Edexcel's application form (pdf 752 KB)

Edexcel application form for existing NVQ centres wishing to add other NVQs (pdf 60 KB)

Edexcel forms now need to be submitted electronically, further information can be found here.

Other Edexcel NVQ guidance documents:

• external verification guidance (pdf 360 KB)
• assessor cv template (pdf 20 KB)
• joint awarding body guidance on internal verification of NVQs (pdf 654 KB)
• sector guidance for centres (pdf 1.33 MB)
• approval process and FAQs (pdf 79 KB)

OCR's application form and other documents on the OCR website

City & Guilds' application form (pdf 1.2 MB)

Approved centre criteria

Criteria

Possible sources of evidence

1.0

The centre’s aims and policies in relation to NVQs are supported by senior management and understood by the assessment team

Documented quality procedures
Progress reports and staff updates

1.1

The centre’s access and fair assessment policy and practice is understood and complied with by assessors and candidates

Documented policies and procedures

1.2 

The roles, responsibilities, authorities and accountabilities of the assessment and verification team across all assessment sites are clearly defined, allocated and understood.

Documented quality assurance procedures
An organisational chart
Records of all assessment sites and personnel
CVs of the assessment team and internal verifiers

1.3

There is effective communication within the assessment team and with the awarding body

Staff handbooks and updates
Organisational charts
Minutes of meetings/dates of planned meetings.  Records of communication with the awarding body

1.4

Awarding bodies are notified of any changes that may affect the centre’s ability to meet the centre approval requirements

Notification of changes to the assessment team
Notification of changes to resources

1.5

Assessors and verifiers have sufficient time, resources and authority to perform their roles and responsibilities effectively

A record of assessor/candidate allocation
Oral confirmation from assessors/verifiers

1.6

Information supplied to the awarding body for the purposes of registration is complete and accurate

Records of candidate entry/registration details and certificate claims

1.7

Queries about the qualification specification, assessment guidance or related awarding body material are resolved and recorded

Records of queries raised with awarding bodies

Record or minutes of queries raised with the internal verifier

1.8

Candidate records and details of achievements are accurate, kept up to date, securely stored in line with awarding body requirements, and available for external verification and auditing

Candidate registration details

Candidate assessment records

Portfolios stored securely but available for access by IV and EV

1.9

Requests are complied with for access to premises, records, information, candidates and staff for the purposes of external verification

Data and information management systems
Candidate tracking systems
Assessment and internal verification records

Approved centre criteria

Criteria

Possible sources of evidence

2.0

There are sufficient competent and qualified assessors and internal verifiers to meet the demand for assessment and verification activity

CVs and development plans for the assessment team

A list of qualified assessors and internal verifiers

2.1

A staff development programme is established for the assessment and verification team in line with identified needs

Staff induction and guidance materials

Records of meetings/briefings/updates/CPD

Record of individual development plans/performance management documents

2.2

Resource needs are accurately identified in relation to the specific award and resources are made available

Records of resources used

Evidence of any additional resources obtained

2.3

Equipment and accommodation used for the purposes of assessment comply with the requirements of relevant health and safety acts

Public employee liability certificates
Records of equipment and accommodation
Maintenance schedules.
Health and safety policies

Approved centre criteria

Criteria

Possible sources of evidence

3.0

Information, advice and guidance about qualification procedures and practices are provided to candidates and potential candidates

Candidate guidance materials
Booklet for parents/students explaining the course
Details of support available
Appeals procedure
Oral conformation by candidates

3.1

Candidates’ development needs are matched against the requirements of the award and an agreed individual assessment plan is established

Candidate initial assessment procedures to decide entry for language units at level NVQ 1, 2 or 3.

3.2

Candidates have regular opportunities to review their progress and goals and to revise their assessment plan accordingly

Progress reviews
Reporting documentation

3.3

Access to assessment is encouraged through the use of a range of valid assessment methods. 

Assessment tasks/plans taking into account different assessment methods

Provision for candidates with special assessment requirements

3.4

Particular assessment requirements of candidates are identified and met where possible.

Materials/support/facilities to support SEN.
IEPs

3.5

There is an established appeals procedure that is documented and made available to all candidates

Documented appeals procedures including grounds for appeal and timescales.

3.6

Unit certification is made available to candidates

Records of units registered/claimed/awarded
(Possibility of working towards individual skill areas)

Approved centre criteria

Criteria

Possible sources of evidence

4.0

Internal verification procedures and activities are clearly documented, consistent with national requirements and ensure the quality and consistency of assessment

Internal verification reports

Sampling strategy and schedule of activity
Records of assessment team meetings

4.1

Assessment decisions and practices are regularly sampled and findings are acted upon to ensure consistency and fairness

Sampled assessments (candidate portfolios, observations etc)

Internal verification reports

Minutes of assessor meetings/standardisation

4.2

Records of internal verification activity are maintained in line with awarding body requirements and made available for the purposes of auditing

Internal verification reports

Minutes of assessor meetings/standardisation
(Provide these to the EV when he/she visits)

4.3

The effectiveness of the internal verification strategy is reviewed against national requirements and corrective measures are implemented

Internal reviews of sampling strategies
External verifier reports

Evidence of corrective action taken

4.4

Assessment is conducted by qualified and occupationally expert staff

Details of assessment team including occupational background, experience, qualifications

Details of countersigning arrangements for any assessment decisions made by unqualified assessors

4.5

Internal verification is conducted by appropriately qualified and experienced staff

Details of internal verifier occupational background, experience, qualifications

Details of countersigning arrangements for any internal verification  decisions made by unqualified internal verifiers

Approved centre criteria

Criteria

Possible sources of evidence

5.0

The centre’s achievements are monitored and reviewed to inform future centre qualification developmental activity

Internal audit/self assessment arrangements
Decision to introduce further languages, different levels?

5.1

Candidate, employer and other feedback is used to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of qualification provision against the centre’s stated aims and policies, leading to continuous improvement

Candidate evaluation form

Analysis of results

5.2

Actions identified by external verification visits are disseminated to appropriate staff and corrective measures are implemented

External verifier reports circulated to assessment team and senior management

Action plans

5.3

Information and recording systems enable candidates’ achievements to be monitored and reviewed in relation to the centre’s equal opportunities policy

Achievement record in relation to access and fair assessment policy

Statistical information on achievement and certification rates analysed by factors such as ethnic origin, disability and gender.