Learners FAQs

1. Where can I do an OCN North East Region course?

Use the Provider Search on the right to see the full list of our accredited centres.

2. What courses can I do?

OCN learning provides a vast range of courses allowing you the opportunity to get a certificate for whatever you are passionate about.

Our centres use national qualifications as well as developing local courses to meet your needs. Individual units of learning are flexibly and imaginatively combined, and can be achieved at a pace to suit you.

3. What does Level and Credit mean?

Units of learning have Levels and Credit values, showing the value of your achievements:

• The Level represents how difficult the unit is (Entry Level up to Level Three)
• The Credit value represents the amount of time it takes to complete the unit.

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.

4. What is my Qualification worth?

In order to understand the Level and difficulty of the units and qualifications we offer, it might be helpful to know what the Levels are equivalent to:

• Level One is comparable to NVQ1, Foundation GNVQ and GCSE grades D-G
• Level Two is comparable to NVQ2, Intermediate GNVQ and GCSE grades A*-C.
• Level Three is comparable to NVQ3, A Level, AS Level and AVCE.

5. How can I progress?

Depending on which Level of course you take, you can use Credits to progress onto other courses or add Credits towards other qualifications.

Your local learning centre will be able to give you more information about what opportunities are available to you.

6. How can I use my Qualification?

For each successful course you complete, you will be awarded a certificate showing what you have achieved. NOCN qualifications are nationally recognised and accepted as means of entry into employment, to move to a higher level of learning, or simply to prove that you have obtained new skills and knowledge.

OCN North East Region provides opportunities for you to learn skills for life, creating a better future for you and the North East.

7. What if I move house part way through my learning?

NOCN Credits are nationally recognised as part of national qualifications. This means that if you move to another part of the country your Credits move with you and you can achieve more Credits at your new location with a new centre.

8. How will my learning be assessed?

Your tutor will tell you more about how your learning is to be assessed. On most courses, the tutor or trainer 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.

9. Who do I pay and how much?

Costs will vary depending on where you do your learning. Some courses may be free – contact your learning centre for details - use our Provider Search on the right.

10. How do I get my certificate?

The centre where you are learning is responsible for registering you with us. Once you have completed your course, the provider notifies us of your achievement and we will then issue your certificate, which your provider will send to you.

11. How do I get a replacement certificate?

If you require a replacement certificate you will need to:

1. Complete a Replacement Certificate Request Form, available below.
2. Write a cheque for £25.00, made payable to "OCN North East Region".
3. Send the fully completed form, together with your payment, to OCN North East Region, 1 Palmer Road, South West Industrial Estate, Peterlee, SR8 2HU.
4. Upon receipt of payment and the completed form, the request will be processed and you will be issued with the replacement certificate.

If you have any queries please call us on 0191 518 6550 and one of our friendly and dedicated members of staff will deal with your enquiry.

Learner Request for Replacement Certificate (118Kb)

12. Where can I get more information?

For more information email us at admin@ocnner.org.uk or phone us on 0191 518 6550.