Amendments, extensions and withdrawals
Amendments to qualifications
To request an amendment to an accredited qualification, the awarding body must enter into early dialogue with its regulatory contact and then complete the form 'Requesting an amendment to an accredited qualification'. This form can be used for a variety of amendments, but for the purposes of Sections 96 and 97 the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) would be advised if there were amendments to the qualification title, level, sector/subject area or age categories.
If the awarding body has requested an amendment to age categories such as pre-16 to 16+, provision must be made for candidates under the age of 16 already registered for the qualification, as the change in age category comes into effect as soon as it is approved by the DCSF.
If an amendment to an age category is sought, the awarding body must highlight that there is a change of funding status under Sections 96 and 97. A rationale for the amendment must also be provided in this section of the form. In the case of NVQs for learners aged under 16, Sector Skills Council or sector body support is also necessary.
Extension to accreditation periods
If an awarding body wishes to have the accreditation period of a qualification extended, it must enter into early dialogue with its regulatory contact and then complete a qualification extension proposal via the web-based accreditation system. This must be completed regardless of the period of extension sought and must be submitted at least six months before the original accreditation end date.
The awarding body must supply the regulator with varying levels of information, depending on the length of the proposed extension and on other factors such as any amendments to qualification structure, content, assessment arrangements and so on. The regulators will review the request online and respond accordingly.
The awarding body must complete the section 'Approval of qualifications under Section 96 and 97' on the extension form. If, in addition, the awarding body wants to amend the age category, title, level or sector/subject area, then it must also complete an amendment form.
Withdrawal of accredited qualifications
If an awarding body wishes to have the accreditation of a qualification withdrawn, and the qualification subsequently removed from the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), it must enter into early dialogue with its regulatory contact and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 regulators 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, DCSF will be advised accordingly. DCSF and the Learning and Skills Council websites will then reflect the change.
Following a final review, the regulators will write to the awarding body confirming the date accreditation will be withdrawn and/or the necessary alternative arrangements for existing candidates.