the QN isn’t changing, you will still be able to search for the qualifications as normal. While the name will update to VQA on the calculator, If your qualification certificate has TQUK on it, it will still be valid and recognised by UCAS and universities.
Is my TQUK certificate still valid?
Answer: Yes. If you have undertaken a qualification and received a certificate with TQUK on it, it is still valid and you do not need to take any action. Employers, colleges or universities can still use our certificate validation service to conduct checks.
Will any paperwork with TQUK on it be invalid?
Answer: No. If you submit an invigilation report, evidence document or similar evidence on TQUK templates it will still be accepted and valid: it’s the content that matters. We understand that this might happen from time to time.
The important thing is that we do everything we can to reassure learners and make sure they understand who their awarding organisation is.
Further information
For information on changes that need to be made by providers, please ensure you’ve read our article, TQUK to VQA: the need-to-knows.
For any further queries you have, please don’t hesitate to contact us at support@VQA.org or call us for a chat on 03333 58 3344
Don’t worry if you email the previous TQUK email address, your message will still find its way to us.
Thank you for choosing to be part of our journey.