The CQI Diploma in Quality

The CQI does not stipulate that potential students should have any particular qualifications before entering the Diploma. However, students should be aware that they will be required to make mathematical calculations for two of the modules. Therefore, a pass in maths and English GCSE is advisable. Where possible those with weaker skills should be encouraged onto the CQI level 3 Certificate in Quality to assist their development.

If students have already fully covered one or more modules they should apply for Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL).

Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning

IQA qualifications accreditation
National qualifications accreditation

IQA qualifications accreditation

The CQI recognises its previous IQA qualifications against the Diploma and gives accreditation for learning where appropriate. The table below lists the old subject numbers and what unit of the Diploma can be gained for accreditation. The old qualifications will only be acceptable for exemption if completed within six years of registering for the Diploma. For example: If you completed an A11 unit in June 1999, you must register for the Diploma by June 2005.

Old qualifications		New qualifications
Core units:
Old unit	Title	New module	Title
A11	Introduction to quality assurance	D1	Principles of quality and data analysis
A12	Principles and techniques of quality management	D2	Quality management
C6	Total Quality Management	D3	Tools and techniques
Any one of the following in place of the elective option:
Old unit	Title	New module	Title
C5	Quality environmental management and auditing	D6	Quality and environmental management
B6	Computing and quality assurance	D7	Quality and information technology
C10	Computing in quality assurance	D7	Quality and information technology

What do I do if I wish to progress with this?

You should notify the CQI in writing of previously gained IQA qualifications at the time of registering for the Diploma. If, for any reason, you have not done so, please contact the CQI Education department.

Is there a charge?

No, accreditation of IQA qualifications is free of charge.

National qualification accreditation

The following qualifications have been approved by the CQI on a national level. Students that have these qualifications will be able to apply for accreditation of prior achievement for the units indicated. Qualifications must be valid and current within six years of starting the Diploma.

Organisation	Course	Exemption gained
City & Guilds	7430	D1 Assignment only
IEMA	Advanced Auditor Course	D6
Institute of Supervision and Management	Diploma in Management	D4, D5 (D5 exemption can be gained if topic area is quality based)
IOSH	Managing the Environment	D6
Open University	T834	D1, D2, D3, D6 (D6 exemption can be gained if one of the following modules is completed: Forensic Engineering or Enterprise and The Environment or Environmental Decision Making)
Open University	T889	D3, D5
Scottish Qualifications Authority	SQA HNC in Quality Management	D1 (only if Measurement of Quality is one of the options), D2
Sri Lanka Standards Institution	Diploma in Quality Management	FULL DipQ *
St Helen's College	Edexcel - HND Quality Management	D1, D2, D4
University of Glamorgan	C14/C16	D6, D3
University of Leicester	MSc in Management of Quality Excellence	Full DipQ *
University of Paisley	All Project Management - Level 4	D4
University of Paisley	Chartered Engineer	D4
University of Paisley	Business Improvement Techniques - Level 4	D1, D3
University of Strathclyde	B Eng Manufacturing Engineering & Mgmt	D1, D2
University of Wales College Newport	UWCN Diploma in Quality	D1, D2, D3, D4,D6, D7 *
University of Wales College Newport	MSc Strategic Quality Management	all *
University of Wolverhampton		Full DipQ if the following modules are completed: Quality Assurance and Reliability Engineering Management Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project Management Continuous Improvement Advanced methods in Environmental Management Plus submit a project for assessment by the CQI and one DipQ Module (both assignment and exam)

* The CQI operates a 2/3 rule, which means that even where full exemption is given to a course, at least 2 CQI modules out of 6 have to be completed.

This list is continually reviewed and updated by the CQI. If you are interested in gaining exemptions from any Diploma in Quality modules through the APA process please refer to the Accreditation of Prior Achievement Policy