Part 7The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation
Chapter 2Functions in relation to qualifications
Accreditation of certain qualifications
I1138Qualifications subject to the accreditation requirement
1
Ofqual may determine that a specified qualification, or description of qualification, to which this Part applies is subject to the accreditation requirement.
2
A determination under subsection (1) may provide that a qualification or description of qualification is subject to the accreditation requirement—
a
for all purposes, or
b
for the purposes of award or authentication by a specified awarding body.
3
Ofqual must publish a determination falling within subsection (2)(a).
4
Ofqual may revise a determination made under subsection (1).
5
If Ofqual revises a determination falling within subsection (2)(a) it must publish the determination as revised.
6
Before making or revising a determination under subsection (1) Ofqual must—
a
if the determination falls within subsection (2)(a), consult such persons as it considers appropriate, and
b
if the determination falls within subsection (2)(b), consult the awarding body in question.
I2139Accreditation
1
Where a qualification is subject to the accreditation requirement Ofqual must accredit a particular form of the qualification if—
a
that form of the qualification has been submitted for accreditation by a recognised body which is recognised in respect of the qualification, and
b
that form of the qualification meets the applicable criteria for accreditation most recently published under section 140.
2
Ofqual may not accredit a form of a qualification if the requirements set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1) are not met in respect of that form of the qualification.
3
An accreditation under this section has effect from such date as Ofqual may specify.
4
Ofqual may not charge a recognised body in respect of accreditation under this section.
5
If Ofqual refuses an application for accreditation it must provide the recognised body with a statement setting out the reasons for its decision.
I3140Criteria for accreditation
1
Ofqual must set and publish the criteria for accreditation under section 139.
2
Different criteria may be set for the accreditation of different qualifications or different descriptions of qualifications.
3
Ofqual may revise the criteria.
4
If Ofqual revises the criteria it must publish them as revised.
5
Before setting or revising the criteria Ofqual must consult such persons as it considers appropriate.
6
If Ofqual revises the criteria under this section which are applicable to a form of a qualification which is accredited under section 139, the accreditation ceases to have effect on the date specified by Ofqual.
7
Ofqual may vary the date specified under subsection (6) at any time before the date.
8
Ofqual may determine that subsection (6) does not apply in relation to a specified revision.
9
Ofqual must publish a determination made under subsection (8).
10
Ofqual may make saving or transitional provision in connection with the accreditation of a form of a qualification ceasing to have effect under subsection (6).