QQI is grateful to stakeholders for their engagement in all our consultation activities. Consultation has now closed on the following publications.
After reviewing the consultation feedback and further consideration by the Fgas Standards Advisory group it is proposed to replace the four component awards of Special Purpose Level 5 Handling FGas Refrigerants (including four components) with four stand-alone Special Purpose awards to reflect the four categories of certification required by current European Union and National legislation.
Providers were asked to note that the following draft awards will be Non-CAS awards:
Questions regarding this Consultation were to have been submitted by email to consultation@qqi.ie using the subject FGas, and received by QQI on or before the closing date of 6 March 2020.
Consultation closed on 6 March 2020.
QQI established a Standards Advisory Group to review the QQI Special Purpose FGas Handling awards standards at Level 5. The review process for FGas Handling award standards highlighted that the standards required change to reflect current practice and current European Union and National legislation and regulations.
QQI sought feedback on the above revised award standards. To collect feedback a downloadable Guideline for Respondents was provided.
Questions regarding this consultation were to be sent through QHelp for the attention of the Research and Standards team.
All responses were to have been submitted by email to Consultation@qqi.ie using the subject FGas, and received by QQI on or before the closing date of 31 December 2019.
QQI has published draft Statutory Guidelines for the National University of Ireland (NUI) for the Review of its Linked Providers
This White Paper has been developed in consultation with the National University of Ireland. QQI is seeking feedback from stakeholders on the proposed policy contained in this White Paper. Consultation closed on 1 February 2019.
QQI established a Reference Group related to the review of the award standards at NFQ Levels 1-4. We are looked at Level 4 awards in parallel to Levels 1 - 3.
In March 2018 QQI published a report summarising feedback on Levels 1 - 3, asking consultation questions and proposing further activity.
Consultation closed on 3 December 2018.
QQI has established a Standards Review Group to review the ECCE awards ensuring that the award(s) standards (below) meet the current and expected future needs of learners and employers. Level 4 Early Childhood Education and Care Support 4M2014 and associated component awards Level 5 Early Childhood Care and Education 5M2009 and associated component awards Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education 6M2007 and associated component awards At its first meeting on 23rd of October, the group considered a range of issues and these are reflected in a Pre-review Consultation Document. Consultation closed on 03 December 2018.
QQI’s Green Paper on Assessment sets out a framework and context for discussing assessment issues. It is aimed at a number of sectors, including the FET, HET and ELE sectors.Using the Green Paper as a basis, created focussed opportunities for discussion of the issues through workshops and focus groups before collecting written feedback on the issues from stakeholders. These took place during autumn 2018.
Consultation closed on 7 December 2018.
In recent months QQI has undertaken validation activity related to programmes leading to the new ‘CELT’ award. In that process issues were identified in relation to understanding and implementation of the ELT standards by providers. QQI considers there are legitimate concerns and has taken the approach of reviewing the 2014 ELT standards. The changes (highlighted in yellow) are identified in the draft revised Awards Standards for Teaching English as a Second or Other Language at NFQ Levels 6-9.
The proposed revisions relate to:• Clarifying the situation at level 7 where the qualifier ‘comprehensive’ in the 2014 standards were taken as relating to the CELT programme specifically rather than to the level as a whole.• A different award title to ‘CELT’ is now proposed to distinguish the pre service award from others. The new title proposed is ‘Certificate in Teaching English as a Second or Other Language’ (TESOL).• The credit value for the TESOL award has been amended to ‘a minimum of 10 ECTS’ to reflect the broad principles of ECTS (as referenced in the Principles and Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of a National Approach to Credit in Irish Higher Education and Training.• The implementation of QQI’s new core policy and procedures for the validation of programmes means that much of the text related to programme content has now been removed as these sources are available elsewhere - Policies and Criteria for the Validation by QQI of Programmes of Education and Training (2016).Consultation closed on 21 November 2018.
A Standards Review/Development Group was established to review the existing major award at level 5 and to develop a new major Music award at level 6.
Level 5 Music Studies Awards and respective componentsSurvey for Level 5 Certificate Music Studies Award and respective components
Advanced Certificate Music and respective components Survey for Advanced Certificate Music and respective components
Consultation closed 10 October 2017
A Standards Review/Development Group was established to review the existing major award at level 5 and to develop a new major Dance award at level 6.
Level 5 Dance Studies Awards and respective componentsSurvey for Level 5 Certificate Dance Studies Award and respective components
Advanced Certificate Dance and respective components Survey for Advanced Certificate Dance and respective components
Consultation closed 9 October 2017
A Standards Development Group was established to develop new awards at level 6 related to Commercial Scuba Diving Operations and Surface Supplied Diving Operations.
Level 6 Special Purpose Certificate Commercial Scuba Diving Operations Level 6 Special Purpose Certificate Surface Supplied Diving Operations
A Standards Review Group was established to review the existing vocationally specific standards at level 6 related to Domestic Gas Safety and Non Domestic Gas Safety Awards.
A Standards Review Group was established to review the existing vocationally specific standards at level 4 related to private security services. The review process has recommended the standards be changed to reflect recent developments by the Private Security Authority (PSA) to capture occupational standards related to door security personnel and also to security guarding (static and event) personnel.
QQI is now seeking feedback on the reviewed standards. To collect your feedback we have devised on online survey for the award standards. The survey is now closed.
Level 4 Special Purpose Door Security Practices comprising one component Level 4 Door Security Skills (here)Level 4 Special Purpose Security Guarding comprising one component Level 4 Security Guarding Skills (here)
Thank you for participating and providing feedback.
Consultation on QQI's White Paper on Procedures and Criteria Relating to Delegation of Authority took place in October 2016.
Specifically this white paper presented 1. Draft procedures and criteria for the determination of a request for delegated authority to make an award in respect of a programme or class of programmes 2. Draft procedures for the review of each programme or class of programme of education and training of a provider to which authority to make an award has been delegatedThe paper was of particular interest to:
A. institutes of technology B. education and training boards established by section 9 of the Education and Training Boards Act 2013; C. SOLAS; D. Failte Ireland; E. Teagasc; F. any provider of a programme of education and training fulfilling the conditions set out in regulations made under section 52(8) of the 2012 Act (these regulations have not yet been made).
Consultation closed on Friday 21 October 2016.
Response to stakeholder feedback available here
QQI has published a discussion paper concerning the proposed approach to the review of QQI award standards across further and higher education and training.
Following discussion with relevant stakeholders the approach and the review schedule for 2017-19 will be confirmed.Consultation closed on 31 March 2017.
QQI has published draft quality assurance guidelines (white paper) for public consultation. Statutory quality assurance guidelines set out those elements which providers will have regard to when establishing, or updating their own QA procedures in order to have such procedures approved by QQI (with the exception of the previously established universities). This set of guidelines refer to :
Sector Specific Quality Assurance Guidelines for Education and Training Boards
Consultation closed on Friday 10 February 2017.
This White Paper contains proposed policy for topic-specific quality assurance guidelines for research degree programmes. The first version of this White Paper was published in July 2016. This second version was updated following feedback from providers and other stakeholders. QQI would like to thank all those providers and stakeholders for the comprehensive feedback received. Topic Specific QA Guidelines for Research Degrees - White Paper (Version 2)
This white paper presents procedures for focused reviews by QQI of the implementation and effectiveness of provider QA procedures under Section 34 (1) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act, 2012. These procedures apply to all providers who have QA procedures established under Section 28 of the 2012 Act.
Procedures for Focused Reviews by QQI of the Implementation and Effectiveness of Provider QA Procedures
Consultation closed on Friday 20 January 2017.
A Standards Development Group was established in 2015 to develop the vocationally specific Web Project Development and Digital Media Production standards. Consultation on the reviewed and proposed new standards, listed in the table below, took place in November.
Award Standard (click award title to access document)
Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Web Project Development
Level 6 Web Project Development Capstone
Level 6 Component Certificate Internet Programming
Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Digital Media Production
Level 6 Digital Media Production Capstone
Level 6 Component Certificate Interactive Scripting for the Web
Consultation closed on Wednesday 16 November 2016.
Topic-Specific Quality Assurance Guidelines for Research Degree Programmes
Consultation closed on Thursday 3 November 2016.
A Standards Review Group, comprising statutory, regulatory, education and training providers was established in 2016 to develop the vocationally specific standards for Firefighting Operations. QQI is now seeking feedback on the proposed new standards, listed below. Level 6 Specific Purpose Certificate in Firefighting Operations (which comprises the following component certificates)• Level 6 Component Certificate Firefighting Skills
• Level 6 Component Certificate Using Breathing Apparatus
• Level 6 Component Certificate Transportation Incidents
• Level 6 Component Certificate Hazardous Materials
• Level 6 Component Certificate Fire Service Pump Operation
Consultation on the Specific Purpose and Component Certificates is now open. Please submit your feedback through our online survey, available here. The closing date for feedback is 16 September 2016.
Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NB8KNCS to access the survey.
A Standards Review Group was established in 2015 to review the existing vocationally specific agriculture standards and develop some new awards standards. QQI sought feedback on the reviewed and proposed new standards, listed below.
Level 5 Certificate in AgricultureLevel 6 Advanced Certificate in AgricultureLevel 6 Specific Purpose in Farm Administration
Consultation closed on Monday 30 May 2016
QQI carried out a review of standards for tourism guiding at level 6 and published the draft standards for consultation in May 2016. The reviewed and proposed new standards are listed below.
Level 6 Specific Purpose Angling GuidingLevel 6 Specific Purpose Coastal GuidingLevel 6 Specific Purpose National Tourist GuidingLevel 6 Specific Purpose Regional Tour Guiding
Consultation closed on Tuesday 31 May 2016.
QQI published a series of draft quality assurance guidelines (white papers) for public consultation. Statutory quality assurance guidelines set out those elements which providers will have regard to when establishing, or updating their own QA procedures in order to have such procedures approved by QQI (with the exception of the previously established universities). Policy on Quality Assurance Guidelines Core Statutory Quality Assurance GuidelinesSector-Specific Quality Assurance Guidelines for Private and Independent ProvidersTopic-Specific Quality Assurance Guidelines for Flexible and Distributed Learning
Consultation closed on Friday 5 February 2016.
Topic-Specific Statutory Quality Assurance Guidelines for Apprenticeship
Consultation closed on 16 February 2016.
Sector-Specific Quality Assurance Guidelines for Institutes of TechnologySector-Specific Quality Assurance Guidelines for Designated Awarding Bodies
Consultation closed on 10 June 2016
For further information on this consultation document please see the following presentation: Powerpoint from Consultation with Potential providers for Apprenticeship 28 jan 2016 and Presentation on QA linked independent and private Providers January 29
QQI has published a white paper and opened a consultation process on draft Policy and Criteria for the Validation of Education and Training Programmes available here
For further information on this consultation document please see the following presentation: Presentation on Validation White Paper Private Providers January 29
Consultation closed 26 February 2016.
Response to Stakeholder Feedback available here.
QQI carried out a consultation process for the Draft Terms of Reference for a Review of Mary Immaculate College on behalf of UL
For further information please see here
Consultation closed on 24 December 2015
QQI carried out a consultation process for higher education and training standards in Architectural Technology Level 6 to Level 9.
For further details please see here.
Consultation closed 6 January 2016.
QQI carried out consultation process for the policy on cyclical Reviews in Higher Education Institutions. The White Paper is available here.
Consultation closed on 16 October.
Submissions on this white paper can be viewed here.
QQI carried out consultation on quality assurance guidelines for providers of further education and training programmes. The draft is available here.
Consultation closed on 07 July 2015.
QQI carried out consultation on Food Safety Oriented awards at NFQ Levels 5 and 6.
The drafts are available here. Consultation closed on 22 May 2015.
QQI carried out consultation on two proposed new NFQ Level 6 minor awards (Newswriting and Editing) for inclusion in the Media Production Award Specification 6M5130.
QQI consulted on NFQ Level 5 and 6 Lifeguarding awards. The drafts are available here.
QQI consulted on NFQ Levels 5 and 6 Film and Television awards. The drafts are available here.
QQI consulted on a new NFQ Level 5 Maths for Computing minor award specification. The drafts are available here. Consultation closed in March 2015.
QQI consulted on standards for the following four major awards which it expects to publish in 2015:
Electronic Technology Awards at NFQ Levels 5 and 6
Multimedia at NFQ Level 6
Multimedia and Web Development at NFQ Level 6
Office Informatics and a Capstone Minor at NFQ Level 5.
See here for the preliminary consultation paper. Consultation closed on 12 December 2014.
QQI consulted on Guidelines for Pre-Higher Education Foundation Awards for International Students.
See here for the consultation paper. Consultation closed on 19 December 2014.
QQI has been exploring with Solas the possibility of regulating craft awards standards in a more general way through NFQ Award-type Descriptors rather than through QQI awards standards for specific crafts: Proposed new Occupational/Practitioner Award-type Descriptors at NFQ Levels 5 and 6. Consultation closed on 27 November 2014.
Advanced Certificate Craft (Major Award at NFQ Level 6) Carpentry and Joinery • Report of the External Review Group Carpentry and Joinery Apprentice Programme
Advanced Certificate Craft (Major Award at NFQ Level 6) Electrical • Report of the External Review Group Electrical Apprentice Programme
Advanced Certificate Craft (Major Award at NFQ Level 6) Plumbing • Report of the External Review Group Plumbing Apprentice Programme
Advanced Certificate Craft (Major Award at NFQ Level 6) Metal Fabrication • Report of the External Review Group Metal Fabrication Apprentice Programme
Advanced Certificate Craft (Major Award at NFQ Level 6) Heavy Vehicle Mechanic • Report of External Review Group Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Apprentice Programme
Consultation closed on 26 November 2014.
White Paper on Quality Assurance Guidelines and Criteria for Providers of English Language Teaching Programmes
Draft guidelines and criteria for ELT providers who will be applying for the IEM.
White Paper on Code of Practice for Providers of Programmes of Education and Training to International Students
Draft Code of Practice to supplement policy on authorisation to use the IEM.
White Paper on Policy on Quality Assurance Guidelines
Draft policy to provide the overarching framework for the development of QA guidelines
White Paper Policy on Monitoring
Draft policy on QQI’s approach to monitoring the Irish qualifications and quality assurance landscape
White Paper on Policy and Criteria for Making Awards
Draft policy for award making by QQI and providers with DA
White Paper on Policy for Determining Award Standards
Draft technical policy to provide for QQI’s approach to determining award standards.
Consultation closed on 14 November. Submissions on four of the above White Papers - QA guidelines, Monitoring, Awards and Award Standards - can be viewed here. Submissions on the IEM COP and QA guidelines for ELT can be viewed here.
White Paper on Authorisation to Use the International Education Mark. Consultation closed on 25 July 2014. To view the submission received, click here.
White Paper on Reengagement with Legacy Providers: Overarching Policy
White Paper on Policy and Criteria for Higher Education and Training Voluntary Legacy Providers Continuing Access to Validation Leading to QQI Awards
Green Paper on Facilitating the Recognition of Qualifications
To view the submissions received click here. Consultation closed on 9 May 2014.
White Paper on Policy and Criteria for the Delegation of Authority to the Institutes of Technology to Make Higher Education and Training Awards (including joint awards)
White Paper on Policy and Criteria for Aligning Professional Awards with the National Framework of Qualifications at Levels 7, 8 and 9
White Paper on Policy and Criteria for Provider Access to Initial Programme Validation Leading to QQI Awards
White Paper on Regulations for Protection of Enrolled Learners: Implementation of Part 6 of the 2012 Act
White Paper on Fees for QQI Services
The consultation closed on 27 August 2013. To view the submission received, click here. To view the progress report August 2013, click here. To view the progress report for November 2013, click here.
QQI consulted on its Draft Strategy Statement 2014 - 2016. The consultation closed on 19 July 2013. To view the report on the outcomes of the consultation, click here.
Consultation on our Comprehensive Policy Development Programme Sections 1, 2 and 3 closed on June 7. To view submissions received on Sections 1, 2 and 3 Green papers, click here. To view the Report on General Themes emerging from this consultation, click here. Phase II of the consultation for Section 4 of this suite of Green Papers closed on 13 September 2013. To view the submissions received click here.
Consultation events were held on 20 May (Dublin) and 28 May (Cork) 2013.
Click here to view Stakeholder Feedback Report. Click here to view Events Evaluation Report
Policy Development Process
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