Explanatory Notes

Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009

2009 CHAPTER 22

12 November 2009

Commentary on Sections

Part 7: Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation

Chapter 2: Functions in relation to qualifications
Accreditation of certain qualifications
Section 139: Accreditation

422.This section provides for the process of accrediting particular forms of qualifications. Where a form of a qualification is submitted to Ofqual for accreditation it must be accredited if it meets the criteria for accreditation. An awarding body may award or authenticate a particular type of qualification, such as an English GCSE, in different forms. For example a version with material suitable for pre-16 students and one suitable for older students. Each form must be accredited if the qualification as a whole is subject to the accreditation requirement.

423.Ofqual may not charge for accreditation. (In contrast, the QCA currently has a power to charge for accreditation.)