Assessment arrangements in light of COVID-19

As the current situation (with COVID-19: Coronavirus) is evolving, the best advice suggests taking high-precaution measures. 

Our main priority is to ensure learners are not disadvantaged and our people are safe. We’ve therefore taken a decision to carry out all quality assurance of vocational programmes remotely for the foreseeable future. 

BTEC centre approval visits are also affected by this decision.

It is likely that new approval applications will be affected at this time.

Centres will be informed of any alternative arrangements for BTEC implementation training already scheduled for the next few weeks.

Centres should contact the Customer Services Team if they need more information: PQS.Internationaleo@pearson.com

Standards Verifiers (SVs) will get in touch with centres to arrange for sampling materials to be sent to them remotely and will not be carrying out visits as per the usual BTEC quality assurance process.

The allocated SV will identify which programmes are included in their sample. If you are delivering other programmes within the same sector that are not mentioned, please alert the SV to this. If you are delivering BTEC programmes across multiple sectors, a Standards Verifier will be allocated to each sector. 

An update: Quality Assurance arrangements for BTEC programmes Levels 1-7 and the International Quality Assurance handbook 02 Standards Verification for BTEC QCF Entry-Level 7 International 2019-20 provide more information.

Useful links

An update: Quality Assurance arrangements for BTEC programmes Levels 1-7

Standards Verification for BTEC (QCF) Entry Level to Level 7 (PDF | 177KB)

International, QA handbook: Postal sampling - pages 13-15 (PDF | 177KB) 

Yes, all qualifications are affected by the current restrictions.

Useful link

Latest international update for schools and FAQs for GQ

Pearson Assured approval visits will not be carried out at this time. 

Existing Pearson Assured centres with review visits due before 31 July 2020 will have their approval period extended to this date initially. We will continue to review the situation.  

Yes. An approved BTEC centre should complete a qualification approval application for additional programmes by sending in assignment briefs for one core unit, CVs for the teachers, plus photos clearly showing that they have appropriate facilities. Centre-devised specifications should also be submitted if applying to offer a Higher National Programme.

At this point in time, the best advice suggests taking high-precaution measures. However, we will continue to monitor the situation in the light of advice given by governments and local authorities in the markets in which we operate. We will resume visits as soon as it is safe to do so.

It is our priority to ensure that no learners are disadvantaged at this time. Arrangements will be put in place between the centre and the Standards Verifier to ensure that a sufficient sample is taken to enable certification.  The required standard must still be met. The Standards Verifier will be able to advise if you have specific concerns.   

Centres can also contact the International Customer Services Team for more information: PQS.Internationaleo@pearson.com

It is our priority to ensure that no learners are disadvantaged at this time. Arrangements will be put in place between the centre and the Standards Verifier to ensure that a sufficient sample is taken to enable certification. The required standard must still be met. The Standards Verifier will be able to advise if you have any specific concerns. 

Centres can also contact the International Customer Services Team for more information: PQS.Internationaleo@pearson.com

It is our priority to ensure that no learners are disadvantaged at this time. Arrangements will be put in place between the centre and the Standards Verifier to ensure that a sufficient sample is taken to enable certification. The required standard must still be met. The Standards Verifier will be able to advise if you have any specific concerns. 

Centres can also contact the international Customer Services Team for more information: PQS.Internationaleo@pearson.com

Useful links

Latest international update for schools

The Standards Verifier will be able to advise centres on compiling the sample when they get in touch to arrange this activity. 

See an update: Quality Assurance arrangements for BTEC programmes Levels 1-7.

The International Quality Assurance handbook 02 Standards Verification for BTEC QCF Entry-Level 7 International 2019-20 provides more information.

Centres can also contact the international Customer Services Team for more information: PQS.Internationaleo@pearson.com

Useful links

Standards Verification for BTEC QCF Entry-Level 7 International 2019-20 (PDF | 177KB)

International, QA handbook: Postal sampling - pages 13-15 (PDF | 177KB)

The Standards Verifier will be able to advise centres about submitting the sample when they get in touch to make necessary arrangements.  Wherever possible centres should email password- protected copies to the SV.

Centres can also contact the international Customer Services Team for more information: PQS.Internationaleo@pearson.com

See an update: Quality Assurance arrangements for BTEC programmes Levels 1-7

The International Quality Assurance handbook 02 Standards Verification for BTEC QCF Entry-Level 7 International 2019-20 provides information about preparing and sending sampled work.

Useful links

Standards Verification for BTEC QCF Entry-Level 7 International 2019-20 (PDF | 177KB)

International, QA handbook: Postal sampling - pages 13-15 (PDF | 177KB)

Where possible centres should email password-protected samples to the Standards Verifier.

Centres must not send original learner work for sampling. If the sample is lost in transit another copy should be sent.

Useful links

International, QA handbook: Postal sampling - pages 13-15 (PDF | 177KB)

Samples will not be returned, so centres must ensure that they only send copies of learner work.

The centre has the option of either translating the materials, or they can assign a translator to attend a remote meeting with the SV to translate the materials verbally. In some cases, where there are small cohorts, it may be appropriate for an online translation tool to be used. If so  this will need to be tested for accuracy.

For Vocational centre: 

An update: Quality Assurance arrangements for BTEC programmes Levels 1-7

For Global Schools: 

Update from Pearson regarding the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak

Useful links

Latest international update for schools and FAQs for GQ

Remote sampling is charged at a minimum of a full-day plus half-day rate (1.5 days).