What is the Regulated Qualifications Framework?
QCF, RQF; it can all get very confusing when it comes to qualifications, but we are here to help. We are going to take you through the meanings and changes to the qualification framework so that you can navigate your way through your course and come out with a qualification you love!
WHAT IS OFQUAL?
Ofqual stands for The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation which is a non-ministerial government department which regulates qualification, exams and tests in the UK. Known otherwise as the exam watchdog, this body is here to ensure assessments and exams give an accurate idea of student knowledge and that they’re awarded appropriately.
Ofqual is the body which created both The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF). After reviewing the QCF, in 2015 Ofqual decided to add a new framework, the RQF. They decided to make the change after realising QCF was focused more the structure of courses, as opposed to their validity.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RQF AND QCF?
The QCF framework followed many design rules which meant many organisations had to restructure their courses to comply with the new rules. The new RQF framework prides itself on flexibility, it allows organisations to have more freedom in designing their own qualifications and creating courses for all different types of student.
The new RQF framework also allows students to complete a course in their own time, making them much more flexible for people who want to study alongside working or parenting. Simple and straightforward, RQF is perfect for those people who like working at their own pace.
SO, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?
Whilst you can now choose to do a RQF over a QCF, don’t worry, it’s only the structuring and name that has changed, the difficulty or workload has not. You are still free to take a QCF qualification, but many people are now choosing the RQF thanks to it’s flexibility.
Here at the Distance Learning Centre we aim to provide flexible courses which are available to people from all walks of life. Therefore, we have a new range of RQF qualifications, ready for you try! They are:
We hope you'll try one of these courses and enjoy the way they have been designed to deliver maximum learning satisfaction and flexibility. For a full list of our courses, head to our Distance Learning Centre Course Page.
