The Chartered Quality Institute

Common questions

The following questions are asked regularly by students. Please read the answers below before contacting the CQI for further information.

  1. Where can I get more information about the way the CQI Diploma and Certificate are taught and structured?
  2. How do I register?
  3. I cannot find a centre in my area. What should I do?
  4. I live overseas and would like to register for a Diploma/Certificate course through distance learning, but there is no distance learning provider in my area.
  5. I live overseas. How can I sit the examinations?
  6. What is the total cost of the course?
  7. Do I really need to study at a centre or can I just sit for the examination?
  8. Do I need to complete the CQI Certificate before doing the CQI Diploma?
  9. Are there any registration deadlines?
  10. Can I sit the exam at a different education centre from where I study?
  11. Can I get any previous study exemptions?
  12. How does the Diploma compare with a degree course?
  13. Can I study 2 or more modules in the same semester?
  14. Is it possible to study modules of the Diploma/Certificate individually?
  15. When can I expect my exam results?
  16. I cannot attend an examination I’ve already entered for. What are my options for taking the examination at a later stage?

Q1: Where can I get more information about the way the CQI Diploma and Certificate are taught and structured?

A: You can find a general outline of the qualifications under What is the Diploma and What is the Certificate. Please download the course syllabus for further information. You can also contact one of the CQI Education Centres and talk to a tutor/course coordinator. They can give you more specific information about the course you're interested in.

Q2: How do I register?

A: In order to register for the course you need to find an education centre and register with them first. After registering with your centre, you need to register as CQI student. For more information, please see the section How to register.

Q3: I cannot find a centre in my area. What should I do?

A: You can study for a CQI qualification by distance learning, open learning or through home based study via one of our distance learning providers. Please contact them directly for further information on the course structure.

Q4: I live overseas and would like to register for a course. There is no college/distance learning provider in my area.

A: This is not a problem. You can register and study through a UK distance learning provider and sit the examination in your country.

Q5: I live overseas. How can I sit the examinations?

A: We usually accept colleges and British councils as alternative examination centres. You need to contact them directly and arrange the exam with them. All fees connected with sitting the examinations are to be covered by students. The alternative exam centre form ED-22 needs to be sent to CQI Education in order to arrange sending the materials to your exam centre.

Q6: What is the total cost of the course?

A: The CQI only charges basic administrative fees for registration and examination registration. Please see the CQI fee structure. In order to find out the full price of the course, you need to contact your education centre. Each centre is responsible for its own admissions and the fees may vary.

Q7: Do I really need to study at a centre or can I just sit for the examination?

A: You need to register with the centre in order to study and sit the examination. As an awarding body, CQI does not teach the qualifications - this is done through a network of education centres.

Q8: Do I need to complete the CQI Certificate before doing the CQI Diploma?

A: No, this is not an entry requirement. However we do recommend completing the Certificate before starting the Diploma if you are new to quality or haven't studied for a while. The Certificate will provide a basic knowledge of quality and a sound foundation to undertake the Diploma.

Q9: Are there any registration deadlines?

A: If you choose to study through a distance learning provider, you can commence your distance learning studies at any time during the year. However deadlines to register for exams are mid April (for June examinations) and mid November (for January examinations).

Q10: Can I sit the exam at a different education centre from where I study?

A: Yes, it can be a local college or university in your area. You would need to contact your alternative exam centre and arrange the examination(s) with them. The alternative exam centre form ED-22 should be sent to CQI Education in order to arrange the materials to your exam centre.

Q11: Can I get any previous study exemptions?

A: The CQI recognises its previous IQA qualifications against the Diploma and gives accreditation for learning where appropriate. Some of the nationally accredited qualifications have been approved by the CQI for exemptions. Please see the full list on http://www.thecqi.org/education/h1-2.shtml. Please note that the qualifications cannot be older than 6 years.

Q12: How does the Diploma compare with a degree courses?

A: Diploma Level 5 is, technically speaking, the first 2 years of an honour's degree.

Q13: Can I study two or more modules in the same semester?

A: You can study any number of modules you want at the same time, but please bear in mind it might be extremely intensive and demanding.

Q14: Is it possible to study modules of the Diploma/Certificate individually?

A: Yes, for each module you have completed you will receive a certificate with an achieved grade. Each module can be taken as a mini-qualification. Some modules of the Diploma may be a requirement of CQI membership (please check the membership grades).

Q15: When can I expect my exam results?

A: The exam results are sent usually 8-9 weeks after sitting the last examination. This means that January results are sent out at the end of March; June results are issued at the end of August.

Q: I cannot attend an examination I've already entered for. What are my options for taking the examination at a later stage?

A: You have two options:

  1. if you have serious reasons for not being able to attend the examination and you have submitted your assignment (or about to submit it), you can defer the module. For details see the Deferral policy. If you application is accepted, you will be allowed to carry over your assignment work and will not be charged again when you re-take the examination.
  2. if you would like to do the assessment at a different stage for reasons other than the ones listed in the Deferral policy, eg heavy workload, decided to take a holiday around that time, simply do not feel prepared, you can transfer your module. For details see the Transfer policy. Please note that there is a fee for this service (updated fees) and you will have to write a new assignment for the term when you decide to re-take the examination. This service is only available until 1 June for June examinations and 1 January for January examinations. We will charge a full fee after these dates.