Arrangements

The Secretary of State approves external qualifications for use in England based on advice from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). In providing this advice, QCA takes account of changing needs and priorities expressed by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and other key partners, and applies its knowledge of external qualifications to determine those which meet the criteria described in Criteria for the Approval of External Qualifications and Withdrawal of Approval.Before providing advice, QCA consults awarding bodies and other interested parties on the proposed lists.

Qualifications may be given specific approval or general approval.Additions will be made to the list every month following approval and the consolidated list is available as a download from this website.

Search

This website has been designed to enable searches to be made of qualifications that have specific approval, using one or any combination of nine criteria: qualification type, qualification level in the qualifications framework, awarding body, approval start date, approval end date, certification end date, age group, accreditation number and qualification title.(Go to Guidance on Search Facility)

Other guidance

The following guidance is provided on this site:

• Qualifications that have been generally approved
• Guidance regarding the use of qualifications by those of compulsory school age on 31 August of the funding year (i.e. at or before Key Stage 4)
• Guidance regarding the use of qualifications by those aged 16 but under 19 on 31 August of the funding year
• What the relevant legislative provisions say and guidance on interpretation
• Criteria for the approval of external qualifications and withdrawal of approval

Status

The Lists of approved external qualifications have the force of law. The contents of this website serve only as a guide. They should not be treated as a complete and authoritative statement of the law.