The difference between regulated and unregulated qualifications

During the Covid 19 lockdowns, people took the time to learn new skills through a variety of courses. Most of these were bought online. If you wanted to learn to bake a cake or learn some fancy new Yoga positions then it was easy to find an eLearning course and learn what you needed. If you learnt to bake a cake then those who ate it would have been happy. If you learnt new Yoga positions and developed some new level of mindfulness then you would also have been happy. You bought the course did what they taught you and everyone was happy. These unregulated qualifications worked out well. However, if you took the certificates and tried to get a job as a pastry chef in a top restaurant or tried to teach yoga classes in a mindfulness centre then you wouldn't have been quite so happy as the certificates you received were not regulated and therefore of no value to an employer.

What are regulated qualifications?

Regulated Qualifications are regarded to be of higher value by employers as the certificate for a Regulated Qualification demonstrates that the learner has attained a qualification approved by both a UK Regulator and a recognised Awarding Organisation. This means that it appears on Ofqual's Register of Regulated Qualifications. Ofqual is the independent qualifications regulator for England. They regulate so that qualifications are sufficiently valid and trusted. They make clear and considered judgements for the benefit of those who study and rely on, regulated qualifications.

It's very simple to see what qualifications are regulated - just go to https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/

Is this important for career development?

Absolutely.

When City and Guilds, Pearson, NCFE create qualifications they don't just make them up - they need to have their programmes approved by Ofqual so that their qualifications are valid.

Awarding bodies who have gained recognition through regulation and have to have shown that their qualifications are of a very high standard and are ‘fit for purpose’ – that the people who hold a certificate have all attained the same level of skills, knowledge and understanding for the same qualification. They can be relied upon and that they are recognised in the UK and internationally as they appear on Ofqual's Regulated Qualifications Framework which provides a single, simple system for cataloguing all qualifications regulated by them. 

Universally Recognised

Most importantly, a regulated qualification means you will have the skills and qualifications recognised throughout the industry and internationally. The most obvious advantage of regulated over non-regulated qualifications is that the regulated ones provide a guarantee of the quality of both the qualification programme and the awarding body that offers accredited qualifications. Non-regulated qualifications, on the other hand, are not regulated and there is no guarantee that they meet appropriate standards. There is no way to tell whether they are fit for their purpose, if they include relevant content or if the appropriate methodology for assessment is used. A regulated certificate will have both the awarding body and the Ofqual's logo on it.

Why do we need to raise this?

We have seen several cases where learners and clients we are working with have engaged in courses that they believed were valuable but were not regulated and therefore the worth of the certificate has to be questioned. Employers need to think about the purpose of the courses that they purchase. If you want to put people through courses that you might see as useful then check that your staff will actually get career and personal value out of them. "Larry's Leadership Course" or "Mary's Management Programme" might sound great but their value is short term. Likewise, we have also seen a lot of courses being advertised online as Certificates or Diplomas when they are clearly not accredited. 

In conclusion, choosing regulated qualifications, especially through accredited providers like VQ Solutions, ensures that your learning journey is not only enriching but also professionally recognised and valued. By opting for VQ Solutions' accredited apprenticeships, you're investing in qualifications that are respected and acknowledged globally, enhancing both your career prospects and personal development. Take the first step towards a brighter future with regulated courses from VQ Solutions and experience the profound benefits of accredited learning.