Register for a Vocational Qualification

Before registering, please ensure you have read and understood our Conditions of Registration.

To get started, visit the qualifications page and select the vocational qualification you wish to study. You’ll find a downloadable Registration Agreement in the course summary box for each qualification. Once completed, submit the form to begin your registration.

How to register

To register for a vocational qualification, you’ll need to complete and submit a Registration Agreement. This form includes questions about your suitability for the qualification and information required for Awarding Organisation registration.

You can download the relevant Registration Agreement from the qualifications page. Select the qualification you’d like to study, the form will be available in the course summary box.

Please ensure:

• All sections of the form are fully completed and signed.
• Typed signatures are not accepted; handwritten signatures are required in all relevant sections.

Once completed, scan the form and email it to: vq-enquiries@open.ac.uk.

We will confirm receipt of your registration by email.

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Payment methods

We do not currently receive government funding for vocational qualifications and are not eligible to accept Advanced Learner Loans, Student Loans or apprenticeship levy payments.

Prices are listed on each individual qualification page.

You can pay by:

• Credit or debit card: Card payments can only be taken by phone for security reasons. Please contact VQAC after submitting your completed Registration Agreement to arrange payment.
• Instalments: You may apply for an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA) and select this option on your registration form. We’ll contact you separately to complete the process.
• Sponsorship: If your employer is covering the cost, they can pay by cheque or card at the time of registration. Alternatively, we can invoice them based on the details you provide on your form (note: invoices are issued after your qualification start date).

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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If you’ve previously completed units from another vocational qualification that align with the one you wish to register for, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To apply, you’ll need to provide:

• A full copy of your certificate(s), including unit or module details
• Confirmation of the qualification you’re interested in

Requests for RPL must be submitted before registering for a qualification.

As part of the assessment, we’ll consider:

• How recently the qualification was completed (its “currency”)
• Whether the content is still valid
• How well it matches the units and assessment criteria of the qualification you’re applying for

If your RPL request is approved, we’ll also provide an individually adjusted fee for your qualification.

To apply, email VQAC with your certificate(s) and the qualification you’re interested in. We’ll review your documents and confirm your eligibility for RPL.

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Workplace support requirements

Sponsors and line managers play a vital role in supporting learners undertaking a vocational qualification.

In some cases, particularly where multiple learners are based at the same workplace, we may be able to assign a shared assessor, coordinate a group induction, or deliver work-based workshops.

As a line manager or sponsor, your support may involve:

• Providing a testimonial of the learner’s work practice
• Allowing time during the working week for the learner to complete tasks
• Enabling access for an assessor to observe the learner in their role

Consistent time in the workplace is one of the most important factors in a learner’s success. Where possible, this time should be scheduled regularly each week to ensure steady progress toward completing the qualification.

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Accessibility and support needs

The Open University is committed to supporting learners with disabilities, health conditions, mental health needs, or specific learning difficulties.

At the Vocational Qualification Assessment Centre (VQAC), we’ll do our best to provide services that meet your individual needs. While we can’t guarantee all services will be available in every case, we will aim to give as much notice as possible if any limits apply.

• Find out more about the support services and facilities available.

When you register, we’ll ask whether you have any disability or additional requirement that may affect your progress. If you select ‘yes’, a member of our team will contact you directly to discuss your needs.

Please note: If you don’t share this information with us at registration, we may not be able to provide full support. All information you provide will be kept confidential and used solely to support you as a learner.

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Registration deadlines and start dates

Some qualifications may expire, if so they will be detailed below. 

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