Qualifications should be developed and awarded through defined and transparent standards.
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The Ashbourne Qualification Framework
Structured Standards for Professional Achievement
The Ashbourne Qualification Framework provides a structured approach to the development, level, learning volume, assessment and quality assurance of Ashbourne professional qualifications.
- Structured Framework
- Quality Assured
- Progressive Levels
- Learning Focused
- Professional Excellence
Framework Principles
Our Five Foundational Principles
These foundational principles underpin the design, development and awarding of all Ashbourne professional qualifications.
Content and outcomes should reflect appropriate professional knowledge, skills and practice.
Qualification complexity increases progressively across the framework.
Qualifications are built around clearly defined learning outcomes.
Assessment and awarding are supported through appropriate quality controls.
Levels 1–7
A Clear Pathway for Your Professional Growth
The Ashbourne Qualification Framework consists of seven progressive levels.
Each level reflects a step forward in knowledge, skills, autonomy and responsibility.
Foundation
Introduction to key concepts and fundamental knowledge.
Developing
Building knowledge and understanding with guided application.
Intermediate
Applying knowledge with growing independence in familiar contexts.
Advanced
Solving problems and making decisions in a range of contexts.
Higher
Managing complexity and contributing to improvement and innovation.
Professional
Leading and taking responsibility with professional judgement.
Strategic
Shaping strategy and creating sustained value at the highest level.
Qualification Types
Types of Ashbourne Qualifications
Ashbourne offers a range of qualification types to meet different learning goals and professional development needs.
Award
Focused qualification.
Certificate
Broader development within a defined professional area.
Professional Diploma
Advanced professionally oriented study.
A Note on Framework Scope
The credit ranges and other parameters for each qualification type are subject to formal definition in Ashbourne’s framework documentation and may be updated from time to time.
Level Descriptors
How We Describe Level Progression
Ashbourne levels are defined through a set of key dimensions. These dimensions help ensure that each level reflects increasing learning, capability and professional judgement.
Knowledge & Understanding
The depth and breadth of knowledge and conceptual understanding at the level.
Application of Knowledge
The ability to apply knowledge and skills in a range of contexts and situations.
Analysis & Problem Solving
The capacity to analyse information, identify issues and solve problems appropriately.
Autonomy
The level of independence and self-direction in planning and completing tasks.
Responsibility
The extent of responsibility for outcomes, resources and the work of others.
Decision-Making
The ability to make informed and timely decisions using appropriate evidence and judgement.
Professional Complexity
The nature and complexity of professional activity expected at the level.
Why These Dimensions Matter
These dimensions ensure consistency in level definitions across all qualifications and help maintain the integrity and alignment of the Ashbourne Qualification Framework.
Learning Outcomes
From Purpose to Achievement
Our qualifications are built on a clear outcome-based model that ensures consistency, rigour and fairness from design to the final achievement decision.
01
Qualification Purpose
Defines why the qualification exists, the professional need it addresses and the knowledge, skills and competence it aims to develop.
02
Learning Outcomes
State what the learner will know, understand and be able to do as a result of achieving the qualification.
03
Assessment Criteria
Define the standards learners must meet for each outcome and what constitutes acceptable performance.
04
Learner Evidence
The work and information produced by the learner that demonstrates achievement of the assessment criteria.
05
Achievement Decision
A fair and consistent judgement by qualified decision-makers that the learner has met the required standards.
Outcome-Based by Design
Every Ashbourne qualification is designed so that assessment is directly aligned to the intended learning outcomes, ensuring that achievement is meaningful, measurable and relevant to professional practice.
Assessment Principles
Principles That Shape Our Assessment
Our assessments are designed and conducted in accordance with core principles that ensure credibility, rigour and trust in every qualification we award.
Valid
Assessment measures what it is intended to measure and is aligned to the learning outcomes and purpose of the qualification.
Reliable
Assessment produces consistent results when applied to comparable evidence and topics.
Fair
Assessment provides an equal opportunity for all learners to demonstrate their achievement without bias or discrimination.
Consistent
Assessment is applied in a uniform manner across learners, assessors and centres, following established standards and procedures.
Transparent
Assessment requirements, criteria and processes are clear, accessible and communicated in advance.
Sufficient
Assessment generates enough appropriate evidence to make a well-founded and defensible achievement decision.
Authentic
Assessment reflects real-world tasks and contexts that are relevant to the learner’s field of study and professional practice.
Our Commitment
to Quality
These principles are embedded in our assessment policies, assessor competence requirements and quality assurance processes to uphold the integrity and value of every Ashbourne qualification.
Quality in assessment is trust in achievement.
By applying these principles consistently, we ensure that our qualifications are respected, meaningful and fit for professional purpose.
Quality Assurance
Our Quality Assurance Journey
Every qualification follows a robust quality assurance process to ensure standards are maintained, decisions are fair, and achievements are credible and trusted.
Assessment
Learners are assessed against defined criteria to generate evidence of achievement.
IQA
Internal quality assurance verifies assessment processes, evidence and decisions.
Standardisation
Assessment outcomes are reviewed to ensure consistency of standards across assessors and centres.
EQA
External quality assurance confirms that our standards are applied consistently and appropriately.
Awarding Decision
The Awarding Organisation reviews quality assured evidence and makes the formal award decision.
Certification
Successful learners receive their official certificate, recognising their achievement.
Quality is built into every step, not added at the end.
This independent and transparent process underpins the integrity and value of every Ashbourne qualification.
Framework Governance
A Strong Governance Structure
Our framework is governed by clearly defined roles that work together to uphold academic integrity, quality assurance and the credibility of our qualifications.
Academic Council
Sets academic direction, approves new qualifications and ensures our framework remains fit for purpose, relevant and forward-looking.
Qualification & Standards Function
Designs qualifications, develops standards and learning outcomes, and ensures alignment with professional needs.
Assessment Function
Develops assessment strategies, tools and guidance to ensure valid, reliable and fair assessment practice.
IQA
Monitors and reviews assessment within centres to ensure policies and processes are followed consistently.
EQA
Provides independent oversight of assessment and quality assurance across centres and qualifications.
Approved Centres
Deliver our qualifications in line with our standards and policies, ensuring quality learning and learner support.
Collaboration.Accountability.Quality.
Together, these roles ensure a robust governance framework that protects learners, upholds standards and strengthens trust.