edexcel

advancing learning. changing lives

., What is a BTEC?
A BTECis a work-related qualification, exclusive to Edexcel, which is designed to provide learners with the
skills, knowledge and behaviours they need in an increasingly competitive global workplace. As such, all
BTECqualifications are based on providing learners with employability skills and transferable skills such
as: problem solving skills; the ability to plan and schedule work; the ability to work as part of a team; and
the ability to multi-task on different projects.
When developing our BTECs,we work very closely with employers and professional bodies from various
industries to create qualifications which cover all aspects of the industry in question. For example, a BTEC
National Certificate in business would include topics such as law, marketing, human resources and
accounting.
BTECsare extremely flexible and can be run by schools, training providers, colleges and employers
depending on their needs. Additionally, because they are available at different competency levels, BTECs
are relevant for a range of learners from young adults seeking an alternative route to academic studies to
more mature and experienced learners who are already employed.
All BTECscombine a certain number of Guided
Learning Hours (GLH) along with independent
study in order to give learners the freedom to work
at their own pace while benefiting from teacher-
supervised sessions.

Which industries does

BTECcover?
Applied Sciences
Art and Design How are BTECs assessed?
Banking and Financial Services Since BTECshave been created to allow learners to gain
knowledge from real-life, work-based case studies, they do
Business,Management and Services not sit exams but are required to complete projects
and similar assessments. In this way learners may continuously
Children's Care, Learning and Development improve their performance as they would in the professional
Construction work place

Education and Training Each BTECis made up of units. The number of units a
learner takes depends on the level and size of BTECbeing
Engineering
studied (eg BTECFirst, BTECNational, BTECHigher
Hairdressing, Beauty and Related Therapies National). In order to complete each unit, learners must
achieve a set of outcomes which are a combination of
Health, Care and Counselling theoretical and practical exercises. The projects that
learners undertake form the basis of their unit results
Hospitality
which are graded as a Pass,a Merit or a Distinction. Since
ITand Computing the assessment process is ongoing, it allows the learners to
analyse and improve their performance throughout the
Land and the Environment course in much the same way as they would in a real
workplace.
Languages
Media
Where are BTECs delivered?
Performing Arts and Music
BTECsare delivered by schools, colleges, universities,
Public Servicesand Security training providers and employers. They are popular
qualifications amongst young people and adults alike.
Sport, Leisure and Recreation BTECsare flexible, enabling learners to study them either
full-tirne or part-time.
Travel, Tourism and Transport Services

For more information visit

www.edexcelmena.com
•
Which BTEC is suitable?
BTECsare available at various levels to suit a number of needs:

BTECFirsts are level 2 qualifications which are the
equivalent of traditional GCSEswith grades A* - C.ln 2007, there
was a 50% increase in BTECregistrations across schools in the
UK.There are currently over 60 BTECFirst qualifications
available linked to industry sectors.The BTECFirst is
suitable for learners aged 14 -16 and is designed for those
who wish to focus on a work related vocational
qualification or work area.
BTECNationals are designed as specialist qualifications for
learners who have a clear view of their future career or are
seeking progression to higher education. BTECNationals are
equivalent to A levels and are highly valued by universities,
further education colleges and employers alike. There are
more than 250 qualificationsfrom which learners may choose.
BTECHNCsand HNDs - The BTECHigher National
Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma
(HND) are level 5 higher education qualifications,
widely recognised by universities and professional
bodies. There are more than 150 qualifications available,
suitable for students aged 16 and above. The HNC is
often studied part-time alongside full-time
employment. A Higher National learner will develop
management and other higher level technical skills
required by employers. After a period of usually two
years, learners could gain credit towards university
undergraduate degree programmes.
BTECShort Courses are a range of qualifications available
from levels 1-7. Each qualification focuses upon the
understanding, skills and knowledge needed for a sector,
area of expertise or professional development.

As such, the courses are designed to concentrate on

relatively small blocks of learning. There is a recognised
progression route within the programme's structure that
allows learners who complete a short course to continue
studying at a higher level or to enrol on an extended
programme at the same level.

BTECShort Courses are especially suitable for employers

and employees as they can be tailored to fit around staff's
existing responsibilities.

/
Edexcel qualifications help to shape and change people's lives. It gives a clear
description of the work standards they need to meet and heightened
awareness of their job role and responsibilities. Students feel a sense of
achievement of a job well done and greater confidence to do their job better. 1/
Forte BusinessConsult, Kuwait
" We felt Edexcel's BTECoffering was the accreditation of choice, as it is
accepted by over 200 universities worldwide. The BTECqualification
carries the type of credentials that make our students more
marketable and relevant.
Sharjah Institute ofTechnology, United Arab Emirates
How long does it take to
complete a BTEC?
The time taken to complete a BTECis dependent on the
size and level of the qualification. Some BTECShort
Courses can be completed in a week, however a BTEC
First, National, HNC and HND will generally take one to
two years to complete depending on whether the student
is studying full or part time.
BTECdelivery partners determine the mode of study for
the BTECqualifications they deliver. They are also
responsible for ensuring that the learners they accept are
capable of achieving the qualification, and for supporting
them through their studies.
What is the difference between
a BTECAward, Certificate
and Diploma?
The different sizes of BTECqualifications vary at each
level; the smallest is an Award, the next size is a
Certificate and the largest is a Diploma. The actual
number of units and the amount of content within each
is not fixed, but varies according to the design and focus
of each qualification.
BTEC Recognition and Progression
Because BTECsare developed in collaboration with key
industry representatives and sector skills councils to
ensure they meet employer and learner needs, they are
recognised by universities, professional bodies, industry
association, and employers worldwide. Several
multinational companies run BTECtraining programmes
for their staff and there are a number of professional
bodies and industry associations which offer holders of an
Edexcel BTECHND exemptions for their own accredited
qualifications. Similarly, many universities, both local and
international, will grant either advanced or final year entry
on to their degree programmes for holders of an Edexcel
BTECHND. Others accept the Edexcel BTECHND for
matriculation purposes and may consider granting transfer
credit onto an undergraduate degree course.
As with all university applications, it is important to
remember that submitted application forms are studied by
the university admissions department on a case-by-case
basis. Additionally, each university has its own admission
criteria. Therefore, it is essential that applicants contact
the admissions department of their university of choice for
any information regarding admissions criteria or
procedures.
For more information visit
www.edexcelmena.com
New from Edexcel
WorkSkilis
After consulting with employers, training providers, schools and
colleges, Edexcel developed WorkSkilis to introduce learners to
skills not always taught in schools and colleges. WorkSkilis also
encompasses work placement, teamwork, vocational and
interview techniques and capabilities which help people acquire
necessary soft skills such as: adaptability, a positive attitude
and the willingness to continue learning throughout their
careers.
WorkSkilis consists of 30 stand-alone units which can be
combined in a variety of ways to create a number of
qualifications of different sizes and at different levels to suit the
needs of individual learners. Moreover, WorkSkilis can be
implemented either as a stand-alone qualification or as part of
an existing BTEC.
Learners can choose units from the following four skills
pathways: Personal Life Skills, Sustainable Employability
Skills, Work Placement Skills and Skills for Business.
This qualification is ideal for:
• employers across all industries that want to offer
short, versatile units which can fit around their staff's
schedule and enables employees to gain the
essential soft skills that will allow them to perform to
a higher standard
• training providers that are responsible for providing
their learners with the skills, knowledge and
behaviours they need to be employable in today's
competitive job market
Business Communication
The Business Communication qualification has been
created to improve learners' proficiency in English for
the work-place by allowing them to demonstrate their
written, oral and reading skills within a business setting.
They will also benefit from the sample assignments,
assessment templates and delivery ideas which accompany
the BTECAward in Teaching Business English.
This qualification is ideal for:

• employers across all industries whose local staff is

The qualification is designed around a suite of units
which will benefit learners who have a basic grasp of
English and want to build their knowledge and skills
specifically for the work place.
To support the instructors, the BTECAward in
Teaching Business English has been is designed to help
them plan, deliver and assessthe BTECin Business
Communication.
skilled but lack the English language proficiency
to communicate in an international business arena
• training providers that require an English language
qualification which will increase their
learners' proficiency and who wish to add value to
their existing qualifications
• language schools and colleges wishing to expand
their portfolio to include a qualification
specifically designed for the business environment

Training and Development

(Professional Tutors)
The importance of the tutor to the successof the
learner cannot be underestimated; learners will
rarely achieve their potential if they are not effectively
taught. Edexcel has developed teaching qualifications
for professional education tutors to ensure that they
are well-equipped to help learners achieve their
highest potential.
This qualification is ideal for:
• employers across all industries that want to ensure
the individuals delivering their in-house staff learning and
development courses are able to effectively meet their
learners' and, therefore, the company's needs

• training providers that want to increase their competitive

The qualification is comprised of an initial bank of 30
advantage by ensuring their staff members are up-to-date
hour units and is designed for those already
with the latest industry techniques and innovations
engaged in teaching.

The units cover a range of areas from understanding

a learner's needs to developing creative resources,
through to using ICTto support learning. The units
are relevant for all centres and all tutors regardless
of whether or not they currently deliver Edexcel
professional qualifications.

For more information visit

www.edexcelmena.com
• A guide to Edexcel qualifications on the UK qualifications framework
All standard Edexcel qualifications are mapped against the UK qualifications framework and align well with the European
qualifications framework. The table below provides an indicative guide to the relative level of our qualifications mapped
against the UK qualifications framework and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).

Customised BTECscan not be formally mapped against the UK qualifications framework or FHEQbecause they are created
specifically to meet the needs of a particular country, institution or organisation. However, we have included them on the
table below as a guide for assessingthe comparative level at which Edexcel believes these customised qualifications to be.

Framework for Higher

•
General Academic Customised BTEC Standard BTEC
Education Qualifications
Qualifications Qualifications Qualifications
(FHEQ)

D (Doctoral)
doctorates

M (Masters)
BTEC Advanced Professional
masters degree,
Diplomas, Certificates and
postgraduate certificates
Awards
and diplomas

H (Honours)
BTEC Professional Diplomas,
bachelors degree, graduate
Certificates and Awards
certificate and diplomas

BTEC Professional Diplomas,
Certificates and Awards
I (Intermediate)
diplomas of higher
BTEC Higher National
& further education,
Diplomas and Certificates
foundation degrees,
higher national diplomas

~~~~~~========~~======~.~
C (Certificate)
BTEC Professional Diplomas,
certificates of hig her
Certificates and Awards
-I education
LU
>
LU
-I
BTEC National Diplomas,
Z Certificates and Awards
o GCEA Levels BTECAdvanced
!;i: BTEC Foundation Diploma
in Art and design
U
LL
::J BTEC First Diploma and
«
:::> GSCE grades A*- C Certificates
a BTEC Intermediate
Diploma, Certificate and
::::c::: IGCSE grades A* - C t Award in Digital Applications
:::> (DIDA)
z
LU BTEC Introductory Diploma
VI and Certificates
GSCE - grades D - G
«
LU BTEC Introductory
0:: Diploma, Certificate and
IGCSE grades D - G t Award in Digital Applications
U
Z (DIDA)
•

HND - Higher National Diploma

HNC - Higher National Certificate
GCE - General Certificate of Education
GSCE - General Certificate of Secondary Education
IGCSE-International Certificateof SecondaryEducation

IMPORTANT NOTE: tlGCSES are not on the UK qualifications framework because they are an international qualification, ho wever they are
bench marked at the same level as GCSEs.We have shown them on this table to illustrate their indicative level compared to UK qualifications.
•
What is a BTECqualification?
A BTECqualification is a vocational, work-related
qualification which is designed toprovide learners
with the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need
in an increasinglycompetitive global workplace.
What is vocational education?
Vocational education is the process of acquiring skills,
knowledge and understandingmainly through
experience rather than through traditional class-room
education. Thisstyle of learning is non-academic and
related to a specific trade or occupation; therefore,the
learner participates in job-related activities and
directly develops expertise in theirfield.Edexcel's BTEC
qualifications are designed to provide learners with
world-classvocational education.
How is a BTECcourse typically structured?
BTECcourses are designed to give learners the
independence and freedom to work on projects while
providing a solid theoretical base upon which to build
their knowledge andskills. Therefore, BTECcourses
combine a certain number of teacher-supervised
GuidedLearning Hours (GLH) as well as independent
study time.
What is the difference between a standard qualifica-
tion and a customisedqualification?
A standard qualification is one of thousands of
qualifications which we have alreadywritten and is
available to all centres to run 'as is'.ln some cases,
certain employers or training providers have
requirements which arespecific to their organisation
or the city or country in which they are based. In
thesecases, we work in collaboration with them to
design a qualification which meets thoseneeds. Unlike
standard qualifications which are available to all
centres, customisedqualifications remain the property
of the centre for which they were developed
andcannot be given to other centres.
When are the exams?
Since BTECsare designed to replicate the professional
working environment and sincethere are no exams in
the work-place, instead of sitting for exams, learners
are
How does Edexcel ensure its BTECqualifications are
relevant to the industry for which they are created?
When designing our qualifications, we work very
closely with employers, professional bodies and
sector skills councils from various industries to obtain
information regarding the skills, knowledge and
behaviours individuals must possess. As a result,
BTECscover all aspects of the industry for which they
were created. For example, a BTECNational Certificate
in Business would cover marketing, law, human
resources and accounting. Additionally, our BTECsare
constantly being updated in line with industry needs
as identified by our partners and learners.
What are 'Sector Skills Councils' (SSCs)?
In the UK, these are state-sponsored, employer-led
organisations that cover specific economic sectors.
They have four key goals: reduce skills gaps and
shortages; improve productivity; boost the skills of
their sector workforces; improve learning supply.
What are 'National Occupational Standards' (NOS)?
In the UK, National Occupational Standards are
benchmarks of performance that provide the means
for assessing performance in a job. They are work-
related statements of the ability, knowledge,
understanding and experience that an individual
should have to carry out key tasks effectively.
What is the 'Qualifications and Credit Framework'
(QCF)?
The QCF is a new way of formally recognising learners'
skills and qualifications by awarding credit for
completed units. In this way, learners may gain their
qualifications at their own pace.
What is a competency framework?
A competency framework is a compilation of the
standard skills, knowledge and behaviours required
for the satisfactory performance of a specific job. The
number and type of these requirements depends on
the nature and complexity of the work along with the
culture and values of the organisation. All BTECSare
designed around the competency framework of the
industry for which they are developed.
What are employability skills?
Also known as 'transferable skills' or 'core skills', these
are general skills which form the basis of all BTEC
qualifications. Examples include letter writing,
working as part of a team, creating presentations and
public speaking.
 Who regulates Edexcel?
Edexcel is regulated by various UK government
organisations such as the Qualifications and Curriculum
Development Agency (QCDA) and the Office of the
Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual). We
also work in partnership with the UK government's
Department for Education and Skills (DfES)and
Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).
How does Edexcel guarantee the quality of the
teaching in Edexcel-approved centres?
As part of their application for approval, our training
deliver partners must agree to participate in and
conform to the following quality assurance processes:
· undertake two-day, on-site implementation training
facilitated by an Edexcel-appointed industry expert
which will ensure your staff are familiar with all Edexcel
processes and procedures
· request customised training as needed
· design, set and assessall student work in accordance
with the criteria outlined in Edexcel's qualification
specification
· appoint an Internal Verifier (IV) to periodically check a
random sample of student work and assessments to
ensure consistency with Edexcel's criteria
· periodically receive an Edexcel-contracted External
Verifier (EV)who will check a random sample of student
work and assessments to ensure they are of the
required level and deliver all the qualification's learning
outcomes; the EVwill also provide guidance and
recommendations for improvement if necessary.
How do I become an approved Edexcel-approved BTEC
centre?
In order to become an Edexcel approved BTECcentre
you will have to demonstrate that you possess
adequate training premises and facilities - including
any necessary equipment - as well as trained staff
capable of delivering the qualifications and quality
assurance policies and procedures.
As a first step, you will complete the International
Centre and Qualification Approval Form which can be
found on www.edexcel.com and submit it to your
Edexcel regional office. Your Edexcel representative will
then advise you of your next steps and any additional
req uirements.
•.....•
What support does Edexcel give its centres?
All Edexcel centres have access to the following:
· a wealth of information via our Pearson sister
companies such as teacher materials, student materials,
on-screen testing and custom publishing
. a dedicated Edexcel representative who will
continuously assist you and work with you to update
your existing qualifications or introduce new qualifica-
tions
. customised training suites developed to meet your
specific requirements when you need them
· access to Edexcel Online (EOL)an online service
which allows you to register students, track your
approval progress, obtain results, order Edexcel
publications and more
· a regional marketing manager who will work with you
and advise you on best practices for advertising and
marketing yourself and your qualifications
· a regional operations manager who will work with you
to resolve any queries related to registrations and
invoicing
I am an employer who currently unable to run in-house
training programmes. How do I provide my staff with
Edexcel qualifications?
Many employers work with Edexcel-approved training
providers. A list of these centres is available on
www.edexcelmena.com.
Will you run the course for us?
In order to give you the freedom and flexibility to
deliver the courses in the manner best suited to your
organisation, staff and learners, we prefer that you run
the course as you see fit. However, as part of our
standard procedure, we will work with your trainers to
ensure that they are able to deliver the training to
internationally accepted industry standards.
What progression opportunities are available?
Globally, there are a number of universities and
professional bodies that recognise and grant BTEC
HNC/HND holders credit toward undergraduate
degrees or professional diplomas. A Progression and
Recognition Directory can be found on
www.edexcel.com.
For more information visit
..l!.!wwww.excelmena.com
Reasons to partner with Edexcel Benefits of becoming an
Edexcel partner
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For more information visit

www.edexcelmena.com