Background
The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (ASCLA) requires IfATE to publish information about matters it takes into account when deciding whether or not to approve a technical qualification, or withdraw approval of it.
ASCLA also requires IfATE to maintain arrangements for reviewing approved technical qualifications and publish information about the intervals at which these reviews are to be conducted.
This page contains information about the matters IfATE takes into account in deciding whether to approve a technical qualification (the approval criteria), or withdraw approval (the withdrawal criteria).
It also contains information about the intervals for conducting reviews (periodic reviews), and the process for considering whether a technical qualification should continue to be approved, be revised or withdrawn.
Approval of a technical qualification
When a technical qualification is being considered for IfATE approval, it must meet the relevant approval criteria.
The criteria for the approval of T Levels is set out in the approvals criteria for T levels, and forms part of the Service Requirements to be provided under the contract awarded for each T Level.
After they have been awarded, all T Level Contracts can be found using the Contract finder service. The most recent T Levels Generation 2 Wave 1 contracts can be found by searching “T Levels Generation 2 Wave 1”and selecting ‘awarded contract’.
The criteria and process for the approval of higher technical qualifications is set out in the approvals criteria for HTQs.
The criteria and process for the approval of Level 2 and 3 qualifications is set out in the approvals categories and criteria for each cycle.
In addition, when deciding whether or not to approve a technical qualification, we may also take into account such other matters as we consider appropriate in a particular case.
Reviews of technical qualifications
Following approval, technical qualifications go through periodic IfATE reviews.
For HTQ and Post 16 TQ’s, reviews will take place five years after approval.
For T Level TQ’s, reviews take place annually and any changes or updates required will be communicated to the relevant AO.
Following a periodic review a qualification may continue to be approved, or it may be considered for revision or withdrawal.
IfATE also has an ongoing duty to keep technical qualifications under review and so revisions or withdrawals may also be considered outside of the periodic review process.
Revisions or withdrawals may also be initiated by an awarding organisation.
Revision of a technical qualification
The process for making revisions to T Levels is set out at clause 8 of the T Level contract.
The process for making revisions to higher technical qualifications.
The process for making revisions to Level 2 and 3 qualifications.
Withdrawal of a technical qualification
In some cases, IfATE may decide to withdraw approval of a technical qualification.
The criteria and process for considering whether or not to withdraw a T Level.
In addition, when deciding whether or not to withdraw a technical qualification, we may also take into account such other matters as we consider appropriate in a particular case.
Published 24 February 2025
Last updated 7 March 2025
(MG, NS)