HTQ recognition for your qualification

If you are considering applying to have your qualification(s) recognised as an HTQ, please visit the occupational maps to see which occupational standards your qualification(s) could align with.

If you are submitting an HTQ application for more than one qualification, a separate application form will need to be submitted for each one.

One occupational route does not currently have level 4 and 5 occupational standards available for HTQ approvals:

  • hair and beauty

This will remain under review with the aim of launching this route once relevant standards are available.

 

Support

Support sessions

Before you submit your application, you will need to arrange a support session with us.

During this meeting, we will advise you about the occupational standard(s) you are aligning your qualification with, and the timeframes for any upcoming revisions which could result in changes to those occupational standard(s).

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 in the downloads section at the bottom of the page.

 

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.

 

Withdrawal of a technical qualification

In some cases, IfATE may decide to withdraw approval of a technical qualification. Our criteria and process for this can be found here. (add link directly to the post 16 tile for withdrawing approval).

 

Full terms and conditions document

Terms and conditions for application and approval of HTQs by IfATE

 

KSB mapping and qualification structure sheets.

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. 

An example of a Nursing Associate (NMC) KSB Mapping Spreadsheet spreadsheet

Please download the qualification structure template. which you will need to include within the online application form.

After attending a support session, you will receive a KSB mapping sheet from us. This sheet outlines the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) relevant to the occupational standard the qualification is being aligned to.

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 26 February 2025
(CC, NS)