If an awarding body wishes to have the accreditation of a qualification withdrawn, and the qualification subsequently removed from the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), it must enter into early dialogue with their regulatory authority contact and then complete a qualification withdrawal proposal via the web-based accreditation system.

Withdrawal requests must be submitted to the regulatory authorities at least six months before the intended withdrawal date so that there is adequate time to assess the request. In doing so, the awarding body must ensure that adequate arrangements are in place to safeguard the interests of candidates.

The regulatory authorities will review the request and the impact the removal may have on learners and on provision within the sector/subject area. To ensure the coherence of the NQF and to protect the interests of learners, there may be instances where the regulatory authorities require the awarding body to continue to offer the qualification until other similar provision can be accredited, or until the existing candidates complete the qualification.

If the withdrawal of the qualification is accepted, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) will be advised accordingly. DfES and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) websites will then reflect the change.

Following a final review, the regulatory authorities will write to the awarding body confirming the date accreditation will be withdrawn and/or the necessary alternative arrangements for existing candidates.