Regulating health and care V Levels at subject level

We propose to introduce Condition VL(Social Care)2.1 which requires awarding organisations' assessment approaches for all V Levels to include an Ofqual-specified subject-specific balance of Assessment by Examination and Non-exam Assessment. These assessment methods are defined within Condition VL1.4: Interpretation and definitions as: 

Assessment by Examination (AbE) 

An assessment which is –  

a) set by an awarding organisation, 

b) designed to be taken simultaneously by all relevant Learners at a time determined by the awarding organisation, and 

c) taken under conditions specified by the awarding organisation (including conditions relating to the supervision of Learners during the assessment and the duration of the assessment). 

Non-exam Assessment (NEA) 

An assessment which is not an Assessment by Examination. 

V Levels require a distinct approach to assessment that reflects their vocational, applied, and practical nature. As they are intended to support progression to higher education, technical training, and apprenticeships, and may contribute to school and college accountability measures, assessment arrangements must be robust, reliable, and fit for purpose.  

Awarding organisations should have regard to Ofqual’s V Level qualification level guidance when developing their assessment approach.

Proposal 

In respect of the total marks available for the qualification, we propose to specify the following proportions of Assessment by Examination and Non-exam Assessment for the V Level in social care: 

• 40% of the total marks are made available through Assessment by Examination 

• 60% of the total marks are made available through Non-exam Assessment

These proportions are the same as those implemented for tranche 1 V Level subjects.