Higher technical qualification approval
Published 20 June 2025
Applies to England
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/getting-approval-for-a-higher-technical-qualification/higher-technical-qualification-approval
This guidance has been transferred from the previous skills body the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) following its closure. The guidance is under review and may be subject to change.
Submitting an application
Skills England will accept applications for higher technical qualification (HTQ) recognition at any time.
We will analyse applications in the order we receive them and inform you of our approval decision.
You must have a support session before you can use the online application form. It’s important that the people who design and deliver the qualification in your organisation attend the support session to fully understand the evidence needed for the application.
Email us to book a support session
Our approval criteria
To achieve HTQ recognition for level 4 and 5 qualifications, you must meet our approval criteria.
Skills England will email applicants with the HTQ approvals criteria as part of the HTQ application process.
Request a copy of the approvals criteria
Procedural review
If you are unhappy with the final decision made in connection with your application you may be able to challenge our decision by way of procedural review.
You can challenge our decision if you feel that the process has not been followed or if you think there has been a material error made by us during the approvals process. Procedural review is not the way to challenge a decision simply because you do not agree with it.
Making changes to approved HTQs
You must tell Skills England of any major changes to your qualification so we can advise you about any implications for your HTQ approval.
More details are set out in our HTQ terms and conditions.
Withdrawing approval from HTQs
Skills England regularly reviews approved HTQs to check they still meet our criteria and terms and conditions of approval. We may withdraw approval if these are no longer met.