When applying for the accreditation of a qualification an awarding body must make sure there has been dialogue with the regulatory authorities before completing the relevant proposal form for the qualification type. For further guidance or information on completing the form, please consult the 'Forms' page (see downloads menu on this page).

When applying for a new qualification the awarding body must identify for which learner age-groups approval is sought under Sections 96 and 97 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000. The rationale section of the proposal form is likely to substantiate the choice of age-approval categories.

Approval recommendations are based on confirmation provided by regulatory authorities' QCA subject/sector officers in consultation with the relevant awarding bodies and, where national vocational qualifications (NVQs) are being recommended for learners aged under 16, sector skills council (SSC) representatives.

If, following a review of the original proposal, and with consideration of any further correspondence, the regulatory authorities decide that the qualification should be accredited, then an email will be sent to the awarding body confirming this decision. The email will confirm:

• the accreditation and certification periods for the qualification
• the title, unit titles, structure and accreditation number of the qualification
• the terms and conditions of the accreditation.

On receipt of this email the awarding body must respond as soon as possible to accreditation1@qca.org.uk confirming that the accreditation decision was received. It is recommended that the awarding body check that all accreditation data is also correct on the DfES and the LSC websites.