Withdrawal criteria
Published 2 June 2025
Applies to England
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/withdrawing-approval-from-technical-qualifications/withdrawal-criteria
This guidance has been transferred from the previous skills body the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) following its closure on 31 May 2025. The guidance is under review and may be subject to change.
The following criteria apply to level 2, level 3 and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs). It does not apply to T Level Technical Qualifications. When deciding to withdraw approval of a technical qualification, we may also take into account other matters that are appropriate.
Before proceeding to withdraw approval, we will first consider whether changes to the qualification can be made to allow approval to continue. Where changes can be made, we will:
- communicate the relevant change to the awarding organisation (AO)
- discuss necessary steps for the AO to make appropriate changes
Where an occupation has been retired or had its level changed, a qualification may need to link to an alternative occupation. Where no suitable alternative exists, we may withdraw qualification approval.
Where changes are not possible, our reasons for withdrawal of a qualification’s approval include, but are not limited to:
- concerns that the approved qualification no longer meets the approvals criteria
- the retirement of a recognised occupation or standard on the occupational maps
- concerns that the approved qualification no longer complies with our terms and conditions
- changes to the qualification’s regulated status
- where our requested changes have not been made within the required timeframe
- when an AO informs us, that they have or intend to indefinitely withdraw delivery of their approved qualification
- where there are quality concerns in delivery
The information published on this page may be revised or replaced and new versions may be published accordingly.