New Level 1 and Level 2 Awards
There are three FETAC major awards at levels 1 and 2 as follows:
- Level 1 Certificate in Communications
- Level 1 Certificate in General Learning
- Level 2 Certificate in General Learning
Awards at level 1 and level 2 aim to meet the needs of learners, young and old, adults who may be returning to education and training or who may be engaging with learning for the first time, learners with few or no previous qualifications and some learners who are currently in the workforce. They provide certification for learners who may progress to higher levels and also for those whose principal achievements rest at these levels.
Each certificate comprises a number of components which the learner can achieve at their own pace and accumulate over time towards one of the named certificates above. The features, characteristics and standards for all awards are published in the form of an award specification.
For general information on the development of these awards and learning on their implementation to date, please see Guide to Awards at Levels 1 and 2 and associated processes.
Who devises the programmes?
While FETAC is responsible for setting standards for the awards, the provider is responsible for the design of the programme.
A range of programmes may lead to the same award. Programmes may vary in content and delivery methodology but they must be designed to enable the learner to achieve the learning outcomes specified in the award.
How can a provider offer the new Level 1 and Level 2 awards?
A provider must go through two stages before they can offer and award: 1 Quality Assurance and 2 Programme Validation
1. Quality Assurance
All providers wishing to offer awards at Level 1 and/or Level 2 must first agree their quality assurance systems with FETAC. See Provider Quality Assurance and Registration.
As part of their Quality Assurance procedures providers must have an authentication process and verification arrangements in place regarding assessment - consult the Quality Assuring Assessment Guidelines for Providers.
The process of agreeing quality assurance takes approximately 16 weeks from date of application. View briefings information relating to provider registration and quality assurance.
2. Programme Validation
Any programme leading to Level 1 and 2 awards must be validated by FETAC. Only registered providers, who have agreed quality assurance systems with FETAC may submit programmes for validation.
Preparing a programme for submission to FETAC for validation requires implementation of agreed quality assurance systems, in particular, Sections B4, 5 and 6.
The Further Education Support Service has agreed to provide support to all registered providers preparing programmes leading to awards at levels 1 and 2. Before applying for validation registered providers must attend a briefing offered by the FESS. Briefings on standards, the validation process and implementation of FETAC's Assessment Policy are organised by local FESS officers.
Following attendance at the briefings, applications must be made by using the Major Programme Application Form. The form as presented here is a sample only. The actual application form is available on request from FETAC. This is because applications for validation are made at provider level only. Applications can only be submitted following attendance at the briefings and contact with validation@fetac.ie.
Detailed guidance on the validation process, including programme evaluation criteria, are contained in Programme Validation Levels 1 and 2: Provider Guidelines (Revised version September 2008).
Providers, or groups of providers may design programmes that can be shared by other providers. Providers who wish to develop programmes that will be shared with others should read Programme Information Requirements for Shared Programmes.
A profile of programmes that have been validated at levels 1 and 2 can be viewed at Programme Validation.
The Guide to Awards at Levels 1 and 2 and associated processes will further support providers engaging with programme development implementation and assessment, leading to level 1 and 2 awards.
3. Assessment
FETAC published the Quality Assuring Assessment Policy (March 2006) and Quality Assuring Assessment Guidelines for Providers (2007). Providers submitting programme for validation leading to awards at Levels 1 and 2 need to have fully considered the implications of Quality Assuring Assessment policy prior to submission of a programme for validation.
For information relating to assessment practice at levels 1 and 2 please refer to Section 2, Making Assessment Judgements page 20, Guide to Awards at Levels 1 and 2 and associated processes.