Accreditation Framework 

Accreditation Of Programmes Developed for the Bridges Project 

 Executive Summary

The aims of the BRIDGES project were to work with a range of international partners to develop digital resources to support the following: 

As part of the project, Open College Network Northern Ireland was tasked with developing a Northern Irish accreditation framework for the resources developed and explore to what level could the accreditation of process be replicated in each of the partner countries. To this end an accreditation framework was established within the Northern Ireland (and by default UK) context for the following areas:

In relation to non-UK countries, it was found that process to gain formal national accreditation was not achievable for the bespoke programmes developed through this project and institution-based accreditation was sought through each of project partners. At an EU level, a benchmarking of the programmes developed through this project was undertaken with the programmes sitting within the EU framework at levels 1 to 3.

Northern Ireland Accreditation

The Northern Irish system for accrediting vocational qualifications is overseen by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) and is designed to provide learners with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce. The system is based on the principles of flexibility, quality assurance, and responsiveness to the needs of learners and employers.

In Northern Ireland, vocational qualifications are referred to as Vocational Qualifications (VQs), and are offered at different levels of study, including Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. Qualifications at each level are categorised dependent on the hours of learning involved, in order of size they are award, certificate, extended certificate, diploma and extended diploma. Each level of study is designed to provide learners with a progressively higher level of skills and knowledge, and to prepare them for different types of jobs and careers.

To obtain a vocational qualification in Northern Ireland, learners must complete vocational qualifications approved by the CCEA Regulation, the regulator for qualifications in Northern Ireland. Qualifications themselves are developed and certificated by awarding bodies (AOs) which are independent bodies approved by CCEA Regulation with the capacity to do this. There are over 90 active AOs in Northern Ireland of which OCNNI is the largest by volume of qualifications awarded to learners. AOs have the responsibility to oversee the approval of organisations including colleges and schools to offer regulated qualifications directly to learners and issue certificates to those learners who have successfully completed. A similar model is in place in the other UK nations, Wales and England. In gaining accreditation for qualifications in Northern Ireland the option is there to have qualifications also approved for Wales and England as the accreditation systems are linked, effectively enabling UK wide accreditation. Scotland operates its own accreditation system.

The cost of accrediting vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland varies depending on the AO with some AOs charging for this process of accreditation but most recouping costs through charging the organisations they have approved to offer the qualification a registration fee per learner when the learner is registered into the qualification. This registration fee also may cover other elements such as AO quality assurance, certification etc. This system facilitates a degree of flexibility and responsiveness from the accreditation system which enabled an accreditation framework to be built round the curriculum areas the Bridges project focused on developing learning resources for, namely:

This has mean that learners can be enrolled into accredited programmes in the above areas, use the learning resources developed as part of project and have their knowledge and skills assessed in order to achieve certification for those learners that meet the requisite standard.

The following table summarises the accredited qualifications and courses the resources developed for each of the above areas were linked to the Accreditation Framework for Northern Ireland:

Fig. 1

The accreditation framework will recognise the skills and knowledge of learners using the learning resources developed as a part the project by enabling learners to achieve certification in one or more of the above areas.

Republic of Ireland Accreditation

The Republic of Ireland has a well-established system for accrediting vocational qualifications that ensures a high level of quality and standardization. The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) serves as the backbone of the system, providing a framework for the recognition and award of all types of qualifications in Ireland.

The NFQ divides qualifications into ten levels, ranging from level 1 (entry level) to level 10 (doctoral level). Each level is based on the complexity of knowledge, skills, and competencies required to achieve the qualification. Qualifications are also grouped into three categories: awards, certificates, and diplomas. Awards are granted for short periods of study and are often aimed at specific skillsets or professions. Certificates and diplomas require a longer period of study and provide a more comprehensive education.

The accreditation process for vocational qualifications in Ireland begins with a provider submitting a proposal to Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) for a new qualification. This proposal must demonstrate that the qualification meets the requirements of the NFQ and that it meets the needs of learners and employers. Once the proposal is accepted, QQI works with the provider to develop the qualification and its associated assessment criteria.

The cost associated with accrediting vocational qualifications in Ireland can vary depending on the type of qualification being developed and the level of involvement required from QQI. The fee structure is based on a combination of the cost of evaluating the proposal, developing the qualification, and providing quality assurance for the qualification. In general, providers can expect to pay a fee of between €500 and €10,000 for the development and accreditation of a new qualification. Once the qualification has been developed, it is reviewed by a panel of experts in the relevant field. This panel evaluates the quality and standard of the qualification and makes recommendations for any necessary changes. Once these changes have been made, the qualification is approved and added to the NFQ.

QQI also plays a key role in quality assurance, monitoring the delivery of qualifications to ensure that they continue to meet the required standards. This includes regular reviews of the qualifications, assessments of the providers delivering the qualifications, and the investigation of any complaints or concerns about the quality of qualifications.

In relation to this project given that the national accreditation process in the Republic of Ireland involved significant costs and time to achieve, recognition for learners using the learning resources developed as part of the project was sought at the organisation level. In this case learners successfully completing a particular programme e.g., Understanding Citizenship were awarded a Dundalk Institute of Technology certification of completion.

Spanish Accreditation

The Spanish system for accrediting vocational qualifications is designed to ensure that learners have access to high-quality education and training programmes that prepare them for the demands of the labour market. The system is managed by the Spanish government and is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.

Vocational qualifications in Spain are based on a system of professional qualifications, known as Certificados de Profesionalidad. These qualifications are divided into levels, with level 1 being the entry level and level 5 being the highest level of qualification. Each level is designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to perform specific job roles effectively.

To obtain a Certificado de Profesionalidad, learners must complete a programme of study that has been approved by the government. These programmes are developed by training providers and must meet specific quality criteria to be approved. The approval process includes a review of the content of the programme , the qualifications of the teaching staff, and the facilities and resources available to learners.

The cost of accrediting vocational qualifications in Spain can vary depending on the type of programme being developed and the level of involvement required from the government. The cost includes the fees for programme approval, as well as any fees associated with the delivery of the programme, such as the cost of hiring teaching staff, providing resources, and assessing learners. The exact costs can vary widely, depending on the provider and the type of programme being offered.

In addition to Certificados de Profesionalidad, Spain also offers a range of vocational qualifications that are recognized across Europe. These qualifications are based on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and are designed to be transferable across different countries and industries. This allows learners to take advantage of employment opportunities across Europe and gives employers access to a diverse and highly skilled workforce.

In relation to this project given that the national accreditation process in the Spain involved significant costs and time to achieve, recognition for learners using the learning resources developed as part of the project was sought at the organisation level. In this case learners successfully completing a particular programme e.g., Digital Skills were awarded a DECROLY certification of completion.

Finish Accreditation

The Finnish system for accrediting vocational qualifications is highly regarded as one of the most effective systems in the world. The system is designed to ensure that learners have access to high-quality education and training programmes that prepare them for the demands of the labour market. The system is managed by the Finnish National Agency for Education, which is responsible for overseeing the development and accreditation of vocational qualifications.

In Finland, vocational qualifications are known as Ammatillinen Peruskoulutus, and are based on a system of competencies. Each vocational qualification is divided into modules, with each module focusing on a specific area of knowledge and skills. Learners must complete a specified number of modules to earn a vocational qualification.

To obtain a vocational qualification in Finland, learners must complete a programme of study that has been approved by the Finnish National Agency for Education. These programmes are developed by vocational institutions and must meet specific quality criteria to be approved. The approval process includes a review of the content of the programme, the qualifications of the teaching staff, and the facilities and resources available to learners.

The cost of accrediting vocational qualifications in Finland is borne by the government. The government provides funding to vocational institutions to develop and deliver approved programmes. This funding covers the cost of hiring teaching staff, providing resources, and assessing learners. As a result, learners do not have to pay tuition fees to obtain a vocational qualification in Finland.

In addition to vocational qualifications, Finland also offers a range of vocational upper secondary qualifications that are recognized across Europe. These qualifications are based on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and are designed to be transferable across different countries and industries. This allows learners to take advantage of employment opportunities across Europe and gives employers access to a diverse and highly skilled workforce.

In relation to this project given that the national accreditation process in the Finland involved significant time to achieve, recognition for learners using the learning resources developed as part of the project was sought at the organisation level. In this case learners successfully completing a particular programme e.g., Finnish for Speakers of Other Languages were awarded a Salpaus Further Education Regional Consortium certification of completion.

Latvian Accreditation

The vocational qualification accreditation system in Latvia is a cornerstone of the country's efforts to provide a skilled and adaptable workforce that meets the demands of a dynamic job market. This system focuses on ensuring the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of vocational education and training (VET) programmes, aligning them with industry needs and standards.

The State Education Quality Service (IKVD) is the central authority responsible for accrediting vocational education and training programmes in Latvia. This accreditation process involves a rigorous evaluation of various aspects of the VET programme, such as curriculum design, learning outcomes, practical training opportunities, teaching methods, and the qualifications of instructors. The goal is to ensure that students receive training that equips them with practical skills and competencies that are directly applicable in the workplace.

Institutions offering vocational qualifications must bear expenses related to the accreditation process. These costs can include application fees, evaluation fees, and any required improvements to align the programme with accreditation standards. The specific costs can vary based on factors such as the complexity of the programme, the number of qualifications being accredited, and the extent of adjustments required to meet accreditation criteria.

Institutions seeking accreditation must consider not only the direct financial costs but also the broader benefits. An accredited VET programme not only attracts more students due to its recognized quality but also builds stronger connections with industries and employers. Graduates from accredited programmes are likely to have an easier time finding employment, as employers value qualifications that directly translate to relevant skills in the workplace.

In relation to this project given that the national accreditation process in the Latvia involved significant costs and time to achieve, recognition for learners using the learning resources developed as part of the project was sought at the organisation level. In this case learners successfully completing a particular programme where issued with an institution based certificate.

Benchmarking of Programmes to European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

The EQF is an overarching qualifications framework and a tool to help understand and compare qualifications awarded across different countries and systems within and beyond Europe.

The EQF has 8 levels, with the level of qualification indicating the degree of difficulty of skills and understanding required. There is alignment with the levels used within EU countries and the UK which facilitates comparing qualifications in country to that of another. However, it does not give an indication of content or length of the qualification just the level of difficulty to make a true comparison between two qualifications from differing countries these would need to be taken into consideration.

The EQF was used in the project to enable translation of qualifications developed or used as part of this project in one country to qualifications frameworks used in other countries. As the national qualifications framework was developed for Northern Ireland, the qualifications developed or used in the project were then mapped to corresponding EQF levels. This enabled each of the participating countries to then translate EQF levels to their own country’s qualification framework.

Fig. 2

Mapping of Qualifications Framework to European Qualifications Framework.