As BTEC programmes rely solely upon internal assessment, it is important that all centres have systems for assuring that assessment is carried out accurately and records are maintained.

The BTEC Quality Model
The BTEC Quality Model ensures the standard of centres’ quality systems.

• Approval
  All centres are required to have approval to run BTEC programmes. For most BTEC programmes, approval applications can be made easily via Edexcel Online.

• Centre Risk Assessment
  This is a centre-level check of quality systems and procedures based on identified risk areas. This process assures an ongoing adherence to the approval criteria and is undertaken by all BTEC centres between November and February. Each year, approximately 700 centres are selected for a visit from a Centre Risk Assessor. Other centres are required to complete a Self Assessment CRA Report via Edexcel Online. Actions and recommendations may be identified, in order to support the centre and promote ongoing development and good practice.

• National Standards Sampling
  This is an external quality assurance process at programme level that focuses on the accuracy of assessment decisions made by centre assessors. Each year, Edexcel allocates sector-specialist External Verifiers to programme areas. The External Verifiers negotiate NSS with the programme teams and undertake sampling between January and May. Successful completion of NSS is required before certificates can be claimed.

The documents below contain all the information you need about Edexcel’s quality assurance procedures for BTEC NQF 2 and 3 qualifications.