What is RQF?- Everything You Need to Know

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) accredits qualifications in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. RQF is jointly regulated by England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales DCELLS, and Northern Ireland’s CCEA. Your course and award will be fully recognised in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland if you obtain an RQF qualification. 

What is RQF?

Ofqual has executed its proposals, which call for all regulated qualifications to be designated by a new descriptor called the “Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).” The framework, which applies to all Ofqual-regulated qualifications, including both general and vocational qualifications, went into effect on October 1, 2015.

The RQF framework assigns a credit value to each unit and qualification depending on how long it takes the average learner to complete the learning unit. Each unit and qualification has its own difficulty level, ranging from Entry level to Level 8, to indicate how challenging it is. Qualifications will no longer be required to be unitised, or credit carried under the new framework, although they may be if it is the best method for the qualification to accomplish its objective. Instead, the applicable Awarding Body will assign a level to each qualification to enable students, centres, companies, and others to understand its level of demand.

The RQF, unlike prior systems, does not have a specific timeline for completing qualifications. Instead, students can work at their own leisure to complete them. At the same time, because the framework lacks the regulations and processes of the QCF, awarding organisations have more leeway to assess, develop, and improve their credentials. Instead, awarding organisations can place a larger emphasis on results.

The RQF qualification was created to be easily understood and measured in comparison to other certifications that are more adaptable to the needs of companies and learners. All RQFs must have a size and a level, it was decided.

Size of RQF Qualification

We’ve requested the awarding organisations we regulate to start using a new term to describe the length of their qualifications: Total Qualification Time (TQT). TQT is a measure of how long it could take a typical learner to complete a qualification, including time spent on individual study and assessment. It also contains Guided Learning Hours (GLH), which are the hours spent learning.

Because we know that some students learn quicker or slower than others, size is merely a suggestion, not an absolute. But we all know how useful it is to estimate things like teaching and assessment time, especially for those in charge of timetables and budgeting. It’s also useful to know how long an employee could need to be away from work to study or how much time you could need to devote to attaining your qualification as an individual.

The RQF assigns a ‘size’ to each qualification. This measurement is made in terms of overall qualification time (TQT). Guided Learning Hours (GLH), Directed Learning Hours, and Invigilated Assessment Hours are the three components of the TQT. The amount of hours it takes to complete the course determines whether students are awarded an award, a certificate or a  diploma. The hours are as follows:

• 120 hours or less = Award
• 121 – 369 hours = Certificate
• 370+ hours = Diploma

Level of RQF Qualification

We’ve been careful to build on what has worked in the past with qualification frameworks, so the RQF employs the same levels as before: entry 1 to 3 and levels 1 to 8. The RQF is aligned with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the European Qualifications Framework because we know that portability is vital for those looking for work or wishing to hire people.

This means that every qualification which is regulated by the RQF must have a level. The levels can range between Level 1 and Level 3 (plus Entry Level 1 – 3). The level to which qualification is assigned discerns how demanding the qualification itself is. These levels can easily be compared to and measured against other qualifications. (E.g. A Level 3 award is roughly equal to an A-level, and a Level 5 is around the same as a foundation degree.

Advantages of RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework has a number of advantages over its predecessors. The following are some of them:

• The RQF is less organised than the QCF and is more outcome-oriented.
• When it comes to generating credentials, the RQF gives employees more latitude and leeway. This means they may readily be shaped to prepare pupils for various careers.

RQF Course Example

When you complete an RQF course and are awarded your qualification, you can use the credits you have gained from the course to apply for further study. The following seven qualifications are given as example which was developed specifically for school support staff:

So, enrol now with RQF regulated courses and enhance your proficiency with accredited certification!!

HAPPY LEARNING!!!!!