Please note the transition arrangements, which allow people who have passed some QCF units (from the 2012 - 2017 syllabus) to complete their qualification with RQF units from the current syllabus, will end after 2022 with November 2022 being the last assessment opportunity.
ABE's outstanding RQF portfolio is the result of extensive research which builds on and enhances all the features loved about our QCF qualifications, moving the qualifications forward in order to develop the skills you will need in the coming decades.
Click on the links below to view the transition rules for each level:
Download the updated RQF portfolio framework:
Assessments for QCF qualifications finished in December 2017. If you completed one of these qualifications, you can simply go on to the next level from the RQF framework.
Transition guidelines for those partway through a qualification
The updated RQF versions of our qualifications have been mapped against the current versions to support progression from old to new. Our key priority is to look after the interest of learners during the transition, whilst adhering to the regulatory requirements by recognising prior learning “which is relevant to the knowledge, skills and understanding which will be assessed” as part of each qualification (Ofqual GCR E10.2).
There are QCF units which entitle you to exceptions based on our mapping activity whereby the completed QCF units will exempt you from an RQF unit. When completing your qualification, please ensure that you select RQF units that are not exempted by your QCF passes.
Your QCF exemption list:
| QCF qualification stage at the time of transfer | What you need to do |
|
Level 4 (all streams) - units passed: 3 |
Complete 4 units in total. Select and complete this mandatory RQF unit to make up your current QCF qualification: Dynamic Business Environments |
|
Level 4 (all streams) - units passed: 0-2 |
Choose either Level 4 Foundation Diploma (4 units) or Level 4 Diploma (8 units) - select outstanding number of units from the RQF framework according to the specific qualification you wish to achieve (excluding units you are exempt from). |
|
Level 5 (all streams) - units passed: 4-6 |
Pass 7 units in total. Choose the outstanding number of units from those available in the RQF framework in order to complete your QCF qualification (exclude units you are exempt from) |
|
Level 5 (all streams) - units passed: 7 |
Pass 8 units in total. Choose the necessary outstanding unit from those available in the RQF framework in order to complete your QCF qualification (exclude units you are exempt from) |
| Level 5 (all streams)
- units passed: 0-3 |
Pass 6 units in total. Choose the outstanding number of units from those available in the RQF framework in order to complete your QCF qualification (exclude units you are exempt from) |
| Level 6 (all streams)
- units passed: 3-4 |
Pass 5 units in total.
Select and complete one or two out of the four mandatory RQF units listed below to make up the your current QCF qualification (excluding units you are exempt from): Leading Strategic Change Business Strategy & Decision-making Developing International Markets Business Ethics and Sustainability |
| Level 6 (all streams)
- units passed: 0-2 |
Transfer to RQF. Pass 6 units in total. Choose the outstanding number of units from those available in the RQF framework in order to complete your QCF qualification (exclude units you are exempt from) |
Note 1. Business Management - Management of Information Systems (MIS) pathway – As notified in December 2015, the final exam session for MIS units took place in December 2016. Those who have not completed their MIS units must now complete units that make up BM qualifications. The transition rules in Table 1 apply as normal. They may request for a unit certificate for completed MIS unit/s.
Note 2. Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management (TTHM) – As notified in December 2016, the final exam session for TTHM units takes place in December 2017. Those who have not completed their TTHM qualfication after that exam session may transfer to BM programmes according to the transition rules on Table 1. They may request for a unit certificate for completed TTHM unit/s where exemptions do not apply.
Guidance notes
Those who have not completed their QCF qualification and who would like to transfer to an RQF qualification - according to the transition rules above - can apply to do so from 4th September 2017 onwards.
Those who have not completed their QCF qualification after the December 2017 exam session will need to complete their qualification with RQF units according to the rules above.
In a case where a QCF unit has exemption from two RQF units, it can only count it against one RQF unit.
The completed QCF and RQF units will be listed on your certificate.