Arrangements for the assessment of the Core qualifications from 01 January 2024

Learners who are ready for assessment on or after 1 January 2024 will be assessed via an MCQ only.  From this date, the internal assessment component (case studies) of the Core qualifications will be permanently removed. 

The MCQ is now a familiar assessment tool for learners/centres and statistically, the MCQ and different versions of the test show strong reliability in outcomes (consistent pass rates).  This instils confidence in the validity/reliability of the MCQ as an assessment tool, and the ability for learners to access the type of assessment. This permanent amendment to the assessment strategy will significantly reduce the assessment burden for providers and learners.  

In most cases learner certification will be automatic, following a successful MCQ result, thereby reducing the emphasis on the EQA whilst simultaneously enabling more streamlined learner progression. 

Please note: when there is a new version of the assessment learner results cannot be published immediately. In these circumstances, to ensure quality assurance, learner results may not be available for up to 20 days but will then move to automatic release.

The qualification specifications and assessment packs have now been updated.  Any changes will be listed in the version control table in the front of the qualification handbook and other associated documents and materials. 

Approved providers must ensure that their learners and delivery teams have access to the most up-to-date version of the qualification handbooks and assessment packs, which are available here.