Last updated: 29 Nov 2007

The QCF is a new way of recognising skills and qualifications. It awards credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning) thereby enabling learners to gain qualifications at their own pace.

The consultation will consist of two main aspects:

• the regulations that are proposed for organisations and qualifications to be placed into the QCF
• the implementation proposals including the timelines and processes that are intended to support the implementation of the QCF

Questions have been produced for both areas in order to assist respondents to the consultation.

Dr Ken Boston, Chief Executive, QCA said:

"Launching the consultation marks an important step in moving closer to implementing a regulated qualifications and credit framework. For the first time, the system will record people’s learning and training achievements, making it easier for progression and economic development."

In announcing the consultation at the Federation of Awarding Bodies’ Annual Conference, David Lammy, Minister for Skills in England, said:

"We have embarked upon the most ambitious reform of qualifications in a generation and a great deal of our skills ambitions depend on its success."

QCA encourages all stakeholders and interested members of the public to respond to the consultation. The implementation of the QCF represents a very real and innovative way of ensuring that all learning is recognised, credited and presented in an electronic learning achievement record. The QCF facilitates and encourages progression and, therefore, will be key in driving up the skills base of the country. It will help drive up the skills base of this country ensuring that all learning, including for the first time, work-based learning is recognised.

A series of events are planned during January and February 2008 that will explain the new regulatory arrangements and provide a forum for the discussion of key issues.

Notes to editors

1. The QCF will be implemented across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, subject to confirmation by ministers in the three countries, from 2008.
2. The consultation is available from the three qualifications regulators' websites QCA - http://www.qca.org.uk/ for England; CCEA - http://www.ccea.org.uk/ for Northern Ireland and a bilingual version in Welsh and English from DCELLS - http://www.wales.gov.uk/ for Wales.
3. Notification of the events planned during January and February 2008 will be posted in the QCF e-news. To subscribe please visit www.qca.org.uk/subscribe
4. For further information please contact the Press Office on 020 7509 6789 or out of hours 0779894532.