{"id":2754,"date":"2022-01-09T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-09T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net2\/learning-experience\/ncfe-what-is-it-what-does-it-stand-for-and-why-should-i-care-2"},"modified":"2025-08-05T12:12:31","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T11:12:31","slug":"ncfe-what-is-it-and-what-does-it-stand-for-and-why-should-i-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/learning-experience\/ncfe-what-is-it-and-what-does-it-stand-for-and-why-should-i-care\/","title":{"rendered":"NCFE: what is it, what does it stand for, and why should I care?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Anyone looking to study a course, be it via distance learning or studied in a classroom, wants to be assured of the quality of education they are going to receive. With the many levels of educational courses on offer, and the raft of awards and accreditations they hold, it can be hard to know exactly what you\u2019re getting for your money.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you have been browsing our <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/a-z\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extensive catalogue of\u202fdistance learning courses<\/strong><\/a>, or you\u2019ve been searching online for home study courses, then you\u2019ve probably seen the\u202fNCFE acronym.\u202fThough, you\u2019re probably wondering what it is and what that means for you.<\/p>\r\n<p>What we can assure you of is that an NCFE awarded course is a good thing, but to help you further, we have detailed exactly what the NCFE is and why you should be confident in choosing NCFE qualifications.<\/p>\r\n<h2>What is NCFE?<\/h2>\r\n<p>NCFE is a national, educational awarding organisation that designs, develops, and certifies diverse, recognised qualifications and awards, including for distance learning courses. It\u2019s a registered educational charity that has been dedicated to learning for over 150 years.<\/p>\r\n<p>The NCFE is recognised as an awarding organisation by the qualification regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including\u202fOfqual, the\u202fWelsh government, and the\u202fCCEA\u202fin Northern Ireland.<\/p>\r\n<h2>What Does NCFE Stand For<\/h2>\r\n<p>NCFE originally stood for Northern Council for Further Education, but it dropped the full name in the 1990s, as it no longer accurately reflected the company\u2019s growing national focus. Now the company is known\u202fsimply as NCFE. It\u2019s the UK\u2019s longest established awarding body, as well as one of the UK\u2019s fastest-growing. This means the NCFE is highly respected for its professionalism and quality.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Study-Online-with-Stonebridge-Colleges.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Study-Online-with-Stonebridge-Colleges.jpg\" alt=\"Study an online course with Stonebridge Colleges\" class=\"wp-image-29027\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Study-Online-with-Stonebridge-Colleges.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Study-Online-with-Stonebridge-Colleges-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Study-Online-with-Stonebridge-Colleges-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<h3>Why Should You Care?<\/h3>\r\n<p>The NCFE\u2019s role as an awarding body means that\u202fit spends time independently accrediting courses that are designed and delivered by third parties, including distance education providers. A home learning course with the NCFE stamp of approval means it is accredited, or checked off, by the NCFE as a quality distance learning course.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Stonebridge Associated Colleges<\/strong><\/a> is an\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/associations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>NCFE registered learning centre<\/strong><\/a>. Our accreditation by the NCFE means that\u202fwe have\u202fbeen inspected and approved by an independent and experienced educational organisation.\u202fIt also means that we are audited for quality on a biannual basis by the awarding body and that we have been licensed by the NCFE on the basis of our own quality systems. NCFE\u2019s stamp of approval is our guarantee of quality.<\/p>\r\n<h3>What Does This Mean for You?<\/h3>\r\n<p>Our NCFE-accredited courses are accredited to various levels, from Level 1 to Level 5, according to their degree of difficulty. You can be sure that the NCFE-accredited paper-based or\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/home-study-courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>online course<\/strong>\u202f<\/a>you are studying, is of the highest quality.<\/p>\r\n<p>Once you\u2019ve successfully completed your accredited distance learning course, you\u2019ll receive an NCFE certificate of achievement as an acknowledgement from this nationally recognised awarding body of your accomplishment.<\/p>\r\n<p>Last year over a quarter of a million learners, from over 2,000 education and training organisations, chose the NCFE as the awarding body to help them advance their learning and career goals.\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/access-to-higher-education-diplomas\/why-is-distance-learning-better-than-a-regular-course\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Now it\u2019s your turn<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2>What NCFE Courses Can I Study Online?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Would you like to be a Teaching Classroom Assistant? Our many NCFE-accredited courses include many education-focused options ranging from awards to Teaching Assistant certificates and diplomas aimed a providing you with qualifications for Teaching Assistant roles.<\/p>\r\n<p>These include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/ncfe-cache-level-1-award-in-preparing-to-work-in-schools\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/teaching-assistant-cache-level-3-award-in-supporting-teaching-and-learning-in-schools-qcf\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning (RQF)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><strong>NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (RQF)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/teaching-assistant-specialist-support-for-teaching-and-learning-in-schools-qcf\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning (RQF)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/teaching-assistant-cache-level-2-certificate-in-supporting-teaching-and-learning-in-schools-qcf\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Teaching Assistant: Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (RQF)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/cache-level-3-diploma-in-early-years-education-and-care-early-years-educator-qcf\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) NCFE CACHE Level 3 (RQF)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Should you be more interested in health, social care or counselling, you can study:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/nutrition-and-health-qcf-certificate-level-2\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Nutrition and Health (RQF)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/preparing-to-work-in-adult-social-care-qcf-level-3\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care RQF<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/ncfe-cache-level-3-diploma-in-adult-care-rqf\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/substance-misuse-awareness-and-counselling-ncfe-dual-qualification-qcf\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (RQF)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Alternatively, there are a host of NCFE accredited business courses you can take, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/ncfe-level-3-certificate-in-principles-of-customer-service\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Customer Service<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/certificate-in-retail-knowledge-qcf-level-3\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (RQF)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/business-administration-qcf-diploma-level-3\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration (RQF)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/management-qcf-diploma-level-3\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Management\u202fRQF<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\r\n<h2>What is the Difference Between NVQ and NCFE?<\/h2>\r\n<p>National Vocational Qualifications, or NVQs, are competency-based awards that prove you are qualified to do a particular job. These qualifications are relevant in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, they are known as Scottish Vocational Qualifications or SVQs.<\/p>\r\n<p>NVQs are achieved through on-the-job assessment and training in either the workplace, or a setting designed to replicate the workplace. NVQs, like our NCFE courses, range in levels from 1 through to\u202f5, depending on the field. So, you\u2019re able to begin at the level best suited to you and work your way up. They are designed for continual assessment throughout your training. Assessment is based on evidence of your competency, though other methods may apply where appropriate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Learn-to-write-yourown-horror-story.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Learn-to-write-yourown-horror-story.png\" alt=\"write your own horror story\" class=\"wp-image-28916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Learn-to-write-yourown-horror-story.png 800w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Learn-to-write-yourown-horror-story-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Learn-to-write-yourown-horror-story-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<p>NVQs are based on\u202f<a href=\"http:\/\/nos.ukces.org.uk\/Pages\/index.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>National Occupational Standards<\/strong><\/a>\u202f(NOS), which are\u202fstandards of competencies, knowledge and understanding expected in a given occupation. These standards also identify expected outcomes of assessment. NOS are developed by the relevant sector skills council (SSC) or Government-recognised sector body for that given field.<\/p>\r\n<p>NVQs are very different from NCFE. While NVQs are a vocational (work-based) qualification, NCFE, in itself, is not a qualification, but rather an awarding body. As mentioned above,\u202fif a home learning course\u202fhas the NCFE stamp of approval, this\u202fmeans it is accredited, or checked off, by the NCFE as a quality distance learning course. The awarding organisation also provides certification to students who successfully complete NCFE accredited courses.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Enrol on an NCFE Course Today!<\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Stonebridge Associated Colleges<\/strong> is an\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/associations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>NCFE registered learning centre<\/strong><\/a>, and\u202fthis stamp of approval is our guarantee of quality.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you\u2019re wondering \u2018how do I become a Teaching Assistant?\u2019 our online TA courses accredited by the NCFE can help you get there! These and many other learning goals can be achieved through our high-quality distance learning courses.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to take the next step, you can learn now! Distance learning college courses make education accessible to all. If you\u2019re ready to learn more about the NCFE course, and distance education, UK learners can contact our Course Executives for more information.<\/p>\r\n<p>Call them now on\u202f<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"tel:012023928288\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>01202 392 8288<\/strong><\/a>, contact us\u202f<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/support.stonebridge.uk.com\/support\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>online<\/strong><\/a>\u202for click below to find out more!<\/p>\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/a-z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Online-Courses.jpg\" alt=\"Study Online courses\" class=\"wp-image-29024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Online-Courses.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Online-Courses-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Online-Courses-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A home learning course with the NCFE stamp of approval means it is accredited, or checked off, by NCFE as a quality distance learning course.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":29026,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[737,357,895,361],"tags":[220,11,19,166,8],"class_list":["post-2754","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-distance-learning","category-learning-experience","category-online-courses","category-study-tips","tag-accredited","tag-distance-learning-course","tag-home-learning-course","tag-ncfe","tag-online-learning"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2754","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2754"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2754\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29790,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2754\/revisions\/29790"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29026"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2754"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2754"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2754"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}