Pilot qualification accreditation process

If an awarding organisation intends to submit a qualification for accreditation, which it considers to be innovative and which may challenge existing accreditation standards and models, it should contact the regulators and discuss whether the qualification needs to be piloted or trialled before wider implementation. The awarding body must establish early dialogue with its regulatory contact to discuss how to proceed and decide on the information that may be required in the proposal. All pilot proposals must be submitted via the web-based accreditation system.

Pilots are normally restricted in terms of the types of candidate and centre that can take part, and they have a short period of operation and certification. In addition, an evaluation is required to assist in making a judgement about whether the intended purposes of the pilot have been met. If a pilot requires the suspension of one of the accreditation criteria, the awarding organisation must provide a justifiable rationale for this course of action. Where the accreditation of such a qualification sets a precedent that has an impact on the criteria or accreditation process, the relevant information will be communicated to all awarding organisations.

The period of accreditation for successful pilot applications will be limited, normally to the duration of the pilot, and the awarding organisations will be required to resubmit qualifications for accreditation – amended as necessary – before the qualifications can become more widely/nationally available. The regulators will be responsible for liaising with UCAS, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the relevant government departments, where appropriate.