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What is the QCF?
The Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) is the new framework for creating and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Qualifications that appear on the QCF are made up of ‘units’. Each unit can be undertaken independently and can be transferred to other qualifications which hold the same units – thus a learner need not be asked to demonstrate their abilities more than once. There is a learner’s guide available at: http://www.qcda.gov.uk/docs/QCF_learners_guide.pdf
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What if I don't complete a full qualification?
All QCF qualifications are made up of units; where you have completed any units you can still be certificated for these. These units can then be used to continue your studies at a later date or transferred to another qualification where they appear.
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What is the difference between an Award, Certificate and Diploma?
These ‘descriptors’ indicate the size of a qualification. An Award is a qualification with less than 130 hours of notional learning time, a Certificate is from 130 to 360 hours and a Diploma 370 hours of notional learning time and above. Notional learning time includes all guided learning and any aspect of self study.
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Who can I go to for support, or if I am unhappy with how my programme is being managed/delivered?
All learners can appeal against assessment decisions and report discriminatory or unfair behaviour of SFEDI Centre staff. In the first instance this would be reported to the SFEDI Centre itself and the Centre will indicate how this can be done at your induction. However, learners also have the right to approach SFEDI Awards directly if they are not satisfied with the provision of their SFEDI Centre. This can be done in any medium and learners should use the contact information at the beginning of this document.
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How long will it take for me to complete my qualification?
This is a discussion you should have with your assessor as there are lots of variables to consider including the size and level of the qualification, your existing level of skill and knowledge and the amount of time you can allocate to learning and assessment activity.
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When will I know if I have 'passed' or completed my qualification?
Your assessor will keep you informed of your progress and will inform you when you have met all the necessary criteria.
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I'm interested in studying for a qualification but unsure who delivers this training?
We have a number of SFEDI Centres who deliver our awards and qualifications. Centre contact details are available at:
Alternatively please contact SFEDI Head Office on 0845 2245928 and a member of the team can put you in touch with your nearest SFEDI Centre
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How is the level of qualification determined?
The level is determined based on the size of the qualification. The level doesn’t always constitute progression, the level reflects the complexity of the business and captures the level of learning required.
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Am I eligible for studying membership of the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE)?
All of our learners undertaking qualifications are eligible for studying membership of the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE). For further information please visit www.ioee.co.uk
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Why would a qualification have NVQ in the title?
NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. These, and their Scottish equivalent (SVQs), are 'competence-based' qualifications. They are developed to closely reflect the relevant National Occupational Standards and are used to accredit, often through work-based assessment, the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively. Awarding Organisations can choose to include NVQ in the title of their Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) qualifications as a way of indicating that they are qualifications of this type.
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Some of the qualification specifications talk about self evaluation by the learner, is there a recording document that we need to use?
SFEDI Awards provides standard documentation for use by centres that can be seen within the Centre Documentation section of the website but these do not cover subjects such as self evaluation by the learner against a qualification.
We understand that our centres are using innovative ways of assessment against our qualifications and we at SFEDI Awards want to encourage this and as such do not mandate the documentation you must use. If you want to use new methods such as digital voice recordings or online assessment then we want to work with you so that is possible.
SFEDI Awards will standardise the assessment and quality assurance of our qualifications on a national scale by the use of our External Quality Assurance visits.
If you wish to gain feedback and guidance on any documentation that you wish to use to cover criteria within the qualification standards then please contact your External Quality Assurer or email your documentation and queries to our Customer Services Team on customerservices@sfediawards.com.
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I am interested in obtaining a qualification to offer Business Support. How would this course run (online/distant learning or classroom based?) and how much would it cost?
Our Level 5 Certificate in Business Support is available to those people who work within a business advice role. This is usually run within the workplace but in order to get a full understanding of how it could be run and also the cost involved you will need to speak to a SFEDI Awards Centre.
You can locate your nearest centre by using the 'Find a Centre' map on the SFEDI Awards website and selecting the appropriate qualification.
If you require further information or would like to speak to a member of the SFEDI Awards Customer Support Team please contact us on customerservices@sfediawards.com
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Hi what does SFEDI stand for please?
SFEDI formerly stood for Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative.
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How much does it cost to become SFEDI accredited as a business advisor?
Our Level 5 Certificate in Business Support is available to those people who work within a business advice role. This is usually run within the workplace but in order to get a full understanding of how it could be run and also the cost involved you will need to speak to a SFEDI Awards Centre.
You can locate your nearest centre by using the 'Find a Centre' map on the SFEDI Awards website and selecting the appropriate qualification.
If you require further information or would like to speak to a member of the SFEDI Awards Customer Support Team please contact us on customerservices@sfediawards.com
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What is your definition of "Guided Learning Hours" please?
Guided Learning Hours as defined by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills:
'GLH are delivered through one or more of the following methods: individual and group teaching; e-learning; distance learning; coaching; mentoring; feedback & assessment; collaborative/networked learning with peers; guided study.'
Guided Learning Hours must be linked to the training programme that the learner is undertaking
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