Cambridge Technicals are vocational qualifications, offered by Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR)[1] in the United Kingdom, and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) internationally; both are part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment. These qualifications are intended for secondary school students age 16 to 18 who want to study a practical, work-related curriculum.[2] In the UK's Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) a Tech Level 2 qualification is equivalent to a GCSE, and a Level 3 is equivalent to an A Level.[3] The qualifications are designed with the workplace in mind and provide a high quality alternative to A Levels, supporting progression to higher education.[tone]

Regulation

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All Tech Level qualifications must meet criteria set by the UK's Department for Education (DfE) for all 'Applied General' qualifications, including the endorsement of five employers registered at Companies House.[4] Tech Level qualifications must have:

  • at least 300 guided learning hours
  • mandatory content must make up at least 40%
  • 30% external assessment
  • one opportunity to resit (retake)
  • three grading points or more, such as Distinction/Merit/Pass[4]

Change

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In 2014 the UK government announced it would reform all vocational qualifications.[5] By 2021 it was ready to set out its plan for vocational qualifications in England.[6]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, OCR announced a series of adjustments it would make to support learners taking Cambridge Technicals.[7][8]

Subjects

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The following subjects are offered:[2][9]

  • Applied Science
  • Art and Design
  • Business
  • Digital media
  • Engineering
  • Health and Social Care
  • Information Technology
  • Media
  • Performing Arts
  • Sport and Physical Activity

External references

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OCR website

References

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  1. ^ "Cambridge Technicals". ocr.org.uk. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Cambridge Technicals". UCAS. 21 October 2014. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  3. ^ "Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)". www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  4. ^ a b "OCR Cambridge Technicals Applied Generals (reformed) | UCAS Qualification Information Profiles". qips.ucas.com. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  5. ^ "Vocational qualification reform plan". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  6. ^ "Reforms to post-16 qualifications at level 3 in England". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  7. ^ "Consultation decisions on vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs) and other general qualifications". ocr.org.uk. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  8. ^ "Proposed adaptations for Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals during 2021/22". ocr.org.uk. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  9. ^ "Cambridge Technicals Qualifications". Archived from the original on 28 February 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2014.