Extracts from the Qualifications Framework Emirates ... - CAA

Accreditation/awarding bodies manage the ‘specific’ qualifications that are developedagainst the QFEmirates qualifications profiles which require recognition within their remit.Given they are directly developed against a government authorised, publicly declared andavailable benchmark in the QFEmirates, this enhances and builds widespread confidence andunderstanding in their usability, applicability and currency. This approach is explained inmore detail by way of examples of the titling conventions covering ‘generic’ and ‘specific’Principal Qualifications, Composite Awards and Component Awards 1 that could bedeveloped against the list of adopted qualification titles. Also included are respectivemanagement responsibilities that apply in terms of the QFEmirates ‘generic’ and ‘specific’qualifications and awards.AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE AND ISSUE QUALIFICATIONSThe National Qualifications Authority (NQA) has overall responsibility to set policy, manageand assure the quality and integrity of the qualifications system implemented under itsauspices. Three accreditation/awarding bodies have been recognised as operational bodiesor commissions. These bodies are responsible for the approval of qualifications, standards,accreditation of programs and courses, assessment and quality assurance within their remit.Additionally, they are responsible for managing and issuing (directly or indirectly bydelegation) qualifications against the QFEmirates specific to their area of operation. Theseare:Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA)General Education Commission for Secondary Education (GEC)Vocational Education and Training Awards Commission (VETAC) (underdevelopment).Higher Education SectorWith respect to the Higher Education sector, responsibility rests with the Commission forAcademic Accreditation (CAA) of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Inthis sector, institutions such as universities and colleges set the objectives and academicrequirements of requisite programs together with entry requirements, often with respect tothe requirements of professional bodies. Having met such, a program must be submitted andmeet the Commission’s Licensure and Accreditation Standards.1 Composite Awards and Component Awards are the working titles of qualifications at a given level that have asmaller volume of learning than Principal qualifications. Normally, they form a constituent part of a Principalqualification, so are important in encouraging progression and lifelong learningEmirates Handbook and Implementation of QFEmirates in Higher Education10