This is a question we are often asked, so I have put together some information here for anyone who is unsure what their qualification means and what level, if any, it is!
Firstly, to determine if your qualification is a Level 3 qualification, for example, you’ll need to check a few key factors:
Qualification title: The title of the qualification should mention the level, such as "Level 3 Diploma in beauty therapy" or "Level 3 Certificate in Swedish massage." If the level isn’t mentioned in the title, check the course description or certificate. However, just because your qualification says it is a level 3, is it officially? Read on to find out more.
Awarding body: If the qualification is awarded by a recognised organization or awarding body (such as City & Guilds, Pearson, VTCT or ITEC etc.) and regulated by Ofqual, the level should be specified. You can usually find this information on the website of the awarding body or on your qualification certificate.
Ofqual register: You can search for the qualification on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications here - https://www.gov.uk/find-a-regulated-qualification. By entering the qualification name or awarding body, you can confirm the qualification level and its regulatory status.
Learning outcomes: A qualification that has been awarded a Level usually involve learning outcomes that require a moderate degree of knowledge and skills. They usually enable progression to higher education or skilled employment.
Check with your training provider: If you're unsure, contact your training provider or the School / College where you earned the qualification. They should be able to confirm the level & if it is Ofqual regulated.
The term "level" in a qualification refers to the complexity and depth of knowledge, skills, and competencies a learner must achieve in that qualification. In the UK, the levels are defined by qualification frameworks such as the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). These levels range from entry-level (basic skills) to higher levels such as Level 8 (equivalent to a doctorate or professional qualifications).
What a "Level" in Qualification Means:
Level 1: Basic knowledge, skills, and competence.
Level 2: Foundation knowledge (GCSE-level).
Level 3: More advanced knowledge (A-level).
Level 4 to Level 8: Progressively more complex, with Level 6 equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, Level 7 a master’s, and Level 8 a doctorate.
The levels allow employers, educational institutions, and learners to understand the difficulty of the qualification and its place in the wider education system.
(https://www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk/qualifications-and-credit-framework-qcf.html, accessed 09/09/24)
Ofqual-Regulated Qualifications and Levels:
Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) regulates qualifications and assessments to ensure they meet a certain standard. When a qualification is Ofqual-regulated, it means:
Quality assurance: It has undergone rigorous checks to meet national standards.
Consistency: The learning outcomes and assessment methods are consistently applied across the qualification.
Level assignment: The qualification is assigned a formal level (like Level 3, Level 4, etc.) based on the knowledge and skills required.
These qualifications are mapped onto frameworks like the RQF, making it clear what level of expertise the learner has achieved.
Why CPD (Non-Ofqual) Accredited Qualifications Don’t Have Official Levels:
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) accredited courses are typically short courses or training programmes designed to upskill or refresh knowledge. They:
They aren’t regulated: CPD providers are not regulated by Ofqual, so the qualifications don't go through the same rigorous assessment and quality control.
No level assignment: Since CPD qualifications aren't part of the formal regulated system, they don’t get assigned an official level on the frameworks such as RQF or EQF.
Professional focus: CPD accreditation focus on enhancing skills relevant to specific professional needs, in this case Beauty, for example, rather than providing a general, formally recognised qualification.
CPD qualifications are still valuable, and will enable you to gain professional insurance so you can treat clients, but their content, depth, and recognition vary depending on the provider, and they don't fit into the formal qualification levels system.
It is important for you to check if your Level 3 qualification is Ofqual-regulated for several reasons:
1. National Recognition:
Ofqual-regulated qualifications are recognised across the UK. If a student earns a Level 3 qualification that is regulated by Ofqual, it is:
Widely accepted by employers, educational schools / colleges, and government bodies.
They are considered equivalent to other recognised qualifications at the same level, such as A-Levels or vocational qualifications, and can count towards UCAS points, for example, should you wish to progress on to University.
This recognition is crucial if the student plans to use the qualification for employment, further education, or professional progression.
2. Quality Assurance:
Ofqual ensures that regulated qualifications meet specific standards. This means:
The content of the course, teaching methods, and assessment processes are of a high quality.
The qualification meets national standards for knowledge and skills at that lLevel, i.e., Level 3.
Without Ofqual regulation, there's no guarantee of the course's quality or that it adheres to any particular standard, which could affect its credibility. A Level 3 qualification written to National Occupational Standards (NOS), is not the same as an Ofqual regulated Level 3 qualification.
3. Progression to Higher Education:
A student may wish to use their Level 3 qualification to move on to higher education, such as a university degree. Many universities and higher education institutions require students to have Ofqual-regulated qualifications to:
Meet entry requirements for degree programs.
Be sure the student has the necessary knowledge and skills for further study.
Non-regulated qualifications might not be accepted as equivalent, limiting opportunities for progression, and would not count towards their UCAS points.
4. Eligibility for Financial Support:
In the UK, financial aid such as student loans, grants, or apprenticeship funding is often tied to regulated qualifications. For example:
Ofqual-regulated qualifications are often eligible for funding schemes, grants or Advanced learner loans.
Non-regulated qualifications may not qualify for the same financial support, meaning students would have to cover the full cost themselves. A school has to be registered & approved to be able to offer Advanced learner loans.
5. Employer Recognition:
Employers in many industries expect formal, recognised qualifications when hiring. If a Level 3 qualification is Ofqual-regulated:
Employers can trust the qualification as valid and credible.
It enhances the student’s employability because the qualification is standardised and meets national benchmarks.
A non-regulated Level 3 qualification may not hold the same weight with employers, and they might question its quality or relevance.
6. Transferability:
If a student moves to another part of the UK or into a different sector, an Ofqual-regulated qualification is more likely to be transferable and recognised in different contexts or regions. This gives the student flexibility in their career or education path, whereas a non-regulated qualification might only be recognised in limited settings.
WHO ARE OFQUAL?
Ofqual, is short for the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, & is a non-ministerial government department in England responsible for regulating qualifications, exams, and assessments. It ensures that qualifications meet certain standards of quality, fairness, and consistency.
For more information on the qualification levels, visit the Gov website here - https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
I hope this helps :-)
Karen xx
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