How to check if a course qualification is Ofqual regulated
By CourseClarity · Updated
Check the qualification you will receive, not just the name on the course advert. A familiar awarding-body logo or a “Level 3” headline does not establish what is included in your purchase.
Start with the exact award
Ask for the full qualification title, awarding organisation and qualification number. Keep the provider’s course name separate: a training package can contain several awards, or prepare you for an award bought elsewhere. A missing number is a question to resolve, not proof of a fake course.
Match the official record, then check the dates
The GOV.UK service links to the register for qualifications in England and Northern Ireland and to the separate Welsh and Scottish services. Compare the exact title, number and awarding organisation. Check the record’s dates against your intended enrolment and completion dates; an old record does not automatically establish availability for a new learner.
A qualification match is only one of three checks
Keep three questions separate: does the award exist, can this provider deliver it, and does this package actually include it? Ask the awarding organisation about the provider and exact award where a public directory cannot resolve approval. Then compare the advert with the enrolment agreement and fee schedule.
Ofqual recognition relates to awarding organisations; it is not an endorsement of every training provider using an organisation’s name. CourseClarity is an independent service, not an Ofqual-approved checker.
Source: Ofqual: what accreditation means
Check whether it meets your purpose
Before paying, send the exact award to the employer, university, insurer or professional body whose acceptance matters to you. A genuine qualification can still be the wrong route for your goal. Save their answer alongside the dated offer. Do not assume the same level means the same subject coverage or assessment requirements.
Fictional worked example — not a provider review
What changes the buying decision?
The advert: “Level 3 diploma included.”
The detail: The fictional enrolment terms include tuition and a provider certificate, but price awarding-body registration and assessment separately.
Why it matters: Finding a Level 3 award on the register would not resolve the purchase question. Ask which award is included and what you must pay to receive it.
Ask before you pay
- What exact qualification will I receive, including its number and awarding organisation?
- Can the awarding organisation confirm your approval for that award?
- Are registration, assessments and certification included in this price?