Vocational Qualifications

Update on guided learning hours (GLH) and total qualification time (TQT) for vocational qualifications

Ofqual, the regulator for qualifications, exams and assessment in England, requires us to comply with new arrangements for describing the size of a qualification. This is known as total qualification time (TQT). 

For our vocational qualifications, we will publish a time in hours to show the TQT, in addition to the GLH.

TQT is made up of two elements:

1. The number of hours an awarding organisation has assigned to a qualification for guided learning (GLH). GLH count for all supervised or contact time for teaching, learning and assessment activities
2. An estimate of the number of hours a learner will reasonably spend on any unsupervised learning or assessment activities (including homework) so they can successfully achieve their qualification. 

We have started to assign TQT to all new and existing qualifications. We will publish the details on the Register of Regulated Qualifications, Qualifications in Wales, and on our qualification pages. We will also incorporate the details into our qualification documentation. 

Please note: this is for information only and does not affect any other aspect of our qualifications. Centre assessed work should continue to be completed in normal curriculum time unless the specification states otherwise.

If you have any queries about this notice, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 02476 851509.