New application process for NQF Accreditation and Moderation Action Plans (AMAPs), revised criteria for approval and registration of AMAPs, and revised template for AMAPs
Framework Registration has put in place:
- a new application process for AMAPs
- revised criteria for the approval and registration of AMAPs
- a revised template for AMAPs
This is to reflect:
- NZQA's policy in relation to accreditation visits at Levels 1 and 2
- the quality assurance process for AMAPs
- the need for Standard Setting Bodies (SSBs) to disseminate information about changes to accreditation and moderation requirements to accredited organisations
Background
NZQA's policy in relation to accreditation visits at Levels 1 and 2
In October 2005, NZQA's Board ratified the following policy in relation to accreditation visits for Levels 1 and 2 of the NQF. This confirmed existing practice.
A visit cannot be prescribed in relation to accreditation for Level 1 standards. A visit should not normally be prescribed in relation to accreditation for Level 2 standards. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis in relation to the following criteria.
SSBs seeking a visit for Level 2 standards must provide a rationale for their proposal and supporting evidence where relevant. Requests relating to entire domains or subfields will normally be approved only if visit waiver conditions are included in the AMAP. |
Quality assurance process for AMAPs
The volume and complexity of AMAP applications received by Framework Registration have increased in the last 18 months and it has been decided that clarifying requirements and introducing formal application documents will enhance the quality of applications received and reduce the number of quality assurance cycles that AMAPs go through.
SSB dissemination of information about changes to accreditation and moderation requirements to accredited organisations
Up until now, there has been no public notification when AMAPs have changed, which made it difficult for accredited organisations to comply with new AMAP requirements. From May 2006 onwards, review or revision reports will be published when AMAPs are changed. The reports will outline what was reviewed or revised, why it was reviewed or revised, what has changed, and any transition arrangements.
Outcomes
Framework Registration has put in place a new application process for submissions of AMAPs for registration and publication on the NQF that is similar to those used for qualifications and standards.
An application may be for a new, reviewed, and/or revised AMAP(s) and may involve replacement relationships. A review or revision report outlining the changes and the timeframe(s) for accredited organisation compliance will now be submitted for publication with the new version of the AMAP(s).
Review of an AMAP will involve full stakeholder consultation and an undertaking by the SSB that the AMAP meets the needs of the relevant industry or sector and is fit for purpose. Revision of an AMAP may be to correct an error, to clarify a requirement, or to make a change that cannot wait until review. It may require some degree of stakeholder consultation depending on the nature of the revision.
Framework Registration has also taken the opportunity to:
- revise the Criteria for Approval and Registration of NQF Accreditation and Moderation Action Plans (AMAPs) for clarity and to incorporate NZQA policy (confirmed by the Board in October 2005) that there be no accreditation visit for Level 1 standards and that an accreditation visit for Level 2 standards be agreed on a case-by-case basis;
- add a table to the AMAP template showing registration information (similar to that on the qualification template) for tracking purposes, and a table showing replacement relationships between AMAPs (where these exist).
Documents supporting the new application process include an:
- application form for submission of an AMAP(s)
- quality assurance checklist for submission of an AMAP(s)
- AMAP review report template
- AMAP revision report template
- revised AMAP template
- revised Criteria for Approval and Registration of NQF Accreditation and Moderation Action Plans (AMAPs), NZQA, March 2006.
Applications for new, reviewed and/or revised AMAPs received from 1 May 2006 will need to follow the new process and include hard and electronic copies of:
- a completed and signed application form
- a completed and signed checklist
- a completed review or revision report (not if the AMAP is new and does not replace a registered AMAP)
- the AMAP in the revised template;
and a hard copy of
- the registered version of the AMAP annotated (by hand or electronically) to indicate the changes.
Website locations
Details of the documentation requirements and electronic copies of the forms and templates can be found in the Quality Assurance and Registration of AMAPs section of the NZQA website under Home > NQF > Standard setting > Framework Registration > Quality assurance and registration of AMAPs.
Page updated: 21 March 2006