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Amanda Stears RAMP Education Officer explains the educational criteria required to join RAMP
Education in the modern world presents the learner with a myriad of choices particularly with the plethora of online education available post COVID. Learners will often approach RAMP with a long list of “Approved” courses with the belief that these are accredited courses of education that they have often spent thousands of pound undertaking. Phrases like “aligned to “ “approved training” “recognised” at first glance give you a feeling of reassurance. But what does it mean if a course is recognised or accredited?
Education systems vary widely in their structure, standards, and recognition, and one of the key distinctions lies in whether a course or qualification is accredited. In the UK, OFQUAL (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) serves as a regulatory body ensuring both the quality and reliability of qualifications through rigorous assessment processes and providers that are registered with OFQUAL can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofqual.
What is OFQUAL-Accredited Education?
OFQUAL-accredited education refers to courses, qualifications, and assessments that are regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation in England. OFQUAL ensures that educational providers meet rigorous quality standards and that qualifications hold validity, reliability, and consistency. In Scotland we have the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework https://scqf.org.uk/
Key Features of OFQUAL Accreditation
• Standardisation: OFQUAL accredits qualifications that are designed and delivered according to nationally recognised standards.
• Quality Assurance: Accredited qualifications undergo regular monitoring and reviews to ensure adherence to high-quality benchmarks.
• Recognition: OFQUAL-regulated qualifications are widely recognised by employers, academic institutions, and professional bodies.
• Transparency: Information about accredited qualifications is published in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), making it accessible to all stakeholders.
What is Non-Accredited Education?
Non-accredited education refers to courses and programs that are not regulated by a formal governing body like OFQUAL. These courses are often designed to meet specific needs, provide professional development, or offer niche knowledge and skills.
Key Features of Non-Accredited Education
• Flexibility: Non-accredited courses tend to be more flexible in their content and structure, allowing providers to tailor them to specific industries or learner needs.
• Specialisation: Such courses often focus on specialised topics or emerging fields not yet standardised in formal education frameworks.
• Cost and Time Efficiency: Non-accredited education is often shorter and more affordable than accredited counterparts, making it an attractive option for skill development. But this is not always the case. Buyer beware!
• Lack of Formal Recognition: However, the certificates or qualifications offered may not carry the same weight or recognition as accredited ones, particularly in academic or formal employment settings and are often not eligible for inclusion in RAMP applications due to the lack of academic rigour.
Key Differences Between OFQUAL-Accredited and Non-Accredited Education
1. Quality Assurance
OFQUAL-accredited education operates under stringent quality controls, ensuring consistency and credibility in course delivery and assessment. Non-accredited education does not have this level of oversight, leaving the responsibility for quality entirely with the education provider often with no external review of what is being delivered.
2. Recognition
OFQUAL-accredited qualifications are recognised nationally and internationally, carrying academic credits that can facilitate career advancement or help you access further education. Non-accredited courses, while potentially valuable for skill-building, may not hold the same level of acceptance in academic or professional domains and can only be viewed as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) which also has an important role to play in keeping up to date with developing your practice.
3. Curriculum Design
OFQUAL-accredited programs follow structured curriculum guidelines aligned with the Recognised Qualification’s Framework (RQF), ensuring a standard approach to teaching and learning. Non-accredited courses may use the phrase aligned to the RQF so their course may have been written with the same language as the RQF levels, but the stringent quality checks are often absent.
4. Purpose
Accredited education typically leads to formal qualifications required for specific jobs or academic progression. Non-accredited education often aims to provide practical, skill-based learning for immediate application, without necessarily leading to a formal credential.
Which Option is Right for You?
The choice between OFQUAL-accredited and non-accredited education depends on your goals. If you are seeking qualifications for career advancement, further studies, or recognition in regulated professions, OFQUAL-accredited courses are the better choice. However, if your focus is on acquiring specific skills, exploring niche topics, or gaining quick, cost-effective training, non-accredited education can be a suitable alternative. But bear in mind that these courses can be more expensive than undertaking modules with your local Further Education College or Higher Education Institute!
Conclusion
Whilst both OFQUAL-accredited and non-accredited education serve valuable roles within the broader educational landscape. Accreditation provides the learner with assurance of quality and recognition and credits that can help on a pathway to join RAMP. Whereas non-accredited courses can only be considered as CPD due to the lack of accreditation. Understanding these differences will allow you to make informed decisions best suited to your personal circumstances.