Our role
Last updated on: 10/03/2008
Ofqual, the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator, is the new regulator of qualifications, tests and examinations in England. We ensure that children, young people and adult learners get the results they deserve, that standards are maintained and that qualifications count now and in the future. We also make sure that the qualifications available meet the needs of learners and employers.
We ensure that:
- organisations that offer and deliver qualifications (awarding organisations) have good systems in place, and that they are held to account for their performance
- all qualifications offered by awarding organisations are fair and are comparable with other qualifications
- standards in qualifications, exams and tests are monitored and the findings are reported
- there is fair access to qualifications for all candidates
- the quality of marking of exams, tests and other assessments is high, so that learners get the results they deserve
- that the qualifications market provides value for money and meets the needs of learners and employers
- debate about important topics, such as standards of exams and qualifications, is encouraged.
As a regulator, we step in and exercise our regulatory authority where there is a risk to the integrity of the system or to a learner. We aim to be consistent in our decision making and to make our decisions clear and understandable.
Ofqual works in partnership with the regulators of external qualifications in Wales (DCELLS) and Northern Ireland (CCEA).