The BTEC Customised Framework has been revised to bring it in line with the revised National Qualifications Framework. Click here for more details.

Transition arrangements
From 1 January 2006, all new centre-devised qualifications must be developed using the new levels. Customised qualifications approved as part of the September 2003 BTEC Customised Framework can continue to be offered until the end of their validity (as indicated on the relevant Programme Definition).

Qualification size
The BTEC Customised Framework offers the choice to develop varying sizes of short course qualification as follows:

BTEC Award:           10 - 100 hours           Entry to Level 8
BTEC Certificate:    120 - 200 hours           Entry to Level 8
BTEC Diploma:        220 - 300 hours           Entry to Level 3
BTEC Diploma:        220 hours and above    Level 4 to Level 8

Unit size
The smallest unit size consists of 10 guided learning hours. Unit sizes can be any multiple of 10 to a maximum size of 120 guided learning hours.

Unit level
The level of the unit will be informed by the NICATS level descriptors and where appropriate the National Occupational Standards and/or other sector/professional benchmarks. Click here for more details.

Qualification titles
The qualification title must:

• reflect the content of the qualification
• not duplicate or emulate standard Edexcel qualification titles (eg e-Business and e-Businesses)

Full details of all policies can be found in the new Guide to Policy for BTEC Customised Short Courses - please click here.