Important changes to internal assessment rules for BTEC Firsts and Nationals from 1 September 2014

What is changing?

We know how important it is for learner progression that BTEC qualifications are delivered and assessed to the highest standards, and many teachers and tutors have been asking us for clear, definitive rules which will empower them to undertake internal assessments following the very best practice.

We have been reviewing our guidance and, as a result, from 1 September 2014 we are introducing new rules for internal assessment which will apply to all BTEC Firsts and Nationals on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

What is the scope of the new rules?

The rules will become mandatory requirements for learners studying BTEC Firsts and BTEC Nationals from 1 September 2014. They cover:

• how teachers and tutors should give feedback once learners have started on an assignment
• how learners should work independently on assignments to create their own, authentic evidence for assessment
• submission, resubmission and retakes.

The rules will apply to:

• all new learners registering from 1 September 2014
• all existing learners who are part-way through a BTEC Firsts or BTEC Nationals course
• the internal assessment of units for all BTEC Firsts and Nationals on the QCF and the NQF, although they will not apply retrospectively to the internal assessment of units completed before 1 September 2014.

Where can I find out more about the new rules?

The rules are explained in our 'Guide to Internal Assessment for BTEC Firsts and Nationals' - which includes FAQs and contact details for our BTEC support teams - on our key documents page.

Can I talk to someone if I need more help?

If you have any initial questions about these new rules, please do get in contact with our customer-facing support teams:

• Regional Quality Managers – for quality assurance advice.
• Curriculum Development Manager – for curriculum and qualification advice.
• Subject Advisor – subject-specific advice for teachers, tutors and Heads of Department.

Learn more at our BTEC support page.

We look forward to working with you in making these changes to support the highest possible standards in BTEC delivery.