How to use this site
Guidance on Using the Search Facility
The Search FacilityThe Search facility is set up to be as detail specific as you need it to be.
The Search Fields
The search fields from Qualification Type to Certification End Date contain a drop down list. You can raise the list by clicking on the drop down arrows at the right of the information fields. From these lists you can pick a specific category that will help you narrow down the search criteria.
Not all the search fields require completion before you commence searching. You can choose to complete one field only and still conduct a search. These options are explained more fully in Using the Search Fields.
From Approval Start Date to Certification End Date
These search fields do not need to be completed when conducting a search.
The approval start/end date are those awarded by the Secretary of State.
The certification end date is the last possible date by which a qualification must be completed and all awards claimed.
The Accreditation Number
The accreditation number is the unique identifier given to a qualification by QCA during accreditation. If you know the accreditation number, you need not complete any other fields on the search facility, as each qualification has been assigned a unique number.
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Accreditation Number: |
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Try entering the accreditation number supplied above, and see what appears (result shown at the bottom of the page).
The All or Any Option
The search facility presents the option to search under "any" or "all" of the above criteria. The "any" field will conduct a search using perhaps only one selected field out of five, a combination of fields, or all those selected and therefore allows the database to be more flexible in its' returns. The "all" field is more restrictive, and will only search under the specific criteria you have selected or entered into the "title" search field.
The presentation of the search results can be ordered by title (in alphabetical sequence), or by the awarding body (in alphabetical sequence), and you can choose how many results per page you wish displayed.
Using the Search Fields
An Example of a Very Simple Search
Do you only wish to discover everything a specific awarding body offers? Then complete the field "Awarding Body" only, select 'all' criteria and click "Search". All qualifications accredited to your chosen awarding body will be displayed in alphabetical order.
This process can be completed for any other search field i.e. qualification type.
An Example of a Quick Search
Are you unsure of the title of a particular qualification on offer? Do you require general information on Level 2 qualifications offered by a particular awarding body? Then only complete those fields that are applicable to your search. For example, to search for an NVQ, at Level 2, and the chosen awarding body is OCR, complete the fields as follows:
Choose NVQ from the qualification type,
Now choose the level of the qualification,
And finally, the Awarding Body,
Now select the "all" option and click the "search" button to commence your search on the selected criteria above.
NOTE: Try conducting the search without the "any" option selected and compare the amount of results returned.
Searching Under Age Group
This is particularly useful if you wish to find all, or specific qualifications offered under one age group. You can tick all three boxes, just one or a combination of the three, depending on which age category you require results for.
For example, tick 16-18 and 18 to search for all qualifications that cover these age groups as shown below,
Complete the "all" option and any other fields that you need to then click "search".
Searching under Title
This field can be used to search the database on its' own or in conjunction with others.
The title field allows you to enter a word e.g. Technology, or full title of the qualification under which to search. However, it is worth noting that some qualifications do change their titles, so if the search is unsucessful, try narrowing your search criteria by including another field or being less specific in the title e.g. for Music Production, try searching under Music or Production and compare the results.
REMEMBER
You control the search facility so the results you produce are dependent on which criteria you choose to complete or leave blank. Experiment with the search facility and if all else fails, there is always the helpline !
The Accreditation Number Search Result
Go straight to the Qualifications Search Page.
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