Learners
How do I find out about courses?
Courses using LASER qualifications are offered at many colleges, schools and other organisations. LASER recognised centres can provide information and advice about their courses.
What is a unit?
It is a set of learning outcomes with matching assessment criteria. A learner will be assessed against the criteria. If you achieve all of the criteria you will achieve the unit. A unit is assigned a number of credits which describes the amount of learning and a credit level which describes the level of the learning.
What is the difference between a unit and a qualification?
Most qualifications are made up of units. A unit is a set of learning outcomes and criteria that you are assessed against. If you achieve a set of units that make up a qualification and have fulfilled any other requirements of the qualification you will achieve a full qualification.
What are credits?
A credit is a way of measuring, recognising and valuing your learning. One credit represents ten hours of the average total learning time, including time with a tutor and private study or homework.
What are credit levels?
The level given on the certificate for each unit you have achieved shows the stage you have reached in your learning. For example,
- Entry level – qualifications and units at Entry level provides a basis for progression to other qualifications
- Level 1 – this is comparable to working at NVQ level 1, GCSEs D-G and Foundation Diploma
- Level 2 – this is comparable to working at NVQ level 2, GCSE’s A-C and Higher Diploma
- Level 3 – this is comparable to working at NVQ level 3, A and AS levels, Advanced Diploma.
What is the difference between Awards, Certificates and Diplomas?
There are three sizes of qualifications:
- Awards (1 to 12 credits)
- Certificates (13 to 36 credits)
- Diplomas (37 credits or more)
The qualification type – Award, Certificate, Diploma – represents the size of a qualification not how difficult it is.
How will my learning be assessed?
Your tutor will tell you move about how your learning is to be assessed. On most courses the tutor or training assesses your work as you go along and this does not involve exams. For example, the course work you produce, such as computer printouts, paintings or projects, will show you and your tutor what you have learnt.
How do I get my results?
If your course is assessed through course work then your tutor will provide you with feedback on your progress and results. If there is any delay in getting your results contact the centre to enquire about them.
How do I get my certificate?
The centre where you are learning is responsible for registering you with Laser Learning Awards. The centre notifies LASER of your achievements and will then issue your certificate which is despatched to the centre for forwarding to you.
How do I get a replacement certificate if I have lost or damaged the original?
You will need to contact the centre where you studied, and ask them to submit a replacement certificate request form to LASER. Your centre has to obtain the form from LASER.
What can I do if I don’t agree with the assessment decision?
In the first instance you need to discuss the assessment with your tutor. If you are still not happy you need to contact the centre and follow their procedure for making a formal appeal. If you are still not happy you can appeal to LASER but you will need to have evidence that you have followed and exhausted the centre’s appeal process.
What if I am moving part way through my learning?
The units that make up qualifications are nationally recognised as part of the new Qualifications Credit Framework. This means that if you move to another part of the country your credits can move with you and you can achieve more credits at your new location with a new centre.
What is the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)?
The Regulated Qualifications Framework is the structure for recognising and accrediting qualifications regulated by Ofqual which was introduced in 2015.
Can LASER award certificates for our in-house training?
Yes, we can accredit your in-house training courses and award certificates. Contact us for further information.
Can LASER help improve the skills of our workforce?
We have good experience of working with employers to develop the skills of their workforce. For more information please contact us.