Last updated: 20 Nov 2008

Support materials - Version 3

Guidance documents have been developed to provide a clearer understanding of the technical features of the framework and are available from the right-hand side of this page.

The latest guidance materials are marked "Version 3". All documents will be avaliable to download from this page and will also be available in hard copy from the QCA order line. In addition to previous QCF support packs, Version 3 contains a documnet on recognising prior learning. Claiming Credit is now avaliable to download from this page, with further details below.

Level descriptors and guidance -version 3 now available

A set of unit-based descriptors have developed for the framework. They build on those produced for NICATS, and on examples from around the world and have been developed so they can be applied across a range of learning contexts. They are supported by a guidance document.

Unit guidelines - version 3 now avaliable

This set of guidelines for writing credit-based units of assessment for the QCF will help submitting organisations interpret and apply the Regulatory arrangements for the Qualifications and Credit Framework. It is anticipated that a range of stakeholders will use these guidelines when developing and writing good quality units for the QCF. The intention is to provide sufficiently detailed guidelines for those who have little or no experience in writing units of assessment against the Regulatory arrangements and to provide a reference tool for those who are more experienced.

Rules of combination guidance

The rules of combination guidance supports unit developers in the process of writing units of assessment. An additional document is also available to help those submitting rules of combination through WBA.

Claiming credit

This guidance is designed for sector skills councils, awarding organisations, providers and employers that would like to recognise prior learning through the award of credit within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). The guidance provides a set of principles to help sector skills councils, awarding organisations and providers to develop or review their own policies and guidelines for recognition of prior learning (RPL). This guidance is the outcome of work with our stakeholders. It also takes account of international and UK developments in RPL.

Experiences of test and trial participants

Some of the organisations involved in the tests and trials have summarised their experiences in presentations given at various QCF events. These presentations are available to download from this page. The presentations include key messages covering experiences with unit and qualification development, collaborative working, lesson learned and benefits for end-users, including employers.

Case studies on the QCF test and trial projects, and on the employer recognition programme can be accesed from the right hand side of this page.