June 2015 work-based learning and colleges update

Pearson BTEC Security Programmes: Test Inspection Update

Last year, we introduced a test inspections programme for centres running the Pearson BTEC Level 2 Award in Door Supervision (QCF). This was an additional quality assurance measure to give confidence in the way these tests are conducted. A yearly test inspection programme is now part of Pearson’s quality assurance model for all Pearson BTEC Security qualifications.

This year’s vocational test inspections programme will operate from 1 August 2015 and will include all onscreen and paper-based tests for Pearson BTEC Security qualifications, including Pearson BTEC (Scotland) qualifications.

Overview of the process

If you have tests taking place from 1 August 2015 onwards, you will need to notify us of all test dates and venues for any Pearson BTEC Security tests you are running, at least 5 days in advance of the test. You will be able to submit the required information by using an electronic form which will be available on the Pearson website from July 2015.

Centres will be randomly selected for test inspection visits and no advance notice of the test inspection visits will be given to you. These visits will help us ensure that tests are being conducted in line with our requirements. The requirements for delivering Pearson BTEC Security tests can be found in the BTEC Security Qualifications Centre Management Handbook which is available on our website.

We understand that you may not be able to confirm exact learner names 5 days in advance of the test, so we only require you to submit the following information:

1. your centre details
2. qualification title of the test
3. test manager contact details
4. test date, time and venue
5. estimated number of learners expected

Monitoring of the test dates

It is important that you inform us of all test dates and venues for Pearson BTEC Security tests that are taking place from 1 August 2015 onwards. We will be monitoring notified test dates against tests taken. We will follow up with you where we believe a test has been taken without notifying us.

On the day of a test you may be visited by one of our appointed test inspectors. The test inspector will bring suitable identification with them to allow you to verify their identity. We ask that you provide the test inspector with the information and assistance they require during the test inspection visit. You will receive feedback from us following the visit about the conduct of the test.

We will shortly be writing to centres approved to offer BTEC Security programmes with further details about the Security test notification form and the process for the unannounced test inspection visits.

If you have any initial queries regarding these processes, please contact us or email

Security Sector Forum: 29 June

We are hosting a Security Sector Forum on 29 June at our office in Oxford to update centres on the latest developments in the Security sector and share best practice. This free event starts at 10 a.m. and will finish at 1 p.m. with lunch and an opportunity for delegates to network with colleagues delivering the licence to practise qualifications.

There are still a small number of places available on this forum.

For more information and to book your place.