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).