New Qualification Development

What is a regulated Qualification?

A regulated qualification in England is a qualification that is officially recognised and overseen by a government body, Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) in England, to ensure it meets specific standards of quality and consistency. Regulated qualifications are listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and are in the public domain. Ofqual is the regulator of all qualifications in England, but individual Awarding Organisations (AOs) such as OAL, own the rights to the qualifications they develop and are responsible for approving training providers to deliver and assess those qualifications.

The AO must also quality assure all of the qualifications in their portfolio to ensure they meet the specific conditions required by Ofqual, and the AO must also quality assure the assessment decisions of the training providers they approve to deliver the qualifications.

Qualifications come in many different guises, such as GCSEs, A-Levels, Technical Certificates and Diplomas etc.. They can be different sizes and levels, but must conform to regulatory standards, when classifying those sizes and levels. Most commonly, OAL produces qualifications, from Entry Level to Level 6, that are either an Award, a Certificate or a Diploma. Sounds complicated? Don’t worry, with OAL you are working with an industry leading and Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation, and we will help you navigate the complexity and ensure that we build qualifications in partnership with you, that not only meet your requirements but that are also compliant with regulations.

Are Regulated Qualifications Certificated by OAL?

All Regulated and Non-Regulated Qualifications require learners to be registered with OAL and have an OAL produced certificate. The certificate itself can be either paper based or digital, you decide. However, we must ensure that any certificate produced meets the guidelines and structure required by Ofqual. This means that we must apply certain conventions to certificates in terms of their design and content. This applies to both paper based and digital certificates.

What is the difference between a regulated qualification, an Accredited Programme and an endorsed programme?

The regulated qualifications sector can be complex and sometimes challenging to navigate. In order to be classed as an Awarding Organisation in England, OAL must meet very strict criteria and regulations that are set and enforced by Ofqual. The regulations set specific criteria and conditions that qualifications must meet, if they are to be recognised by Ofqual. Non-regulated qualifications and endorsed programmes, whilst still having certain minimum standards, which are set by the Awarding Organisation, are much more flexible and adaptable to change. The table below details some of the key differences between Regulated, Non-Regulated and Endorsed and the minimum requirements of each.

Benefits of Developing a new and regulated qualification

Regulated Qualifications give an unrivalled level of quality assurance, nationally recognised levelling and consistency of assessment. They can open the door to both national and local funding streams and although they are not always officially recognised overseas, English qualifications have an unparalleled reputation internationally.

Here are some of the key benefits and reasons to develop a regulated qualification:

Credibility and Trust Regulated qualifications are overseen by Ofqual, ensuring they meet rigorous standards. They carry the Ofqual logo, which signals quality and legitimacy to learners, employers, and educational institutions.
Global Recognition Because they are held to high standards, regulated qualifications are widely accepted internationally, enhancing learners’ mobility and employability.
Quality Assurance Regulated qualifications must comply with the General Conditions of Recognition, which include:
- Market research to ensure relevance.
- Input from industry and subject experts.
- Valid and reliable assessment methods.
- Ongoing monitoring and updates to remain current.
Relevance to Industry Regular reviews ensure that qualifications stay aligned with industry developments, helping learners gain up-to-date skills that employers value.
Learner Confidence Learners are reassured that the qualification is fit for purpose, thoroughly assessed, and provides the skills needed to succeed in their field.
Standardisation Regulated qualifications offer consistency in content and assessment, regardless of where or how they are delivered.
Access to Funding and Progression Many regulated qualifications are eligible for government funding and are recognised for progression to further education or employment.

How do I create a Regulated Qualification with OAL?

Simply complete the online enquiry form via the “enquire now” button and a member of the OAL Team will be in touch to arrange an initial meeting to explore the best options for you and your business. We want to add value to what you do, and this initial meeting will help us understand your objectives and enable us to support you in succeeding and surpassing your expectations.