CourseClarity research

Does the qualification add value?

Name: CourseClarity UK qualification value research catalogue
Creator: CourseClarity

We assess the specific course and qualification against having no qualification—not against the provider’s promises. Where the evidence cannot support that comparison, the answer is “Insufficient evidence”.

Check a course See the 20-course benchmarkUK only · Version 1 · Reviewed 3 September 2026

Decision standard

A score is earned by evidence, not completed by assumptions.

60%

Minimum coverage

Decision-grade evidence must cover at least 60% of the weighted model before CourseClarity publishes a combined score.

Points for missing data

An unknown result remains unscored. It is not treated as a zero and does not become evidence that a course has poor value.

Separate assessments

Qualification value and provider confidence use different dimensions and are never blended into a false single measure.

Weighted model

Five dimensions, with the counterfactual stated.

For qualifications, earnings and employability each carry 20%; occupation access 25%; recognition 20%; and cost-and-time return 15%. Direct verdicts are capped at “Situational value” when earnings or employability evidence is not fit for the decision.

Identify the product

Establish whether the buyer receives the qualification, preparation for it, a provider certificate, CPD, academic credit or only attendance.

Verify the record

Use the correct regulator and framework for England, Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland. “Regulated” is not assumed from marketing language.

Map the occupation

Check whether the award is legally required, commonly requested, one route among several, or unrelated to the intended work.

Test the outcome claim

Prefer exact, adjusted evidence against people with no qualification. Aggregate salaries and destinations are labelled context only.

Price the route

Use the known total cost, study time, separate exams, licences and required progression—not just the headline fee.

Maintained research catalogue

Current evidence profiles

This first release seeds the model with course-specific and aggregate profiles. Aggregate profiles are never automatically inherited by an individual course.

Regulated vocational qualification

Focus Awards Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (RQF)

Study Active · England and Northern Ireland · 601/5883/9

Situational value

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings upliftInsufficient evidence
Employability upliftInsufficient evidence
Occupation access72/100 · Decision evidence
Recognition88/100 · Decision evidence
Cost and time return62/100 · Decision evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Situational value as an entry route into fitness instruction: the exact regulated award and a relevant occupation route are supported, but no reliable evidence was found for an earnings or hiring uplift against having no qualification.

Combined score: 75/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Attaining this qualification versus having no qualification. Published occupation pay is shown only as context and is not treated as course-caused uplift.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: IE20% · missing
No robust source was found that isolates earnings for holders of this exact award against otherwise similar people with no qualification.
Employability uplift: IE20% · missing
The qualification is occupationally relevant, but no controlled hiring or sustained-employment uplift for this exact award was identified.
Occupation access: 7225% · decision
The National Careers Service identifies recognised fitness-instructing qualifications as a route into the occupation, while also listing alternative routes.
Recognition: 8820% · decision
The awarding organisation publishes the exact qualification number, Level 2 status, purpose and progression route.
Cost and time return: 6215% · decision
The course publishes price and total qualification time, but an independent payback period cannot be calculated without attributable earnings evidence.

GOV.UK / Ofqual: Find a regulated qualification Regulated status framework and official register route.
Focus Awards: Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (RQF) Exact qualification number, status, purpose, entry considerations and progression.
National Careers Service: Fitness instructor career profile Occupation routes, requirements, progression and contextual salary range.
Study Active: CIMSPA Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instruction Provider-specific price, delivery, prerequisites and assessment claims.

Preparation course; the NVQ is additional

Plastering course with training for NVQ Level 2

Able Skills · England

Insufficient evidence

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Supplier identityInsufficient evidence
Independent outcomesInsufficient evidence
Delivery evidence74/100 · Decision evidence
Cost clarity38/100 · Decision evidence
Learner safeguardsInsufficient evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

None included — the NVQ Level 2 is in addition. The course page describes preparation for the NVQ, which is assessed and charged separately, so the purchase should be judged mainly on provider delivery, total cost and the route into workplace assessment.

Combined score: Withheld
Decision coverage: 40%
Assessment focus: Provider confidence

Comparison: Provider confidence for the training purchase. No qualification uplift is attributed because this product does not itself include attainment of the NVQ.

Dimensions and source trail

Supplier identity: IE20% · missing
A current legal-entity match must be established for the specific supplier before this dimension is scored.
Independent outcomes: IE25% · missing
No independently verified completion, employment or learner-outcome series was identified for this exact course.
Delivery evidence: 7420% · decision
The provider describes the training duration, practical scope and the need to complete NVQ assessment in a real work environment.
Cost clarity: 3820% · decision
The training price is stated, but the NVQ assessment is separate and its additional price is not established in the captured offer.
Learner safeguards: IE15% · missing
Complaints, refund and learner-protection evidence needs separate verification before scoring.

Able Skills: Plastering Course with Training for NVQ Level 2 Training scope, base price and the statement that NVQ assessment is separate.
National Careers Service: Plasterer career profile Occupation routes, CSCS context, progression and contextual salary range.

Aggregate sector evidence; not an individual course rating

Government-funded further-education qualifications

England

Insufficient evidence

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings uplift66/100 · Context only
Employability uplift68/100 · Context only
Occupation accessInsufficient evidence
RecognitionInsufficient evidence
Cost and time returnInsufficient evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Useful benchmark data exists by qualification title, level, sector and provider, but the published outcomes do not control for learner characteristics. CourseClarity therefore uses it as context and does not convert it into a causal uplift score.

Combined score: Withheld
Decision coverage: 0%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Observed post-study outcomes, not a matched comparison with people who hold no qualification. This profile is research context and is never auto-applied to an individual course.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: 6620% · context
DfE publishes annualised earnings after study by qualification title, but hours worked and learner differences are not controlled.
Employability uplift: 6820% · context
Sustained employment and learning outcomes are published, but they are observational rather than causal uplift estimates.
Occupation access: IE25% · missing
Occupation access must be judged for the exact qualification and intended job, not the sector aggregate.
Recognition: IE20% · missing
Regulated status and current qualification details must be checked against the exact record.
Cost and time return: IE15% · missing
Course-specific price, funding, duration and attributable benefit are required.

Department for Education: Further education outcomes, academic year 2022/23 Observed sustained destinations and earnings after learning.
Department for Education: Further education outcomes methodology Coverage, definitions and limitations of the outcomes data.

Aggregate higher-education evidence; not an individual course rating

UK graduate labour-market outcomes

United Kingdom

Insufficient evidence

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings uplift76/100 · Context only
Employability uplift78/100 · Context only
Occupation accessInsufficient evidence
RecognitionInsufficient evidence
Cost and time returnInsufficient evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Graduate employment and pay are higher on average than for non-graduates, but the headline comparator is not “no qualification” and does not establish the value of a particular degree or provider.

Combined score: Withheld
Decision coverage: 0%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Graduate versus non-graduate aggregate outcomes. CourseClarity treats this as context because non-graduate is not the same as no qualification and subject, provider and learner background materially affect outcomes.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: 7620% · context
National graduate salary differences are substantial, but do not isolate an exact degree against a no-qualification counterfactual.
Employability uplift: 7820% · context
National employment and high-skilled employment rates are informative but not causal for an individual course.
Occupation access: IE25% · missing
This depends on the degree subject and whether the intended profession is regulated.
Recognition: IE20% · missing
The institution, award, course status and relevant professional recognition must be checked individually.
Cost and time return: IE15% · missing
Fees, maintenance cost, duration and subject-level outcomes are required for an individual return assessment.

Department for Education: Graduate labour market statistics 2024 Aggregate employment, high-skilled employment and salary context.
Discover Uni / Office for Students: About Discover Uni data Course-level student experience, graduate outcomes and LEO earnings sources.

Regulated vocational qualification with provider-specific Campus-Plus delivery

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping

McArthur Morgan · England and Northern Ireland · 603/6343/5

Situational value

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings upliftInsufficient evidence
Employability upliftInsufficient evidence
Occupation access78/100 · Decision evidence
Recognition95/100 · Decision evidence
Cost and time return78/100 · Decision evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Situational value as an entry bookkeeping route. The exact regulated award and relevant junior-finance roles are established, while the £495 tuition is not the total credential cost and no reliable exact-award salary or employability uplift against having no qualification was found.

Combined score: 84/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Attaining the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping versus having no qualification. Provider and occupation claims are not treated as causal salary or hiring evidence.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: IE20% · missing
No robust evidence was found that isolates earnings for holders of this exact award against otherwise similar people with no qualification.
Employability uplift: IE20% · missing
AAT describes relevant entry roles, but no controlled hiring or sustained-employment uplift for this exact qualification was identified.
Occupation access: 7825% · decision
AAT maps the qualification to trainee bookkeeper, finance assistant, accounts administrator and clerical roles while also presenting it as progression to higher-level study.
Recognition: 9520% · decision
Ofqual lists 603/6343/5 as available to learners and AAT publishes the exact title, units, assessment and progression route.
Cost and time return: 7815% · decision
The £495 tuition and roughly three-month timetable are clear, but AAT currently adds a £207 standard qualification fee before possible centre administration, resits or paid extensions.

McArthur Morgan: AAT Level 2 Bookkeeping Campus Plus Provider tuition, timetable, course scope, two assessments and separately payable fees.
AAT: AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping Exact award, syllabus, duration, roles, entry guidance and current qualification fees.
Ofqual: Qualification 603/6343/5 Available status, awarding organisation, Level 2, assessment method, GLH and TQT.
AAT: McArthur Morgan training-provider directory entry Independent provider-directory context; exact Campus-Plus intake scope still requires confirmation.
McArthur Morgan: McArthur Morgan terms and conditions Campus attendance conditions, access period, extension prices, cancellation charges, exam changes and syllabus risk.
Trustpilot: McArthur Morgan review snapshot Provider-level review volume, rating and recurring positive and negative themes; not course-specific outcome evidence.

Provider certificate / CPD-style skills course

Online 3D Nail Art Training Course

The Beauty Academy · United Kingdom

Moderate provider confidence

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Supplier identity82/100 · Decision evidence
Independent outcomesInsufficient evidence
Delivery evidence72/100 · Decision evidence
Cost clarity84/100 · Decision evidence
Learner safeguardsInsufficient evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Moderate provider confidence in the stated offer. The live £99 course price and provider-issued certificate are now clear, but no regulated award or independent outcome uplift is assumed.

Combined score: 79/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Provider confidence

Comparison: Provider confidence for this exact online nail-art purchase; no qualification or earnings uplift is assumed.

Dimensions and source trail

Supplier identity: 8220% · decision
The current product page identifies The Beauty Academy and the provider-issued course outcome.
Independent outcomes: IE25% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Delivery evidence: 7220% · decision
The exact page describes the online training and completion requirements, though independent teaching-quality evidence is absent.
Cost clarity: 8420% · decision
The exact page states a £99 course price and the worker separately surfaces additional charges and purchase terms.
Learner safeguards: IE15% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.

The Beauty Academy: Online 3D Nail Art Training Course Current £99 price, course identity, provider-issued outcome, delivery and purchase terms.
The Beauty Academy: Online Acrylic Nail Extensions Course Related provider-course context for certificate issuer and insurer language only.

University executive education; certificate of attendance

Oxford Private Markets Investments Programme

Saïd Business School / GetSmarter · United Kingdom

Moderate provider confidence

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Supplier identity90/100 · Decision evidence
Independent outcomesInsufficient evidence
Delivery evidence85/100 · Decision evidence
Cost clarity80/100 · Decision evidence
Learner safeguardsInsufficient evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Moderate provider confidence in the stated offer, but no qualification uplift: the programme is Oxford Saïd executive education leading to a certificate of attendance and CPD activity, not a CFA qualification or academic award.

Combined score: 85/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Provider confidence

Comparison: Provider confidence for a non-degree executive course; no qualification value is attributed.

Dimensions and source trail

Supplier identity: 9020% · decision
The live course page names Oxford Saïd, GetSmarter, the programme director and the certificate issuer.
Independent outcomes: IE25% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Delivery evidence: 8520% · decision
Six weeks, an estimated 60 learning hours, modules and completion requirements are published.
Cost clarity: 8020% · decision
The registration page publishes two instalments totalling US$3,315 before any time-limited discount.
Learner safeguards: IE15% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.

GetSmarter / Oxford Saïd: Oxford Private Markets Investments Programme Credential, duration, workload, modules, CPD caveat and current instalments.

Award identity incomplete; provider confidence assessment

Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy

London College of Beauty Therapy · England

Moderate provider confidence

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Supplier identity85/100 · Decision evidence
Independent outcomes60/100 · Decision evidence
Delivery evidence75/100 · Decision evidence
Cost clarity55/100 · Decision evidence
Learner safeguardsInsufficient evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Moderate provider confidence, but confirm the product before enrolment. Ofsted evidence is positive overall, while the exact award number, compulsory kit total and the occupational limit of Level 2 remain material gaps.

Combined score: 68/100
Decision coverage: 85%
Assessment focus: Provider confidence

Comparison: Provider confidence until the exact City & Guilds award can be matched; no qualification uplift is assumed meanwhile.

Dimensions and source trail

Supplier identity: 8520% · decision
The college identity and campus are clear, but the precise qualification number is not.
Independent outcomes: 6025% · decision
Ofsted rated the provider Good overall in June 2025; this is provider-level rather than course-level outcome evidence.
Delivery evidence: 7520% · decision
Duration, attendance, practical assessment, assignments and online exam are described.
Cost clarity: 5520% · decision
Eligible tuition is funded, but a compulsory kit is separately payable and current source amounts conflict across time.
Learner safeguards: IE15% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.

London College of Beauty Therapy: Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Award wording, delivery, entry, assessment, funding and progression claims.
Ofsted: Provider inspection outcome Independent provider-level inspection evidence.

Professional and regulated accounting qualification

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting

Premier Training · United Kingdom

Situational value

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings upliftInsufficient evidence
Employability upliftInsufficient evidence
Occupation access72/100 · Decision evidence
Recognition88/100 · Decision evidence
Cost and time return55/100 · Decision evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Situational value as an entry accounting route. The award maps to junior finance roles, but the provider price must be combined with AAT registration and assessment charges and no exact causal pay uplift was found.

Combined score: 73/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Attaining the AAT Level 2 Certificate versus having no qualification.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Employability uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Occupation access: 7225% · decision
AAT maps the qualification to accounts assistant, ledger clerk and trainee finance roles, while alternative entry routes remain available.
Recognition: 8820% · decision
AAT publishes the live qualification, its syllabus and progression route.
Cost and time return: 5515% · decision
The training offer is concrete, but AAT separately publishes a standard qualification fee and the course-specific all-in total needs checking.

Premier Training: AAT Level 2 Certificate course Provider delivery and course offer.
AAT: AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting Syllabus, role mapping, provider-fee range and separate qualification fee.

Professional and regulated people-practice qualification

CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice

ICS Learn · United Kingdom

Insufficient evidence

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings upliftInsufficient evidence
Employability upliftInsufficient evidence
Occupation access70/100 · Decision evidence
Recognition90/100 · Decision evidence
Cost and time returnInsufficient evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Insufficient evidence for a value score. Recognition and an entry HR route are clear, but the exact provider total and causal labour-market uplift are not.

Combined score: Withheld
Decision coverage: 45%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Attaining this CIPD Foundation Certificate versus having no qualification.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Employability uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Occupation access: 7025% · decision
CIPD maps the award to foundation people-practice roles, but it is not a legal requirement for HR employment.
Recognition: 9020% · decision
CIPD confirms the Level 3 qualification and Foundation Membership outcome.
Cost and time return: IE15% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.

ICS Learn: CIPD Level 3 course Provider curriculum and assessment route.
CIPD: Foundation Certificate in People Practice Level, typical duration, price range, role mapping and membership outcome.

Professional occupational-health-and-safety qualification

NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

Astutis · United Kingdom

Situational value

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings upliftInsufficient evidence
Employability upliftInsufficient evidence
Occupation access78/100 · Decision evidence
Recognition90/100 · Decision evidence
Cost and time return70/100 · Decision evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Situational value for health-and-safety work. The credential and assessment are substantial, but delivery packages have different exam inclusions and no exact causal salary uplift was identified.

Combined score: 80/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Attaining the NEBOSH National General Certificate versus having no qualification.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Employability uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Occupation access: 7825% · decision
The qualification is directly relevant to operational health-and-safety responsibilities, though not a universal legal licence to practise.
Recognition: 9020% · decision
NEBOSH publishes the qualification and its accreditation status.
Cost and time return: 7015% · decision
Astutis publishes several price and delivery routes, but the cheapest headline price excludes exams.

Astutis: NEBOSH General Certificate training Current learning modes, prices, exam inclusions, entry and assessment.
NEBOSH: National General Certificate Official qualification scope and accreditation.

Professional project-management certification

PRINCE2 Project Management Foundation (Version 7)

The Knowledge Academy · United Kingdom

Situational value

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings upliftInsufficient evidence
Employability upliftInsufficient evidence
Occupation access45/100 · Decision evidence
Recognition80/100 · Decision evidence
Cost and time return45/100 · Decision evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Situational value as a recognised project-method credential, but not an occupational licence. Verify exam inclusion, renewal obligations and total price; no qualification-only jobs or salary uplift was found.

Combined score: 57/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Attaining PRINCE2 Foundation versus having no qualification.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Employability uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Occupation access: 4525% · decision
The method can support project roles but is not a legal entry requirement and does not replace delivery experience.
Recognition: 8020% · decision
PeopleCert publishes the current Version 7 Foundation certification.
Cost and time return: 4515% · decision
The provider advertises several formats and prices, but exam, resit and continuing-certification obligations must be bounded for the chosen package.

The Knowledge Academy: PRINCE2 Foundation training Provider format and package claims.
PeopleCert: PRINCE2 Project Management Foundation (Version 7) Official current certification and renewal context.

Licence-linked regulated security qualification

SIA Door Supervisor licence-linked qualification

Get Licensed · United Kingdom

Situational value

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings upliftInsufficient evidence
Employability upliftInsufficient evidence
Occupation access96/100 · Decision evidence
Recognition85/100 · Decision evidence
Cost and time return65/100 · Decision evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Situational value with unusually strong occupation access: the qualification is needed to apply for the front-line licence. It is not the licence itself, and first aid, eligibility and the separate application remain material.

Combined score: 85/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Attaining the licence-linked qualification versus having no qualification, before the separate SIA licensing decision.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Employability uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Occupation access: 9625% · decision
Government guidance requires a current licence-linked qualification for a first front-line door-supervisor licence application.
Recognition: 8520% · decision
The SIA publishes the acceptable qualification route, subject to matching the exact award and training provider approval.
Cost and time return: 6515% · decision
The route has clear occupational utility, but first-aid training and the licence application sit outside the headline course.

Get Licensed: Door Supervisor Course Provider course duration and purchase offer.
Security Industry Authority / GOV.UK: Training needed for an SIA licence Mandatory licence-linked qualification and first-aid prerequisite.
Security Industry Authority / GOV.UK: Apply for an SIA licence Separate licensing, eligibility and non-refundable fee context.

Workplace certificate; provider confidence assessment

First Aid at Work Course

St John Ambulance · United Kingdom

Moderate provider confidence

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Supplier identity92/100 · Decision evidence
Independent outcomesInsufficient evidence
Delivery evidence90/100 · Decision evidence
Cost clarity75/100 · Decision evidence
Learner safeguards72/100 · Decision evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Moderate provider confidence. The certificate and practical compliance use are clear, but it should not be presented as an Ofqual qualification or as proof of employability uplift.

Combined score: 83/100
Decision coverage: 75%
Assessment focus: Provider confidence

Comparison: Provider confidence and workplace usefulness; no qualification or salary uplift is assumed.

Dimensions and source trail

Supplier identity: 9220% · decision
The national organisation, certificate issuer and training offer are explicit.
Independent outcomes: IE25% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Delivery evidence: 9020% · decision
The course describes practical first-aid training and a three-year certificate.
Cost clarity: 7520% · decision
Prices are date and venue dependent; the selected booking and transfer conditions still need review.
Learner safeguards: 7215% · decision
Published workplace-training FAQs explain transfer and certificate arrangements.

St John Ambulance: First Aid at Work Course Provider certificate and delivery details.
Health and Safety Executive: First aiders and training Official employer first-aid training context.

Higher-education degree with professional accreditation

BSc (Honours) Computing and IT (Q62)

The Open University · United Kingdom

Situational value

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings uplift76/100 · Context only
Employability uplift82/100 · Context only
Occupation access80/100 · Decision evidence
Recognition95/100 · Decision evidence
Cost and time return62/100 · Decision evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Situational value with strong course-specific context. The degree is recognised and maps well to computing work; Discover Uni reports positive outcomes, but they are not causal versus no qualification and the time-and-fee commitment is substantial.

Combined score: 81/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Attaining this BSc versus having no qualification. Discover Uni outcomes are context, not an adjusted counterfactual.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: 7620% · context
Discover Uni publishes course/subject earnings after study, but not an adjusted no-qualification comparison.
Employability uplift: 8220% · context
The published work-or-study and highly-skilled-work rates are observational.
Occupation access: 8025% · decision
The curriculum and BCS recognition map directly to several computing occupations, while many routes into IT remain open without a degree.
Recognition: 9520% · decision
The OU publishes the exact 360-credit BSc; BCS accreditation conditions are explicit.
Cost and time return: 6215% · decision
Fees, pace and credit load are transparent, but the commitment is large and future fees can rise.

The Open University: BSc Computing and IT Q62 Award, credits, duration, fees, curriculum and BCS conditions.
Discover Uni: Computing and IT at The Open University Official course-level earnings, destinations and graduate-perception context.

Approved apprenticeship standard delivered through employment

Data Analyst Level 4 Apprenticeship

QA · England

Situational value

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings upliftInsufficient evidence
Employability upliftInsufficient evidence
Occupation access95/100 · Decision evidence
Recognition90/100 · Decision evidence
Cost and time return95/100 · Decision evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Situational value as a paid occupational route. The learner must be employed and pays no training fee, but the qualification effect cannot be separated from workplace experience and employer selection.

Combined score: 93/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Completing the apprenticeship versus having no qualification, with employment and training treated as a combined route rather than a course-only causal effect.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Employability uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Occupation access: 9525% · decision
The approved standard is built around the data-analyst occupation and work-based competence.
Recognition: 9020% · decision
Skills England lists ST0118 as approved for delivery at Level 4.
Cost and time return: 9515% · decision
There is no apprentice tuition charge and learning happens alongside paid employment, subject to eligibility and employer access.

QA: Data Analyst Level 4 Apprenticeship Delivery, entry, employer funding and current programme details.
Skills England: Data analyst apprenticeship standard ST0118 Official status, occupation, duration, level and funding band.

Level 2 electrical foundation qualification

Electrical Installation Diploma Level 2 Evening

Leicester College · England

Situational value

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings upliftInsufficient evidence
Employability upliftInsufficient evidence
Occupation access45/100 · Decision evidence
Recognition74/100 · Decision evidence
Cost and time return65/100 · Decision evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Situational value as technical preparation and progression. It does not by itself make the learner a fully qualified electrician, so its value depends on reaching workplace training and the Level 3 competence route.

Combined score: 60/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Attaining this Level 2 diploma versus having no qualification, without attributing the benefits of later workplace competence awards.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Employability uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Occupation access: 4525% · decision
It can help secure further training or a trainee role, but official career guidance says practical experience and further on-the-job training are still required.
Recognition: 7420% · decision
The qualification family is a recognised foundation, while the precise award number on this listing still needs matching.
Cost and time return: 6515% · decision
An evening college route can be proportionate preparation, but progression costs and time are part of the true route.

Leicester College: Electrical Installation Diploma Level 2 Evening Provider entry, delivery and progression details.
National Careers Service: Electrician career profile Workplace-experience and fully-qualified route limitations.
City & Guilds: Electrotechnical Craft 2365 Foundation and progression to Level 3 competence qualifications.

Regulated early-years occupational qualification

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector

Telford College · England · 610/4164/6

Situational value

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings upliftInsufficient evidence
Employability upliftInsufficient evidence
Occupation access90/100 · Decision evidence
Recognition88/100 · Decision evidence
Cost and time return80/100 · Decision evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Situational value where the exact award counts as full and relevant for the intended setting. It can unlock staff-ratio recognition, but English, paediatric-first-aid and workplace requirements still matter and an experience-based alternative exists.

Combined score: 87/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Attaining the exact Level 3 award versus having no qualification for work in English early-years settings.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Employability uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Occupation access: 9025% · decision
An approved full-and-relevant Level 3 award can count in statutory staff ratios, subject to additional conditions.
Recognition: 8820% · decision
NCFE publishes the current exact award; DfE provides the separate full-and-relevant check.
Cost and time return: 8015% · decision
The provider describes potential public funding, but eligibility, placement and required extras must be confirmed.

Telford College: Early Years Level 3 Online Diploma Provider delivery and funding conditions.
NCFE: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector Exact qualification identity and specification.
Department for Education / GOV.UK: Check an early years qualification Full-and-relevant status and staff-ratio conditions.

Non-regulated professional certification

BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT · United Kingdom

Weak evidence of value

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings upliftInsufficient evidence
Employability upliftInsufficient evidence
Occupation access35/100 · Decision evidence
Recognition70/100 · Decision evidence
Cost and time return50/100 · Decision evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Weak evidence of value. The certificate offers a recognised knowledge benchmark, but BCS states it is not UK-regulated and no independent qualification-only employment uplift was found.

Combined score: 50/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Attaining the BCS certificate versus having no qualification.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Employability uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Occupation access: 3525% · decision
It is relevant to business-analysis knowledge but is not a licence and does not replace experience.
Recognition: 7020% · decision
BCS is the certificate issuer and publishes the syllabus while explicitly disclosing that it is not regulated.
Cost and time return: 5015% · decision
An exam-only route exists, reducing required training spend, but outcome value remains unsupported.

BCS: Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis Issuer, non-regulated status, entry requirements and assessment.

Regulated professional qualification family; size varies

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership

National Extension College · United Kingdom

Weak evidence of value

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings upliftInsufficient evidence
Employability upliftInsufficient evidence
Occupation access55/100 · Decision evidence
Recognition60/100 · Decision evidence
Cost and time return35/100 · Decision evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Weak evidence of value until the exact size is chosen. Award, Certificate and Diploma carry different qualification numbers and workloads, and NEC excludes the CMI registration fee from its prices.

Combined score: 52/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Attaining the selected exact CMI Level 5 award versus having no qualification.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Employability uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Occupation access: 5525% · decision
CMI designs Level 5 for practising or aspiring middle managers, but management work is not restricted to holders.
Recognition: 6020% · decision
All four CMI variants are live, but the provider page does not choose a single exact QN for the buyer.
Cost and time return: 3515% · decision
Course prices and approximate hours are published, but an unpriced compulsory CMI registration fee prevents an all-in total.

National Extension College: CMI Level 5 online Provider variants, prices, hours, assessment and excluded registration fee.
Chartered Management Institute: Management and Leadership Level 5 Four live qualification numbers, credits and total qualification times.

Professional certification training; two exams required

CompTIA A+ certification training

IT Career Switch · United Kingdom

Situational value

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Earnings upliftInsufficient evidence
Employability upliftInsufficient evidence
Occupation access60/100 · Decision evidence
Recognition80/100 · Decision evidence
Cost and time return45/100 · Decision evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Situational value for entry IT support, conditional on the £799 package including both required exams. The certification is recognised, but independent qualification-only job uplift is not established.

Combined score: 63/100
Decision coverage: 60%
Assessment focus: Qualification value

Comparison: Attaining CompTIA A+ versus having no qualification.

Dimensions and source trail

Earnings uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Employability uplift: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Occupation access: 6025% · decision
The credential maps to entry IT support knowledge, but experience and practical troubleshooting remain important.
Recognition: 8020% · decision
The current 220-1201 and 220-1202 exam route is identified and requires two passes.
Cost and time return: 4515% · decision
The provider publishes £799, but voucher, retake and continuing-certification costs are not bounded on the captured course page.

IT Career Switch: CompTIA A+ Course Provider price, current exam codes, content and two-exam structure.
CompTIA: CompTIA A+ certification overview Credential-owner exam structure and objectives.

Informal online course with platform certificate

Fundamentals of Digital Marketing

FutureLearn · United Kingdom

Insufficient evidence

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Supplier identity82/100 · Decision evidence
Independent outcomesInsufficient evidence
Delivery evidence72/100 · Decision evidence
Cost clarityInsufficient evidence
Learner safeguardsInsufficient evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Insufficient evidence for provider confidence. The learning scope and certificate threshold are clear, but the certificate is not a regulated award and exact independent outcomes, price and protections remain unverified.

Combined score: Withheld
Decision coverage: 40%
Assessment focus: Provider confidence

Comparison: Provider confidence for an informal online course; no qualification uplift is assumed.

Dimensions and source trail

Supplier identity: 8220% · decision
The platform and course identity are clear.
Independent outcomes: IE25% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Delivery evidence: 7220% · decision
The page describes content, activities and the certificate completion threshold.
Cost clarity: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Learner safeguards: IE15% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.

FutureLearn: Fundamentals of Digital Marketing Curriculum, learning format and certificate threshold.
FutureLearn Help Centre: Certificates of Achievement Platform certificate format and access context.

Provider diploma with CPD points

Microsoft Office Diploma

Pitman Training · United Kingdom

Insufficient evidence

0 at centre · 100 at outer ring · rings every 20

Supplier identity78/100 · Decision evidence
Independent outcomesInsufficient evidence
Delivery evidence72/100 · Decision evidence
Cost clarityInsufficient evidence
Learner safeguardsInsufficient evidence

Missing evidence leaves a gap, not a zero score.

Insufficient evidence for provider confidence. The 150-hour skills curriculum is clear, but the award is a Pitman diploma—not a Microsoft or regulated qualification—and price and independent outcomes are absent.

Combined score: Withheld
Decision coverage: 40%
Assessment focus: Provider confidence

Comparison: Provider confidence for a provider-issued diploma; no qualification uplift is assumed.

Dimensions and source trail

Supplier identity: 7820% · decision
The provider and its own diploma are clearly named, but local delivery centre terms may differ.
Independent outcomes: IE25% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Delivery evidence: 7220% · decision
The course describes approximately 150 hours and the included Microsoft Office applications.
Cost clarity: IE20% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.
Learner safeguards: IE15% · missing
No decision-grade evidence was identified for this dimension.

Pitman Training: Microsoft Office Diploma Issuer, curriculum, duration, CPD points and provider claims.

Course taxonomy

Everything is in scope, but not judged the same way.

Regulated vocational qualification

Verify the exact number, title, awarding organisation, status and occupational route.

Apprenticeship

Separate the occupational standard, training provider, end-point assessment and employer route.

Higher-education award

Use course and provider outcomes; distinguish degrees and academic credit from attendance certificates.

Professional qualification

Check the professional body, membership or licence route and whether recognition is mandatory or optional.

School or college qualification

Use the relevant UK nation, level framework and progression evidence.

CPD or provider certificate

Do not describe it as regulated; focus on issuer recognition, curriculum, assessment and intended use.

Preparation-only course

Do not attribute the value of a separate exam, licence or qualification to the training product.

Informal skills course

Focus on provider evidence, practical delivery, total cost, safeguards and independently supported outcomes.

Official-source register

Government and regulatory evidence comes first.

Provider pages remain necessary for price and offer scope, but they are not independent outcome evidence. Registration in UKRLP or Companies House is an identity check, not a quality mark.

Core research sources
England and Northern Ireland	Register of Regulated Qualifications
Wales	Qualifications Wales
Scotland	Qualifications Scotland and the SCQF
Careers	National Careers Service
Occupation requirements	Regulated Professions Register
Technical routes	Skills England occupational maps
Further education outcomes	Explore education statistics
Higher education outcomes	Discover Uni
Training provider identity	UK Register of Learning Providers
Apprenticeship providers	Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register

Known limitations

The hard part is attribution.

Official datasets often show earnings or destinations after study, but people choose qualifications for different reasons and bring different prior attainment, experience and circumstances. Hours worked can also be missing. CourseClarity does not relabel those observations as a salary uplift caused by the qualification.

The database will expand by exact qualification and provider. Until a profile meets the evidence standard, reports show the useful sub-findings and withhold the overall score.

Review all 20 test cases