Qualifications and accreditation
Q: What does ‘accredited qualification’ mean?
A: In order to offer regulated qualifications, awarding bodies must be recognised by the regulator of external qualifications - Ofqual. The regulator checks that the awarding body has the necessary systems in place to deliver national qualifications and assessments effectively and to the appropriate standards.
CIEH is a regulated awarding body and, as such, can develop qualifications and submit them to Ofqual's register of qualifications.
Ofqual checks that the qualification and assessment(s) meet the required criteria before adding them to the register. In addition, vocational qualifications that are intended to meet sector-specific needs are required to:
- have support from the relevant Sector Skills Council (SSC)
- address the National Occupational Standards (NOS).
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Q: What are the advantages of regulated qualifications?
A: Regualted qualifications provide the learner and other stakeholders with certain guarantees about the qualification itself and the awarding body that offers it. The qualification will have met specific quality criteria that ensure it is fit for its purpose, includes relevant content and uses appropriate assessment methodology.
Qualifications intended to meet specific sector needs will also have support from the relevant Sector Skills Council (SSC) and address the relevant National Occupational Standards (NOS).
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Q: What’s the difference between VRQs and NVQs?
A: VRQs (Vocationally Related Qualifications) are normally delivered in the classroom and focus on teaching and testing underpinning knowledge required as part of skills development. For an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification), learning and assessment primarily takes place in the workplace.
However, a modular NVQ may incorporate one or more VRQs to support the overall curriculum. In most cases VRQs are of a much shorter duration than NVQs.
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Centre and trainer registration
Q: How do I apply to deliver CIEH qualifications for the first time?
A: All CIEH qualifications must be delivered via a CIEH registered centre and a CIEH registered trainer.
Please contact us on 020 7827 5800. Our helpful and knowledgeable staff can talk you through the registration process, send you any information you need and answer any questions. Further information is also available at www.cieh.org/newtocieh.
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Q: Which forms do I need to use to register?
A:
For centre registration, please complete a centre registration form.
For trainer registration, please complete a trainer registration form.
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Q: What is the cost of registration?
A: A registration fee applies for each qualification for all trainer and centre registration applications. Details of all registration fees can be found at www.cieh.org/customerservices in the registration fees for centres and trainers document.
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Q: How quickly can registration be completed?
A: We aim to complete trainer or centre registrations within 28 days of receipt. This includes the issuing of all relevant paperwork and associated training packs.
If you would like to register more quickly than this, we offer a “fast track” service for an additional fee, which guarantees registration within five working days.
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Q: What is the difference between centre and trainer registration?
A: All CIEH qualifications must be delivered via a CIEH registered centre and a CIEH registered trainer.
The centre is the administration hub and is responsible for the control, management and co-ordination of training delivery, examination materials and results distribution.
The trainer is responsible for the successful design, delivery and specific administration of any CIEH qualification training programme. This includes provision of pre-course information and assessment administration.
Upon registration, centres and trainers are presented with an agreement which details the procedures and standards that must be observed when delivering CIEH qualifications. After the agreement has been signed and returned CIEH registered centres and trainers are presented with a Charter certificate that confirms the commitment to quality of the centre and trainer.
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Q: How do I find out if I am qualified to register as a CIEH trainer?
A: Trainers need to register with us for each subject they wish to deliver, in order to ensure that all trainers meet the same criteria for CIEH qualifications. Details of our trainer registration requirements and the trainer registration form are available at www.cieh.org/customerservices.
To register, simply send us a completed registration form, any copies of relevant certificates and the applicable registration fees.
If a qualification you hold is not listed, please email the details of the qualification you hold to Customer Services. We will investigate the details of the learning you took and assess the suitability of your application.
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Q: What do I need to do to register for other CIEH qualifications as an existing centre or trainer?
A: To register for additional CIEH qualifications, please visit www.cieh.org/customerservices where you can download the necessary registration forms. Centres should complete and return the Centre registration form. Trainers should complete and return the Trainer registration form.
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Q: What happens after the registration application is submitted?
A: Assuming the application is successful, an email of confirmation will be sent stating that the applicant has satisfied the necessary criteria for CIEH registration and can begin delivering CIEH qualifications.
Full details relating to the qualification including the syllabus, exemplar material, sample questions and a training pack (where applicable) will be sent.
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Orders and payments
Q: How do I order examination materials and course books?
A: You can order materials by calling our Sales team
Order forms can also be accessed at www.cieh.org/procedures.
Only representatives of CIEH registered centres can purchase examination materials. CIEH registered trainers can order all other materials, including training packs and course books. Payment for orders can be invoiced to account or made directly by credit card.
Anyone can buy CIEH course books via our dedicated online shop at www.cieh.org/shop . Payment for orders can be made directly by credit card.
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Q: How do you notify customers about prices?
A: Generally all CIEH prices are adjusted annually in July to reflect market conditions. All CIEH registered centres are notified in writing.
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Q: When is VAT payable?
A: VAT is payable on all products except course books.
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Deliveries and returns
Q: What does delivery cost?
A: Delivery charges vary depending on the urgency of an order:
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Q: Overseas delivery charges
A:
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Q: Payment enquiries
A: For all payment enqu8iries please contact 020 7827 5800 and choose option 2
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Q: How are orders delivered?
A: Most orders are delivered by courier during business hours. To ensure successful delivery, we request that someone is available at the delivery address given to sign and receive the parcel on the day of delivery.
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Q: Delivery times
A:
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Q: How can materials be returned?
A: Examination materials can only be returned if goods are faulty or incorrect and must be returned within 14 days of invoice. Credits to accounts will be applied within 28 working days of receipt of return following approval. Regrettably all other goods outside these criteria may not be returned.
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Q: Where and how do I return materials?
A: All goods must be returned with a completed goods return note (which is provided with all orders) to our distribution partners, RR Donnelley. A goods return note can also be obtained from www.cieh.org/customerservices.
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Q: Can I hold stocks of CIEH examination materials?
A: Centres may retain stock of all CIEH examination materials except Level 4 examination papers, which are regularly changed to preserve qualification integrity.
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Materials
Q: What materials can the CIEH offer?
A: The CIEH can provide exam papers, course books, training packs and a limited selection of training aids. These can all be ordered through our sales team on 020 7827 5900 or by complete the contact form.
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Q: How do I obtain the order forms?
A: You can look on our website and download the forms by putting in your centre number or trainer number on www.cieh.org/procedures or contact Customer Services on 020 7827 5900 and they will be happy to email you these documents.
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Q: Do I always need to use CIEH examination materials to assess candidates?
A: All CIEH examination materials are specifically designed to assess the candidate’s learning following the completion of a CIEH qualification training programme. The appropriate examination materials must be used for every qualification and it is unacceptable to submit photocopies.
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Q: Can I hold stocks of CIEH examination materials?
A: Centres may retain stock of all CIEH examination materials except Level 4 examination papers, which are regularly changed to preserve qualification integrity.
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Q: Do you offer examination papers in foreign languages?
A: The CIEH offers many examination papers in various foreign languages. If you require multiple choice exam papers in a language we do not currently offer, you can take advantage of our on-demand foreign language service. For a minimum order of 100 papers we will translate any Level 1 or Level 2 multiple choice examination papers into any language you require. For Level 3 the minimum order is 200 exam papers.
If you would like to place an order or require any more information on foreign papers, please call Sales on 020 7827 5900 or check our website on www.cieh.org/languagepapers
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Q: Can the presentation on the CD-ROM be updated?
A: The PowerPoint presentation that accompanies most of our training packs should be updated to reflect changes in legislation and best practice. It is up to centres and trainers to ensure all training materials are up to date and tailored for their own use.
The slide show (indicated by a .ppt file extension) can be saved to a computer and can then be updated. Please note that images and illustrations are restricted by copyright law. Please refer to the restrictions stated in the copyright notice and ‘About this manual’ section of the Trainers’ Notes.
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Results and certificates
Q: How should results be submitted?
A: All Answer Information Sheets or Candidate Assessment Records need to be sent registered post to the CIEH accompanied by the relevant results or summary sheet. The envelope must be marked ‘Examinations Results’.
Please photocopy all examination documents before sending to the CIEH and keep these until the results have been received.
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Q: What are the letters in my centre number?
A: Your centre number is a five digit numerical code that we use to quickly and effectively answer your queries and questions.
The letters that pre-fix the centre number denote the course delivered on the results summary sheet (for example, FD is the Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Manufacturing, LL is the Level 2 Award in Health & Safety in the Workplace). This allows us to organise and manage results processing and should always be included on the results summary sheet.
Please visit www.cieh.org/customerservices to obtain a list of all current CIEH subject codes. Please always have your centre number (the five digit code) ready when contacting us.
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Q: What happens if the candidate is not satisfied with the examination result?
A: Candidates may appeal against the outcome of an examination to the centre where the course was taken. The centre should then inform the CIEH in writing.
The specific procedures covering candidate appeals are detailed within the procedures manual, which can be found at www.cieh.org/customerservices.
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Q: How are certificates replaced?
A: To ensure we can verify a candidate’s details are correct and to satisfy regulatory purposes, centres and candidates must submit a completed application form.
Application forms and guidance can be found at www.cieh.org/customerservices
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CIEH Coursefinder
Q: What are the key principles of CIEH Coursefinder?
A: CIEH Coursefinder is a website for prospective candidates to search for providers of CIEH qualifications. They do this using a simple search facility that narrows results by qualification and location.
CIEH registered training providers, or centres, can submit their accredited training qualifications directly to candidates. CIEH Coursefinder lists centres that have delivered CIEH qualifications during the last six months, to ensure that candidates only contact centres that are likely to offer the course they are interested in. All centres who sell their training services are automatically included on Coursefinder for the first 12 months following registration.
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Q: How are centres listed on CIEH Coursefinder?
A: If a centre does not appear on CIEH Coursefinder or a subject offered is missing, it may be because the qualification has not been delivered during the last six months. Other reasons may be that a PO Box has been used in the contact address and the Coursefinder system cannot map the centre location.
Please contact Customer Services on 020 7827 5800 to rectify this.
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Service standards
Q: How can I contact the CIEH?
A: You can contact the Customer Services team
Customer Services
Telephone: 020 7827 5800 (select option 1)
Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm
For queries relating to examinations or results please contact the Examination Services team
Examination Services
Telephone: 020 7827 5800 (select option 2)
If you need to order training materials for example, exam papers and books please contact the Sales team
Sales
Telephone: 020 7827 5900
In the unlikely event that you are unable to get through to us please use our voicemail facility and we will endeavour to get back to you within one working day. You can also email us anytime and we will respond within two working days.
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Q: What can I expect when I contact you?
A: We aim to always provide a knowledgeable, professional and friendly service. The agent you speak to should always provide their name and be able to deal with your enquiry quickly and effectively.
If an answer cannot be provided immediately, we aim to provide a satisfactory response within one working day.
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Q: How long does it take to get candidate results?
A: We aim to dispatch candidate results for all multiple choice assessments within 10 working days of receipt. Additional time should be allowed for postage.
We aim to dispatch candidate results for all written assessments within 30 working days. However, this is subject to the availability of moderators and work volumes.
If results are submitted with incorrect or missing information, processing and certification will be delayed.
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Q: What other general performance standards can I expect?
A: We will open all post receipts within one working day.
We will complete all trainer and centre registration applications within 28 days and registration referrals within seven working days thereafter.
We aim to complete all requests for special consideration and examination remarks within 10 working days whenever possible.
We will process all orders received within 1.5 working days. We will confirm all orders received by email and make contact if an order requires clarification.
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Q: How do I submit a complaint?
A: If you have a complaint which cannot be resolved during discussions with a member of Customer Services, this should be detailed in writing to the Customer Service Manager.
All complainants must ensure they provide a clear explanation of the basis of the complaint and clarification of the relationship, if any, between the complainant and any third parties.
Upon receipt of the complaint, the Customer Services Manager will consult with the complainant if necessary and any other relevant parties. If, at this stage, it is noted that the complaint relates more to a case of suspected malpractice, it will be referred on to the Quality Assurance Manager for investigation.
The Customer Services Manager will then make a judgement as to whether the complaint is to be upheld and if so, the appropriate action to be taken. All parties will be notified in writing within 28 days of the complaint receipt.
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Q: What are your standard procedures for delivery and support of vocational training qualifications?
A: There are a standard set of procedures which CIEH registered centres and trainers are expected to observe. These cover all aspects of operation as a CIEH registered trainer and centre.
The Procedures Manual is available to view for CIEH registered centres and trainers at www.cieh.org/customerservices. A copy of the procedures manual is issued to all CIEH registered centres and trainers.
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Submit a question
Please complete the contact form.