Support
Support sessions
Applicants need to attend a support session before access is granted to the application form.
It is important that those responsible for the qualification design and delivery within the organisation attend support sessions to fully understand the evidence requirements to support their application.
To help you prepare for your support session and application form, you can access an offline version of the form here: Cycle 5 offline application form.
Resources
Cycle 5 occupational standards in scope
You can download a list of occupational standards currently in scope for Higher Technical Qualification applications.
Please contact the HTQ approvals team if you are considering submitting a qualification against an occupational standard not listed above, and we will be happy to discuss the case with you. Some of the occupational standards not listed here are under-going review or have reviews scheduled to start during cycle 5.
We will periodically update this list when occupational standards become available, and if there is a need to remove occupational standards from the scope of HTQ approval.
Occupations without standards
If you have a qualification that aligns to an occupation that is not included in IfATE’s occupational maps, we want to hear from you. If the identified occupation meets our criteria we will work with you and relevant employers to develop an occupational standard. Please email us to discuss new occupations.
Full terms and conditions document
Terms and conditions for application and approval of HTQs by IfATE
Qualification structure and KSB mapping sheets
Download the qualification structure and the KSB mapping spreadsheets for the occupational route your qualification aligns to.
We expect all KSBs in the occupational standard to be covered. For some KSBs, partial coverage may be acceptable, especially if full coverage is safer and more reliable in the workplace. This aligns with section 4.1 of the criteria. Full instructions are included on the spreadsheet for ease of use offline.
If you need any help, please contact us at HTQ.approvals@education.gov.uk.
KSB mapping sheets
Agriculture, environmental and animal care
Business and Administration
Care services
Catering and hospitality
Construction
Creative and design
Digital
Education and early years
Engineering and Manufacturing
Health and Science
Legal, finance and accounting
Protective services
Sales, marketing and procurement
Resources to help you with your application:
Videos
- Video 1: What is the HTQ Quality Mark? (5 minutes 28 seconds)
- Video 2: Understanding Occupational Standards (5 minutes 16 seconds)
- Video 3: Understanding KSB Mapping and Qualification Structure (5 minutes 43 seconds)
- Video 4: KSB Mapping Examples (13 minutes 07 seconds)
Future opportunities for approval
We will provide applicants with the timelines for future cycles as soon as possible to give them maximum time to align their qualifications to available occupational standards within the relevant routes.
To prepare for submission we urge applicants to begin aligning their qualification to the relevant occupational standard’s KSBs and review the qualification’s content and assessment to ensure they are in the best position to be approved.
We will continue to ensure that the most up to date occupational standards are available on our website and will keep applicants updated on any revisions.
If you have questions or accessibility requirements, please contact htq.approvals@education.gov.uk and we will aim to respond within five working days.
Last updated 13 December 2024
(CC, NS)