Last updated: 04 Jul 2008

Fast-track arrangements within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

'Fast-track' is the term used to describe the set of arrangements that enabled qualifications outside of the QCF test and trials to be prioritised for accreditation within the QCF, from August 2007 to July 2008. The arrangements have the following areas in scope:

1. Qualifications identified and informed by the Sector Qualification Strategies (SQS) and the SQS action plans, in particular those that are being developed in the pilot phase and phase one of the sector qualifications reform programme (led by the sector skills development agency).
2. The development of qualifications during 2007-2008 based on sector skills councils' priorities for funding in England by the Learning and Skills council (LSC) in 2008-09.
3. Any priority qualifications on the NQF due to be reaccredited between August 2007 to July 2008 that will not be covered by a SQS and SQS action plan between August 2007 to July 2008.

Fast-track arrangements relate to qualifications across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and so vocational qualifications falling within the NQF 'pillar' of the Credit and Qualifications framework for Wales (CQFW) can also be considered for development within the QCF as could Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) that have been allocated a credit rating within the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

Another development that fast-track arrangements will also take into account is the need to populate entry and level 1 of the QCF in order that there is enough provision to build progression pathways in England. Progression pathways are one of the key deliverables from the foundation learning tier programme of work. For more information on progression pathways please visit the Foundation learning tier section which can be accessed from the right-hand side of this page.

Download our fast-track newsletter as a PDF

Level 2 design principles

Achievement at full level 2 in England should give learners skills for sustainable employability and progression in life and work. A project is underway to identify the essential qualities of 'fullness' for achievers at level 2, and to explore how these qualities can be articulated as a set of design principles for qualifications. Qualifications meeting the principles will be eligible for priority funding in England.

QCA, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) are working with other stakeholders as appropriate on this project.

A set of working version design principles has been developed and is being used and evaluated as part of both phase 2 of the QCF tests and trials and the QCF fast-track arrangements. A final agreed set of design principles for 'full' level 2, revised as appropriate according to the findings of the evaluation, will be published in the Autumn. You can download the following level 2 documents from this page:

• The design principles
• Associated guidance (including guidance for submitting full level 2 qualifications via the web-based accreditation system)
• A cover letter explaining that the design principles will apply to full level 2 qualifications developed as part of the QCF fast-track.