As the owner of a training academy, one of the questions I'm asked most often is:
"Which awarding organisation is the best?"
The answer isn't as simple as choosing one name over another.
Understanding the difference between awarding organisations, Ofqual,
and accreditation bodies can help you make an informed decision about your education and choose the right qualification for your career goals.
and accreditation bodies can help you make an informed decision about your education and choose the right qualification for your career goals.
What is Ofqual?
Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) is the independent regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England.
Its role is to maintain standards and public confidence by recognising and regulating awarding organisations.
Think of Ofqual as the organisation that oversees the system. It doesn't teach learners, run courses, or issue certificates itself.
Instead, it ensures that recognised awarding organisations meet the required standards when developing and awarding regulated qualifications.
What is an Awarding Organisation?
An Awarding Organisation (sometimes called an Awarding Body) is responsible for:
✅ Developing qualifications.
✅ Setting assessment requirements.
✅ Approving training providers and centres.
✅ Monitoring the quality of qualification delivery.
✅ Awarding certificates to successful learners.
Awarding organisations recognised by Ofqual can develop qualifications that sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
Examples of Awarding Organisations
Some of the best-known awarding organisations include:
🎯 VTCT Skills (which now includes the well-known ITEC qualification brand)
🎯 Focus Awards
🎯 City & Guilds
🎯 Pearson
🎯 Qualifi
🎯 ProQual
Each organisation offers its own portfolio of qualifications and has its own assessment methods, quality assurance processes, and centre requirements.
What Happened to ITEC?
Another question I'm often asked is whether ITEC still exists.
The answer is yes... and no!
ITEC became part of VTCT Skills several years ago. Although many people still refer to "ITEC qualifications", they are now awarded under VTCT Skills, but some are still awarded as ITEC, some as VTCT, and some are combined VTCT (ITEC).
The ITEC name remains well recognised, particularly within the beauty, holistic therapy and wellness industries.
Is One Awarding Organisation Better Than Another?
There isn't a single "best" awarding organisation.
If a qualification is Ofqual-regulated, it has been developed to meet nationally recognised standards.
For example:
✅ A Level 2 qualification remains a Level 2 qualification.
✅ A Level 3 qualification remains a Level 3 qualification.
✅ A Level 4 qualification remains a Level 4 qualification.
✅ A Level 5 qualification remains a Level 5 qualification.
Different awarding organisations may have different assessment methods, learner resources, documentation and quality assurance processes, but the regulated qualification level remains nationally recognised.
The right choice often depends on the qualification you're looking for and the training provider delivering it.
What About Accredited Courses?
This is where many learners become confused.
An accredited CPD course is different from an Ofqual-regulated qualification.
Neither is automatically "better" than the other; they simply serve different purposes.
An accredited CPD course is designed to help professionals develop new skills, add treatments, or expand their knowledge.
An Ofqual-regulated qualification is a nationally recognised qualification that sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
Understanding which type of course you need depends on your career goals.
What is an Accreditation Body?
Unlike awarding organisations, accreditation bodies do not award Ofqual-regulated qualifications.
Instead, they accredit courses or training providers against their own standards and criteria.
Examples include:
🎯 ABT Accreditation
🎯 Professional Beauty Direct (PBD)
🎯 Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)
🎯 International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM)
🎯 The Complementary Medical Association (The CMA)
to name a few . . .
🎯 The Complementary Medical Association (The CMA)
to name a few . . .
Each accreditation body has its own approval processes, membership requirements, and recognition within the industries it serves.
Can Accredited Courses Have Levels?
Sometimes you'll see accredited courses described as Level 3, Level 4, or even higher.
This is another area that causes confusion.
Unless a qualification is Ofqual-regulated and sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), those levels are not regulated qualification levels in the same way.
Some accreditation bodies or training providers may use levels simply to indicate the complexity of learning or the expected level of prior knowledge. This doesn't necessarily mean they are equivalent to an Ofqual-regulated qualification with the same level number.
That's why it's always worth asking:
Is this an Ofqual-regulated qualification?
Or is this an accredited CPD course?
The answer will help you understand exactly what you're enrolling in.
What Should You Look For When Choosing a Course?
Rather than focusing solely on the awarding organisation or accreditation body, ask yourself:
✔ Is the qualification or course appropriate for my career goals?
✔ Is the training provider approved by the awarding organisation or accreditation body?
✔ What practical training is included?
✔ What support will I receive during my learning?
✔ How experienced are the tutors?
✔ What progression opportunities are available afterwards?
The quality of the training provider often has just as much impact on your learning experience as the qualification itself.
Why Your Training Provider Matters
In my experience, great education isn't just about gaining a certificate.
It's about feeling supported, building confidence, developing practical skills, and knowing that your tutor genuinely wants you to succeed.
Whether you're completing an accredited CPD course or an Ofqual-regulated qualification, choosing a reputable and experienced training provider is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
The Bottom Line
Awarding organisations such as VTCT Skills, Focus Awards, City & Guilds, Pearson, Qualifi and ProQual develop and award Ofqual-regulated qualifications.
Accreditation bodies such as ABT Accreditation, Professional Beauty Direct, Federation of Holistic Therapists, and International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine accredit CPD training but do not award Ofqual-regulated qualifications.
Neither route is automatically better than the other; they simply meet different needs.
The most important thing is choosing the qualification or course that supports your career aspirations and selecting a training provider that offers high-quality teaching, practical experience, and ongoing learner support.
About Holistic Therapies Training Academy
At Holistic Therapies Training Academy, we're proud to offer both Ofqual-regulated qualifications and accredited CPD courses, giving learners the flexibility to choose the pathway that's right for their individual goals.
We're also delighted to have recently become an approved Focus Awards centre, alongside our existing partnerships with recognised awarding organisations, VTCT. This enables us to offer an even wider range of nationally recognised qualifications, including pathways into teaching, assessing and internal quality assurance.
If you're unsure which route is right for you, we'd be delighted to help you explore your options and choose the qualification that best supports your career ambitions.
After all, education is an investment in your future, and choosing the right course is the first step towards achieving your goals.
Love
🌻 Karen 🌻
xx
Love
🌻 Karen 🌻
xx
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