Learners Frequently Asked Questions

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.

All qualifications and units of learning available through OCN North East Region are assigned a credit value and level, measuring the value of your achievements:

• The Level gives an indication of the demand made on the learner and the complexity of the learning (Entry Level up to Level Four).

• The Credit value represents the amount of time it takes the average learner to complete the unit. One Credit represents 10 notional hours of learning.

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.

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:

Credit Value

A credit is a way of measuring and valuing your learning. One credit represents 10 hours of notional learning time.

Levels

The level of the learning you have undertaken is similar to level of study needed for other courses and qualifications. Credits can be awarded at different levels. The level, given on the certificate for each unit you have achieved, shows the stage you have reached in your learning.

Enty Level

• England: Provides a basis for progression to other learning programmes.
• Scotland: Access 1,2 and 3; National Progression Awards; National Certificates.

Level One

• England: Comparable to working at NVQ1;GCSEs D-G and Foundation Diploma.
• Scotland: (Level 4) Intermediate 1; General Standard Grade; National Progression Awards; National Certificates.

Level Two

• England: Comparable to working at NVQ2; GCSEs A*-C and Higher Diploma.
• Scotland: (Level 5) Intermediate 2; Credit Standard Grade; National Progression Awards; National Certificates.

Level Three

• England: Comparable to working at NVQ3; A and AS Levels; Advanced Diploma.
• Scotland: (Level 6) Highers; Professional Development Awards; National Progression Awards; National Certificates.

Level Four

• England: Comparable to working at VQ4; HNC and CertHE.
• Scotland: (Level 7) Professional Development Awards; HNC; CertHE; SVQ Level 3; Advanced Highers.

Further information on the types of qualifications OCN North East Region has to offer can be found within the Qualification Search facility.

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.

All Qualifications and units within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) are nationally recognised. 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.

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.

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)

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

Follow the guidance in the NOCN Enquiries, Complaints and Appeals Policy

OCN-Handbook---Enq-Appeals-and-Complaints-Policy-V5[1].pdf" rel="external"> NOCN Enquiries Appeals and Complaints Policy (148Kb)

Follow the guidance in the NOCN Enquiries, Appeals and Complaints Policy

OCN-Handbook---Enq-Appeals-and-Complaints-Policy-V5[1].pdf" rel="external"> NOCN Enquiries Appeals and Complaints Policy (148Kb)