I want to validate a new further education and training programme
Further Education and Training programmes offer learners one of two different systems:
- Common Award System (CAS) programmes and
- Programme Derived Award Standard (Non-CAS) programmes.
CAS programmes
The majority of current FET programmes offer awards from the Common Award System (CAS), where the award outcomes have already been developed by QQI. A CAS programme may lead to a major, special purpose, supplemental or minor award(s).
Programme Derived Award Standard (Non-CAS) programmes
Where there is no appropriate CAS award, it is possible to submit a programme to lead to a brand-new award, termed ‘Programme Derived Award Standard (Non-CAS)’. A Programme Derived Award Standard (Non-CAS) programme may lead to a major, special purpose, supplemental or minor award(s).
A Programme Derived Award Standard (Non-CAS) programme will map its learning outcomes to a relevant NFQ award type descriptor. This is to provide evidence that the programme can lead to a new QQI award.
Policies and criteria for the validation of programmes of education and training
QQI Policy for Determining Award Standards (2014)
Guidelines for Providers 2014, Operating Principles for PEL Arrangements
Assessment and Standards (Revised 2022)
QQI Policy and Criteria for Making Awards (2017)
Quality Assuring Assessment Guidelines for Providers (2018)
Protection of Enrolled Learners: Protocols for the Implementation of Part 6 of the 2012 Act
Protocols for the Protection of Enrolled Learners: Guidelines for Providers
Roles, Responsibilities and Code of Conduct for Reviewers and Evaluators (2018)
Programme leading to CAS Minor Award(s) <60 credits
- Guidance for Completing Programme Descriptor
- Programme Descriptor Template
- Independent Evaluation Report
Programme leading to CAS Major, Special Purpose or Supplemental Award
- Guidance for Completing Programme Descriptor
- Programme Descriptor Template
- Independent Evaluation Report
Programme leading to a new Programme Derived Award Standard (Non-CAS) Major, Special Purpose, Supplemental or Minor Award > 30 credits
- Guidance for Completing Programme Descriptor
- Programme Descriptor Template
- Independent Evaluation Report
Microcredential Programmes <= 30 credits
- Guidance for Completing Programme Descriptor
- Programme Descriptor Template
- Independent Evaluation Report
Common Documents
Self-Evaluation Report Template