Full Level 2 in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (UK VQRP)

1. This page outlines recent changes to the definition of full Level 2 vocational qualifications in the context of the UK Vocational Qualification Reform Programme (UK VQRP) and the development of the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF).

2. This information will be of interest to Sector Skills Councils, Awarding Bodies and providers in receipt of LSC funding.

Background

3. Qualifications that are considered to be a Full Level 2 are intended to provide the learner with the broad platform of skills necessary for employability and progression. The platform of skills provided by vocational qualifications is expected to be roughly equivalent to the platform provided by 5 GCSE’s grade A-C. The definition discussed in this paper refers specifically to the definition applied to vocational qualifications.

4. The existing definition of a full Level 2 was developed in the context of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The definition focuses on the type or size of the qualification and offers only an algorithmic understanding of a full Level 2. The existing definition does not take account of which skills should be included in a ‘full’ Level 2, the value of these skills to employers and learners, the degree of transferability of breadth and coverage of skills, how skills can support progression, and how skills might best be combined to support progression.

5. The LSC, QCA, DIUS and SSDA have been working in partnership to agree a more fit for purpose definition of a full Level 2. This work has been taken forward in the context of the new credit and unit based qualification framework, known as the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), which is being developed as a part of the UK Vocational Qualification Reform Programme. This has resulted in the drafting of the new Full Level 2 Design Principles[1]. The design principles introduce three key changes in order to ensure that new full Level 2’s provide the skills that employers want and the broad base of skills that the learner needs. The key differences are:

• They must be approved by the relevant Sector Skills Council (SSC) and be based on labour market intelligence.
• Will include three curricular elements of: personal skills; vocational skills; and literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills.
• May be a combination of ‘component’ qualifications, rather than a single qualification, which would form an overarching structure that represents a platform for employability through a threshold achievement of credit – currently 37 QCF credits or more.

6. The Level 2 Design Principles will be applicable to all qualifications developed within the QCF. Paragraph 8 of the Addendum to Funding Guidance for Further Education in 2007/08 confirms that qualifications accredited into the QCF will need to meet the design principles in order to be considered as part of a full Level 2 framework.

7. The QCF is being developed within the UK Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme (UK VQRP) and is being led by QCA. It is anticipated the QCF will become operational in August 2008 and be fully operational by 2010 (replacing the NQF).

8. As part of the reform programme, QCA are testing and trialling key features of the QCF in 2006/07 and 2007/08. The trials have been arranged into two phases[2]:

• Phase One Test and Trials started in September 2006
• Phase Two Test and Trials started in February 2007

9. The QCA have also introduced a third set of arrangements under which QCF provision is developed. The third set of arrangements, known as the ‘fast track’, have been agreed to bring new provision into the QCF outside of the Test and Trials, from August 2007 to July 2008.

Definition of Full Level 2 in the QCF

10. The first phase of the QCF Test and Trials were commissioned prior to the completion of the Level 2 Design Principles. As such, a restricted set of arrangements have been agreed for assigning full Level 2 status to first phase qualifications.

11. In order to assign full Level 2 status the LSC will require the relevant SSC to support the assigning of ‘full’ Level 2 status on the basis of achieving a ‘best fit’ with the design principles. Full Level 2 qualifications agreed on this basis will be assigned Full Level 2 status for the remainder of the trial period on the LSC’s data systems. From 2008/09 onwards, these qualifications will need to be redesigned to meet the design principles in order to be considered as a full Level 2. A list of qualifications identified as full Level 2 through these arrangements can be found below.

12. All other qualifications accredited into the QCF, including qualifications developed in the second phase of the trials or through the ‘fast track’ arrangements will need to adhere to the Full Level 2 Design Principles in order to be assigned full Level 2 status. Full Level 2 qualifications will need to be approved by the relevant SSC. The LSC will then work with the SSC to confirm full Level 2 status for these qualifications and how they are recorded on the LSC’s data systems.

13. The LSC’s business definition for a full Level 2 is currently being reviewed and will be updated to reflect the new design principles.

Full Level 2 Qualifications in Phase One of the QCF Test and Trials

14. The following qualifications have been assigned full Level 2 status as part of Phase One of the QCF Test and Trials.

15. A full list of the Phase One QCF Test and Trials that have been approved for public funding can be found on the LSC’s website: http://qfr.lsc.gov.uk/ukvqrp/support.