Ofqual's conditions of recognition: main differences at a glance

CCEA Regulation, Ofqual and Qualifications Wales each publish ‘Conditions of Recognition’ for the qualifications and organisations they regulate. These are known as the ‘General Conditions of Recognition’ in England and Northern Ireland, and the ‘Standard Conditions of Recognition’ in Wales. Every recognised awarding organisation must make sure that it, and all of its regulated qualifications, meet the conditions .

Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the conditions are broadly similar – although there are some differences reflecting our policy, legislative and national contexts. There are also conditions that differ across regulators as a result of different policy decisions of each regulator.

This is version 2 of the Conditions of Recognition: Main differences at a glance. This document sets out the main differences between our respective Conditions as at April 2026. We plan to keep this document under review and update it as necessary. It is the awarding organisations’ responsibility to ensure that they remain compliant with the current Conditions.