FAQs

General

Where can I find the FAQs from the Webinars?

What types of Qualifications does VTCT offer?

Technical Qualifications

Technical Qualifications at Level 2 (Technical Certificates) have been developed for the purpose of leading learners to sustainable and worthwhile employment in their chosen service sector. They can also be a progression to Level 3 Technical Level Qualifications which lead directly to employment opportunities.

Apprenticeships

VTCT offers Professional Apprenticeship Standards for Hairdressing and Barbering and Beauty Therapy, Nail Technician and Beauty Counter Consultancy. These replace the SASE system and have been created as a result of the Trailblazer process where employers, professional associations and awarding organisations have come together to create a fit for purpose Apprenticeship.

Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs)

VRQs offer different levels which focus on the development of the underlying principals and practical skills required in varying industries. They are designed to deliver a high level of occupational capability and progression into employment. The flexible structures ensure they will appeal to individuals in full time or part time education, as well as continuous professional development.

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)

NVQs are qualifications that are usually completed in the workplace. One of the benefits of a NVQ is that they test your ability to actually do the job, which makes them suitable to take whilst in work. A key part of your course will include proving that you can do certain work-related tasks. During the course you will be assessed through your portfolio, where you build evidence of the work you have done, and by observation, where an assessor watches you work and checks that you can perform the necessary tasks.

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)

SVQ is the Scottish equivalent of NVQ’s

Functional Skills

Functional Skills are qualifications in English, maths and ICT that support you to develop the practical skills you need for life, education and the workplace.

What level qualification do I need?

Qualifications on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) are levelled from Entry to Level 8. VTCT offers vocational qualifications up to level 7 and the level you require will depend on your previous education and experience and what you are trying to achieve.

Our career path maps may assist you. Hairdressing & Barbering / Beauty, Nails & Spa

 

Will I get a job after studying for a VTCT qualification?

VTCT qualifications are designed for progression to higher level qualifications or to make learners ready for employment.

What does TQT/GLH mean?

Total Qualification Time (TQT) is a term used within qualifications regulated by Ofqual as part of the Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF). It aims to provide users of qualifications with an indication of the minimum length of time it would take the average learner to complete their qualification. Some qualifications may have credit values – 1 credit is equivalent to 10 hours TQT.

Guided Learning Hours (GLH) are defined as all times when a member of staff is present to give specific guidance towards the learning aim being studied on a programme. They include lectures, tutorials and supervised study in, for example, Open Learning Centres and learning workshops. It also includes time spent by staff assessing a learner’s achievements, for example in the assessment of competence for National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s). It does not include time spent by staff in the day-to-day marking of assignments and homework where the learner is not present, nor does it include hours where supervision is of a general nature and is not specific to the study of Learners.

GLH can be useful for administrative purposes: for people who are funding qualifications, planning curricula, or performance tables; or for employers who want to have an idea of how long their employees are going to be away from the workplace for study purposes. No learner is required to take a certain amount of time; some may take less and some may take more time. Qualifications can sit at different levels, but require similar or different amounts of study and assessment time.

Learners

What is my lifetime registration/enrolment/learner number?

You can find your lifetime registration number on any certificate that you have been awarded. If you do not know your number then you can contact customer support who will be happy to supply you with your registration number. The number is useful for requesting a replacement or e-certificate, or to ensure accurate registration should you change centres.

+44 (0) 2380 684500

What is my Unique Learner Number (ULN)?

You should also have a Unique Leaner Number (ULN) if you are studying in England, Wales or Northern Ireland or a Scottish Candidate Number (SCN) in Scotland. Where ULN/SCN numbers are supplied at registration point by centres, VTCT will print them on your certificate.

Further information about ULNs can be found here

Further information about SCNs can be found here

 

What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is a record of supporting information to confirm that you have the skills necessary to complete your qualification. Not all VTCT qualifications require you to build a portfolio and your centre will advise you. It can either be built in the form of hardcopy evidence or as an e-portfolio.

At the end of your course, your portfolio will become your property** to show to potential employers.

**Whilst a portfolio is generally the property of the learner, there may be circumstances that prevent a centre being able to release it at the time of a learner requesting it. This is a matter for you (the learner) and your centre of study to discuss.

How do I go about getting a replacement certificate?

There are two ways to apply for a replacement certificate. For recent certificates (since 2009) you can create a free account via Linx2Validate, or for older certificates, please call Customer Support on +44 (0) 2380 684500 and pay over the phone using a credit or debit card. All replacement certificates will be marked as ‘Replacement’.

 

I have changed my name, can I have a replacement certificate in my new name?

You will need to provide VTCT with the following:

  • Your original certificate(s) and unit transcript(s)**
  • A signed covering letter explaining why you are requesting the change of name
    • the letter must include a return address
    • the letter must include a contact number so that VTCT can call you to take payment (there is a £37.50 fee per certificate for this service). If you have an email address please also include this so that you can be contacted should VTCT not be able contact you by phone.
    • ** If you have lost the original certificate(s) please indicate this within the covering letter

A certified copy of your identification (do not send originals):

  • Passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Driving licence

A certified copy of the legal documentation confirming the name change (do not send originals):

  • Marriage / civil partnership certificate
  • Decree absolute
  • Change of name deed or deed poll
  • Public announcement
  • Police report (change of name due to personal safety)

How do I get a copy of a document certified?

The above documentation must be posted to us for the attention of the Processing Department (our address can be found at the very bottom of every page on our website), recorded delivery recommended. Once received VTCT will make contact with you to take payment. 

Where the above criteria has not been fully met, VTCT retain the right to refuse requests for name changes.

Where can I study a particular course?

VTCT approves centres, colleges/private training providers, to offer our qualifications, but cannot advise which centres are running particular courses at any time.

To find out which centres are approved to offer a particular qualification:

  1. Go to the Find a Qualification page
  2. Locate the qualification you wish to study and select it
  3. Click on the APPROVED CENTRES tab

To find out which centres are approved to offer VTCT qualification:

  1. Go to the Find a place to study page
  2. Use the search criteria to locate centres near you

Please contact centres directly to find out which courses they are currently running and to obtain further details such as cost and duration.

How much will a course cost?

VTCT accredits centres to offer our qualifications. To find information on course costs you would need to contact an accredited centre directly.

To find out which centres are approved to offer a particular qualification:

  1. Go to the Find a Qualification page
  2. Locate the qualification you wish to study and select it
  3. Click on the APPROVED CENTRES tab

To find out which centres are approved to offer VTCT qualification:

  1. Go to the Find a place to study page
  2. Use the search criteria to locate centres near you

What if I have a specific need that may affect my ability to successfully complete my course?

If you have a learning difficulty, physical disability, health or other support need that may affect your learning, assessments or tests, your centre can make arrangements to support you and inform VTCT as necessary. It is important that you discuss any requirements you wish to declare with your centre on induction or at the start of your learning experience.

I have been told I may have to practise on real clients – is it safe for me to do so?

If you are practising on real clients in the workplace then adequate treatment liability insurance is essential. It is vital as a learner and also when you go on to practise that you have appropriate treatment liability insurance to cover you if you are working on clients. Your centre will usually have insurance to cover you in the workplace whilst you are training.

I have been told I may have to attend my centre on a day I don’t usually need to, because of an EQA visit – do I have to attend?

Learners are required to attend on specific occasions when required by VTCT External Quality Assurers (EQA). Learners are randomly selected for sampling by the EQA and these learners must attend the visit. Failure to attend the visit may result in certification being delayed and you may be required to attend the next EQA visit.

If you have been selected and cannot attend on the day specified please speak to your centre of study to discuss.

I have moved, can I give you my new address?

VTCT only retains learner addresses and postcodes when centres add them to registration files. The recording of postcodes at the time of registration helps us to check Unique Learner Numbers (ULNs) and names. It also helps us to be able to load your results to your national Personal Learning Record (PLR).You will only need to notify your current college or training centre if you change your address during your period of study to ensure your certificates are posted out correctly by the college/centre.

I have moved, can I attend a different college/centre to complete my course?

Yes you can, as long as you move to another VTCT approved centre that offers the course you are studying. You may need to negotiate any training fees and re-registration with your new college/centre.

How long is the course that I want to study?

VTCT accredits centres to offer our qualifications. To find information course durations you will need to contact an accredited centre directly.

To find out which centres are approved to offer a particular qualification:

  1. Go to the Find a Qualification page
  2. Locate the qualification you wish to study and select it
  3. Click on the APPROVED CENTRES tab

To find out which centres are approved to offer VTCT qualification:

  1. Go to the Find a place to study page
  2. Use the search criteria to locate centres near you

I already have some qualifications or learning that duplicates what is in my new qualification. Can I get any recognition for what I have already done?

Recognition of Prior Leaning (RPL) is a method of assessment that considers whether you can demonstrate that you can meet the assessment requirements for a unit in a qualification through knowledge, understanding or skills that you already possess and do not need to develop through a course of learning.

You may possess skills and knowledge that have not been acquired through formal learning, (e.g., through work experience and/or other related learning that has not been formally certificated). This means that you may be able to proceed directly to assessment without further study, using evidence from un-certificated learning.

You must speak with college/centre if you think the above may apply and they will advise you.

Is my qualification recognised outside of the UK?

VTCT is the leading specialist awarding organisation in the UK for qualifications in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy with over 55 years’ experience of awarding qualifications both within the UK and Internationally. Two years ago VTCT acquired ITEC Awarding Organisation and ITEC branded qualifications are now awarded by VTCT. VTCT is officially recognised by Ofqual – Recognition Number: RN5198. Ofqual are the UK Office reporting directly to the UK Parliament for qualifications and regulation.

Each VTCT qualification bears a QAN number, which provides assurance of validity and authenticity and that it is on the RQF – Regulated Qualifications Framework. The UK regulatory framework articulates with the EQF – European Qualifications Framework for recognition of qualifications by international employers, governments and professional associations.

The European Union recognition of professional qualifications mapped to the EQF is enshrined in law through the Lisbon Recognition Agreement reference Article 13 Directive 2005/36/EC.

Further information of VTCT’s credibility as a UK and International Awarding Organisation and the validity of VTCT qualifications:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofqual/about#who-we-are – Confirmation that Ofqual are the UK Office reporting directly to the UK Parliament for qualifications and regulation

https://www.gov.uk/check-awarding-body-recognised– Can independently check that VTCT is recognised by Ofqual

https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/ – Can check recognition status of either a Qualification or an Organisation on the register

https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Search?category=Organisations&query=VTCT&status=Available%20to%20learners – Proof that VTCT is recognised. Recognition Number: RN5198

Ecctis provides information and advice on qualifications worldwide.

https://www.vtct.org.uk/europass/ Europass – VTCT branded qualifications have been aligned to the EQF, and we provide Europass Certificate Supplements for VTCT qualifications, which validates skills and qualifications across Europe for mobility and employability. Furthermore, we have market recognition with employers for our VTCT (iTEC) qualifications

We confirm that for all the qualifications being delivered Internationally, VTCT qualifications are Externally Quality Assured by us and meet with our assessment strategy, which is audited and regulated by Ofqual.

All our qualifications can be found on our website, bear the QAN number and provide detail of the learning hours and assessment requirements: http://www.itecworld.co.uk/find-a-qualification/

It is strongly recommended that you contact the Embassy or High Commission of your intended destination country, as they will be able to advise you about the transferability of qualifications and any other evidence which may be needed to work and to gain insurance.

Europass service

This is a service shared across Europe and is made up of five documents designed to help learners highlight their qualifications in an effective way to prospective employers and higher/further education providers across Europe. It is free and enables people to present their competences, skills and abilities in a clear, understandable way, removing the barriers sometimes faced when applying for jobs or continuing education abroad – https://www.vtct.org.uk/europass/

What letters can I put after my name?

Once you have received your certificate, if you hold a VTCT Diploma (37 credits or above) or Certificate (13 to 36 credits) at Level 4 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), Level 7 (Scotland), or Level 6 (Ireland) and the certificate was dated after 1st January 2012, you may put the appropriate format below after your name:

If you hold a Diploma (37 credits or above) or Certificate (13 to 36 credits) at Level 3 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), Level 6 (Scotland), or Level 5 (Ireland), and received your certificate after 1st January 2012, you may put the appropriate format below after your name:

If you hold a Diploma (37 credits or above) or Certificate (13 to 36 credits) at Level 2 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), Level 5 (Scotland), or Level 4 (Ireland) you may put the appropriate format below after your name:

Can I buy a badge to show that I am qualified with VTCT?

Yes. Please visit our Badges page for further information.

My name is incorrect on my certificate, or showing incorrectly in my e-test or other documents, what can I do?

Certificates:

If you believe that your college/centre of study made an error when they registered your details with VTCT then you need to contact your college/centre so that they can inform VTCT.  You will need to provide your certificate and unit transcript, and a copy of your ID to your college/centre of study to support your request as VTCT will require these (e.g. Passport, Driving Licence, Birth Certificate).

If you have changed your name since receiving your certificate, please see the above FAQ I have changed my name, can I have a replacement certificate in my new name?

E-test or other documents:

Please speak with your college/centre of study so that they can inform VTCT. You will likely need to provide a copy of your ID to support your request (e.g. Passport, Driving Licence, Birth Certificate).

How quickly after I finish my course will you send me my certificate?

Once claimed by your centre of study, VTCT generally dispatch certificates to the centre of study within 20 working days. The college or private training provider that you trained at will arrange for the certificate to either be sent on to you or they may require you to collect it. Please speak with your college or private training provider to clarify the arrangements for you to receive your certificate.

I don’t want to finish my course; can I still have a certificate?

If you have completed any units within your qualification, your college/private training provider can, for some qualifications, apply for certificates of unit credit to recognise your competence. You may incur additional costs for this service with your college/private training provider. This does not apply to all qualifications, e.g. where the assessment of the units is by means of a synoptic or overarching assessment.

If I come across anything that may contribute to the award of fraudulent certificates, what can I do?

You can write, marking the envelope ‘Confidential’, direct to the VTCT Chief Academic Officer. We guarantee that we will not disclose to your centre the source of your communication.

If I have a complaint against my training centre, what can I do?

Your training centre is the organisation that is responsible for delivering your course and who you have signed up to and paid money to. If you have a complaint against your centre you must take this up with centre through their complaints process. In some cases, once you have exhausted your centre’s complaints procedure you may be able to escalate your complaint to VTCT, the Scottish Public Service Ombudsman (SPSO) and/or the Regulators, further information on when you can escalate your complaint and our service level agreements please see VTCT’s Complaints Policy.

If you are having trouble obtaining a complaints policy from your centre you can contact VTCT who will contact the centre to request a response – qualityassurance@vtct.org.uk

What do I do if I think that there is an error in my exam paper?

Notify your exam Invigilator immediately. Your Invigilator will refer the matter immediately to the Exams Officer.

What can I do if my centre closes down unexpectedly?

We appreciate centres may have been adversely affected by the pandemic. If you are registered as a learner to a VTCT centre that has closed down and or gone into administration and you believe you are an abandoned learner, please contact us using the l;inks below for support and guidance.

Customer Support  and/or  Quality Assurance

You may also find our Learner Charter helpful.

Current Centres

What are VTCT’s fees?

Our service fees can be found on the Become a Centre page. Our qualification registration fees are available to approved VTCT centres and can be found here.

Who do I contact about EQA rotation and contact details?

How do I apply for further qualifications within a new sector/site approval?

Further approval for a new suite of qualifications (new sector): complete the Qualification Category Approval Application (Sectors) within the Document Library.

Send the completed forms to: qualityassurance@vtct.org.uk

How do I register learners?

Learners can be registered via secure login to Linx2Online. You will find videos and other guidance the Linx2Online page.

 

How do I resolve a query with a registration file?

Open guide ‘How to correct an error – registration’ located here

If you need any further support contact VTCT Customer Support at linx2logins@vtct.org.uk / +44 (0) 023 80684 500 giving details – please include the learner ID.

How do I amend an incorrect registration, transfer or withdraw a registration?

How do I order record of assessment books / assessment records and badges?

VTCT record of assessment books:

Hard copies are ordered through Linx2Product via the Linx2 portal by approved centres. Please note that fees apply.

Alternatively all VTCT record of assessment books / assessment records can also be downloaded from our website.

  1. Go to the Find a Qualification page
  2. Locate the qualification and select it
  3. Click on the DOCUMENTS tab

Badges:

The badge order form is located on the Linx2Product page. Please note that fees apply.

How can I apply for reasonable adjustments or special considerations?

Guidance about this is available in the “Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy” and “Centre instructions – Application for Reasonable Adjustments” (with electronic application form) which are located here.

How do I certificate my learners?

Learners are certificated via secure login to Linx2Online. You will find videos and other guidance the Linx2Online page.

 

How do I resolve a query with a certification claim?

Open guide “How to correct an error – certification” located here.

If you require further support contact VTCT Customer Support at linx2logins@vtct.org.uk / +44 (0) 023 80684 500 giving details – please include learner ID.

How do I amend an incorrectly claimed certificate?

You will need to return, via recorded delivery, the certificate and unit transcript to VTCT with an explanatory letter stating the circumstances leading to the error. Send for the attention of Centre Processing to VTCT’s Eastleigh office.

What do I do if I suspect that there is an error in an exam paper?

Notify VTCT immediately exams@vtct.org.uk / +44 (0) 2380 684500. VTCT will give instructions for the steps to take.

New Training Providers

How do I become a VTCT approved centre?

Complete and submit the ‘Become a VTCT Training Provider’ and ‘Centre Approval Application’ on the Become a Centre page. You will then be contacted by a Business Development Manager to discuss your plans (during busy periods this may be up to 4 weeks). Following successful discussions, you will be invited to complete and submit a full application form, available from your Business Development Manager.

How much does it cost to become and approved centre?

How long does the approval process take?

The time taken to undertake an approval can vary significantly however an average enquiry should take 6 – 8 weeks to get from the point of application submission to final confirmation.

What staff must my business have and what qualifications and experience must they hold?

VTCT and ITEC dual approved qualifications assessed via continual assessment require that you employ an appropriately qualified Assessor and Internal Quality Assurer (these roles cannot be held by the same member of staff).

In addition another team member will be required to fulfil the role of Exam Invigilator, so as to maintain the impartiality of the Assessor and IQA.

You can find details of the qualifications required for Assessors and IQA’s in the VTCT Centre Qualifications Requirements document.

VTCT and ITEC Dual award qualifications assessed by Final Examination have no requirement for an appropriately qualified IQA. Assessor education and experience requirements can be found IQA’s in the VTCT Centre Qualifications Requirements document.

Can I be both the assessor and IQA?

No, the Assessor and Internal Quality Assurer roles involve providing oversight and validation of the judgements made by the other. Therefore these roles need to be undertaken by separate individuals.

Do I need to nominate my IQA as part of the approval process?

Not all roles need to be nominated at point of application but approval cannot be achieved until all staff are approved.

What equipment do I need for learners?

Can I advertise VTCT/ITEC/Skillsfirst qualifications whilst I’m awaiting approval?

No, prospective centres must not advertise or promote qualifications until they have received confirmation of approval from VTCT. This is because there is no guarantee that approval will be given.

Can I teach qualifications remotely?

VTCT qualifications are designed for in person teaching and assessment. This makes teaching our qualifications remotely impractical. The only exception to this is our theoretical anatomy and physiology qualifications.

Can I operate my premises commercially whilst teaching learners?

VTCT requires that Centres maintain a separation of the theory teaching area and the commercial or trading space of your premises.

You can find further details of premises requirements in section 1.1 in the VTCT Centre Qualifications Requirements document.

Can I teach in a temporary premises?

Unfortunately not. As our VTCT centre approval process requires our team to visit and evaluate the centre premises. If your premises are not permanent this would possible as a fair assessment cannot be made.

Who do I contact and who will support me through the process of becoming a centre?

On submission of your become a centre enquiry form, a dedicated account manager will be assigned to review your enquiry and collaborate with you to support you through your application.

Can I teach a VTCT qualification if I hold a manufacturing or cosmetic house certificate?

No, we require that Teaching Assessors and Internal Quality Assurance staff be professionally competent and hold regulated qualifications appropriate to the qualification.

You can find more information on the professional and educational perquisites for staff in our VTCT Centre Requirements document.

Can you assist with the government approval process to draw down funding?

VTCT is unable to support or provide any expertise or assistance with the process of securing government funding.

Do you provide resources for teaching?

VTCT do have some resources available to assist approved centres to produce their schemes of work.

Available resources can be accessed by approved centres via our Centre Management Portal (Linx2). Access to the Linx2 portal will be provided post approval.

In addition many of our Hair/Barbering and Beauty Qualifications have learning Pathways available in the Pivot Point learning platform. You can find more information on our Pivot Point page

Does VTCT have text books?

VTCT does not provide or recommend specific text books for our qualifications.

However, you can find some teaching and learning resources in our Centre Management Portal (Linx2). Access to the Linx2 portal will be provided post approval.

How Does Pivot Point LAB fit With VTCT/ITEC qualifications?

LAB is a complete online learning system that helps enhance the delivery of iTEC and VTCT Level 2/3 Hairdressing and Barbering qualifications and Level 2/3 Beauty Therapy qualifications.

Tutors can use LAB to deliver Pivot Point resources which are designed to accommodate different learning styles and add their personally-curated library of resources. This allows the best of both worlds, which will create a dynamic and diverse collection of teaching tools.

Tutors can organise educational content to support their schemes of work through customised learning paths, in a virtually paper-free environment. When doing so, there is full accessibility to all teaching and learning resources in the same sequence you present them. LAB can also tracks learner progress through built-in formative assessments and reporting features.

Is there any induction/training/guidance once you have become a centre?

All our centres are assigned a dedicated account manager who will not only support you through the application process, but will also be a focused point of contact for your future engagement with VTCT.

We maintain comprehensive guides for all our systems and processes and can provide bespoke training for centre personal on these as required.

Exams Officers

How do I register learners?

Learners can be registered via secure login to Linx2Online. You will find videos and other guidance on the Linx2Online page.

Don’t have a login? Are you an exams officer? If so please email linx2logins@vtct.org.uk

I am approved for a qualification but it does not appear for me to register a learner on?

How do I request approval for further qualifications?

If you are already approved to deliver qualifications within the vocational sector that the new qualification(s) comes under, Hair and Beauty for example, to request approval you will need to email your External Quality Assurer (EQA) and also copy in qualityassurance@vtct.org.uk. The email will need to include the qualification title(s) and VTCT product code(s) of the qualification(s) you are seeking approval for. If you do not know your EQA’s email address please contact customer support customersupport@vtct.org.uk

If you do not have approval for any qualification within the vocational sector that the new qualification(s) comes under, Hair and Beauty for example, then you will need to complete an Qualification Category Approval Application (Sectors). Please refer to the fees document for information on further sector approval fees.

Can I withdraw a registration?

Yes, by emailing registration@vtct.org.uk confirming the learner’s VTCT registration number and code of the qualification to be withdrawn.

Note: fees may apply, please refer to the fees document.

 

 

Can I transfer a learner’s registration to a different qualification?

You can request a transfer by emailing registration@vtct.org.uk. Please confirm the learner’s VTCT registration number and codes of the qualification they are transferring from and to.

Note: fees may apply, please refer to the fees document.

Can I amend a registered learner’s name?

Pre-certification:
  • If the error is on registration and is a clear typo (Davis to Davies) email registration@vtct.org.uk confirming the details
  • If the error is on registration and is a profound name change (David to Steven) login to Secure Linx2Transfer and select the ‘Learner name change documentation’ category.  Include the details and upload a photocopy of the accompanying documentation, e.g. Passport / Driving Licence.
Post-certification:

If a name error was made upon registration you will need to return to VTCT Head Office (address at the bottom of this page) the certificate and unit transcript by recorded delivery along with a letter of explanation and accompanying documentation, e.g. Passport / Driving Licence.

Note: fees may apply, please refer to the fees document.

Can I transfer a learner’s registration to my centre from another VTCT centre?

You will need to complete and return the Learner Transfer Request Form, ensuring wet signatures are obtained from both parties. You can find the Learner Transfer Request Form in the Document library. The receiving centre will be charged a registration fee.

Please return the completed form to registration@vtct.org.uk for processing.

Note: The receiving centre will be charged a registration fee.

How do I apply for a Reasonable Adjustment/Special Consideration?

Reasonable Adjustment and Special Consideration information is located here.

How am I invoiced for registrations I have made and how can I pay these?

You can pay an invoice in several ways:

  • By bank transfer. Our bank details are located on your invoice
  • By card on either our website here or by calling Customer Support +44 (0) 023 80684 500
  • By PayPal via the VTCT website. Follow this link and scroll down to ‘Pay an Invoice’
  • By Sterling cheque (UK centres only), Euro Cheques (Ireland centres only) – Our address can be found at the bottom of the page

How do I order Record of Assessment books/Assessment records and badges?

VTCT record of assessment books:

Hard copies are ordered through Linx2Product via the Linx2 portal by approved centres. Please note that fees apply.

Alternatively all VTCT record of assessment books / assessment records can also be downloaded from our website.

  1. Go to the Find a Qualification page
  2. Locate the qualification and select it
  3. Click on the DOCUMENTS tab

Badges:

The badge order form is located on the Linx2Product page. Please note that fees apply.

How do I claim certificates?

I have claimed a certificate in error, what do I do?

If you have not yet received the certificate first contact Customer Support customersupport@vtct.org.uk / +44 (0) 023 80684 500.

If you have received the certificate you will need to return the certificate and unit transcript to VTCT by recorded delivery along with a letter of explanation, which will passed on to our Quality department for investigation. Our address can be found at the bottom of the page.

Note: fees may apply, please refer to the fees document.

I have created a certification file but there are errors?

Refer to the ‘How to use Linx2Online’ video guide here.

How long will it take for the certificates to arrive?

Valid certificate claims will be processed and the certificates dispatched within 20 working days.

My EQA has rejected my claim, what do I do?

How do I enter a learner for an online assessment?

Online assessments are scheduled in the Linx2Achieve e-testing system. You will find guidance on this page.

Don’t have a login? Exam officers can request a login by emailing linx2help@vtct.org.uk – Note: please make sure to email us from the email address we have registered for you.

What do I need to run an online assessment?

Refer to the ‘System requirements’ document here.

 

I cannot locate a learner when scheduling an online assessment?

First, check whether there is more than one version of the assessment. The quickest way to do this is by typing in the unit code into the Assessment field on the Add schedule screen. By doing this all versions of that unit assessment will show and you may find that the learner is selectable on a different version.

Secondly, check whether the learner has passed the assessment.

  1. Go to the About e-testing page
  2. Open the ‘How to access results’ guide

If you are still unable to locate the learner then please contact Customer Support customersupport@vtct.org.uk / +44 (0) 023 80684 500.

How many attempts can a learner have at an assessment?

For most NVQ/SVQ/VRQ assessments, a learner can attempt each paper 3 times. If a 4th attempt is required you will need to email exams@vtct.org.uk to request a paper based B paper. Please include the learner details, the unit code and your website username.

For qualifications other than NVQ/SVQ/VRQ please refer to the qualification specification for information on re-sits:

  1. Go to the Find a Qualification page
  2. Locate the qualification and select it
  3. Click on the DOCUMENTS tab

Note: fees may apply, please refer to the fees document.

How long is the assessment for?

For most NVQ/SVQ/VRQ assessments the duration of an assessment is indicated on the schedule page once a schedule has been created.

Assessment durations for qualifications other than NVQ/SVQ/VRQ are indicated in the qualification specification:

  1. Go to the Find a Qualification page
  2. Locate the qualification and select it
  3. Click on the DOCUMENTS tab

What happens if my internet connection is lost or the system becomes unavailable during a test?

Internet connection lost:

If internet connection is lost the system will keep trying to connect until a connection is found. If you know your internet connection is going to be unavailable for a sustained period of time close down the browser. The learner has until the schedule window closes to login again and resume the assessment. If the assessment is not resumed and submitted before the schedule window closes any answers provided will be voided and no attempt is counted.

System unavailable:

The learner has until the schedule window closes to login again and resume the assessment. If the assessment is not resumed and submitted before the schedule window closes any answers provided will be voided and no attempt is counted.

The schedule window has closed but the learner(s) did not start the assessment?

No result is submitted and no attempt is counted. You will be able to create a new schedule.

Can assessments be sat offline?

Yes, offline testing guidance is located on the About e-testing page. NB: Not all assessments are available offline.

How do I access a paper based assessment?

Paper based assessments are created via the Linx2Achieve system.

 

Where can I find invigilation guidance?

The VTCT Instructions for Conducting Examinations can be found in the Document library.

 

How can I apply for a Reasonable Adjustment or Special Consideration?

Guidance on Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations can be found in the Document Library.

What do I do if I suspect that there is an error in an exam paper?

Notify VTCT immediately exams@vtct.org.uk / +44 (0) 2380 684500. VTCT will give instructions for the steps to take.