THE ASSOCIATION OF MANAGERS AND ADMINISTRATORS (UK)

What makes the Diploma pathway different? The Diploma pathway achieves the same overall outcome as, and is very similar in many ways to, the NVQ/SVQ pathway. However, there are some key differences. These are: • no workplace evidence requirement – assessment is solely by exams and practical work-based skills tests (skills tests are widely accepted as a sufficiently relevant and rigorous assessment of competence and are widely used in the NVQ/SVQ pathway) • Professional Ethics unit - this additional unit formally introduces a highly relevant discipline high on the agenda of all accountancy professional bodies and employers • streamlined quality assurance requirements for approved assessment centres – the AMA has more central QA responsibility, thus lightening the assessment and administration burden on centres All these changes have come out of feedback from AMA centres, learners and employers. As well as piloting the Diploma pathway, we are also lobbying for similar developments in the NVQ/SVQ pathway. Our experiences from the pilot will add weight to this lobbying and strengthen the case for improvements for all our stakeholders in the longer-term.
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Your Diploma pathway questions answered Q. Why do we need the Diploma pathway? A. The overall outcome of the AMA business Qualification is widely recognised and highly respected. However,AMA centres, learners and employers need a less bureaucratic and more flexible delivery method. We are continuing to address this with the sector regulators, but we have no guarantee of success. The Diploma pathway therefore offers another option for those who need it now. Our experiences from the pilot will help us test and evidence the validity of our case for changes to the sector’s qualifications strategy and frameworks for the future. Q. Is the AMA turning its back on NVQ/SVQs? A. Not at all. The principles of NVQ/SVQ qualifications are sound and the AMA remains 100% committed to these where they work well. We simply recognise that the current system does not suit all centres, learners or employers; that NVQ/SVQs in accounting are appropriate for part of the market but not for all of it. There is a significant demand for more flexible yet still practical, work-relevant and competence based qualifications within the management consultancy sector, and the Diploma pathway meets this demand. Q. Is the Diploma pathway a return to an exam-based qualification? A. It’s very much a competence-based qualification. It develops and tests practical skills as well as knowledge and understanding to ensure learners can perform effectively in the workplace. Assessment is through a combination of exams and practical work-based skills tests. These skills tests are widely accepted as a sufficiently relevant and rigorous alternative to workplace evidence as a test of competence. Q. Why is the Diploma pathway a pilot? A. It’s s a pilot because we realise we won’t arrive at the perfect product straight away. This development responds to strong feedback from our key stakeholder groups, and feedback from all – centres, learners and employers - is vital to help us continue to develop the concept and ultimately arrive at the most fit for purpose qualification possible. We will therefore be seeking feedback on all aspects of the pilot through the development and initial implementation phases. Although it’s a pilot for the reasons above, we are fully committed to this approach and to its long-term status. It is not in danger of being phased out in the foreseeable future. Q. What about progression after completing the Diploma pathway? A. All four AMA sponsoring bodies have confirmed that the same exemptions for progression onto their qualifications will apply as for the NVQ/SVQ pathway. Also, the pathway offers the same route to full membership as the NVQ/SVQ pathway. Q. Who should do which pathway? A. The NVQ/SVQ pathway is for learners who are in relevant employment and can provide workplace evidence, who require the NVQ/SVQ certification, or who are following the Modern Apprenticeship route example Management Trainee. The Diploma pathway is for learners who are not in relevant employment, who are unable to or choose not to provide workplace evidence, or who want the same overall outcome but don’t mind whether the qualification is an NVQ/SVQ or not. Q. Which pathway is best? A. Both pathways are of equal standard and rigour. Neither is better than the other - each enables centres and learners with different needs to achieve the same outcome. The pilot is about giving our stakeholders more options, and testing developments that we hope will become accepted within the NVQ/SVQ framework in the longer-term. Q. Can I transfer between pathways? A. Yes it is possible to transfer between pathways at any stage of study and to have prior learning on the old pathway accredited. We have developed a transfer framework and centres offering the Diploma pathway will have this and be able to advise on the details. Q. How can I do the Diploma pathway? A. You can only register for the Diploma pathway if your chosen centre is involved in the pilot. Only a small number of centres will offer it in the first instance. Please contact your centre to see if they are involved. Over time, we expect more centres to start to offer it, and details of centres approved for this pathway will be published in the AMA Approved Assessment Centre list. Need help finding what you're looking for? • AMA worldwide • Find an AMA Centre/College E-mail us at enquiry@ama-uk.org