Confused by RQF, Ofqual and NCFE CACHE? You’re not alone. This guide explains what each term means in plain English — and gives you a simple, reliable checklist to confirm a Teaching Assistant (TA) course is genuinely recognised before you enrol.

What the terms actually mean

• RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) — the national framework that shows the level of a qualification (e.g., Level 2, Level 3). It indicates difficulty and size (TQT/GLH).
• Ofqual — the government regulator for qualifications in England. If a qualification is regulated by Ofqual and listed on the RQF, employers and schools can trust it.
• NCFE CACHE — an awarding organisation (AO). AOs design and award qualifications (they are not the training provider). For TA routes, NCFE CACHE is widely recognised by schools.

Regional note: Ofqual regulates England. Wales has Qualifications Wales/CQFW, Scotland has SQA Accreditation/SCQF, and Northern Ireland has CCEA Regulation/RQF. If you study or work in those nations, check the appropriate national regulator/framework.

Provider vs Awarding Organisation (why it matters)

Your course provider delivers teaching and support. The awarding organisation (e.g., NCFE CACHE) sets the qualification and issues your official certificate. To deliver an AO’s qualification, a provider must be an approved centre. Always confirm your provider’s approval status for the exact qualification you’re buying.

How to check a qualification is genuine (step-by-step)

1. Go to the official Ofqual Register: register.ofqual.gov.uk.
2. Search by exact title or Qualification Number (QN) (format like 603/1234/5) shown by the provider.
3. Open the result and confirm:
   • Status is regulated/available (not withdrawn or expired).
   • Level (e.g., RQF Level 3) matches the provider’s claim.
   • Awarding organisation (e.g., NCFE CACHE) matches the provider’s page.
   • TQT/GLH and operational dates look reasonable for current delivery.
4. Cross-check the title on the provider’s site matches the Ofqual entry word-for-word (no creative re-naming).
5. Ask for centre approval evidence (their NCFE centre number or approval letter) for that qualification — and written confirmation that you will receive an AO certificate, not just a “provider certificate of completion”.
6. For Certificates/Diplomas, confirm the course includes required placement hours and in-school evidence in line with the AO’s specification.

Quick red-flags checklist

• No Ofqual entry and no QN provided.
• Title/level on the sales page doesn’t match the Ofqual entry exactly.
• Vague wording like “CACHE-endorsed” with no RQF/Ofqual listing.
• Promises of a full qualification without assessments or school evidence where it’s normally required.
• You’ll only receive a “provider certificate”, not an NCFE CACHE (or other AO) certificate.

Which TA qualifications should I look for?

The most recognised school route is NCFE CACHE Supporting Teaching & Learning at Level 2 or Level 3:

• Awards (knowledge-only, usually no placement) — quick start while you arrange a school.
• Certificates/Diplomas (knowledge + in-school competence) — fully qualify you as a TA; placements required.

Compare levels in TA Levels Explained: Level 2 vs Level 3 vs HLTA and see Do I Need a Placement?.

TA course buyer’s mini-checklist

• Is it RQF-listed and Ofqual-regulated (check the Register)?
• Is the awarding organisation clearly stated (e.g., NCFE CACHE)?
• Is the provider an approved centre for that qualification?
• Do the placement/evidence requirements match the AO specification?
• Will I receive an AO certificate on completion?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CACHE the same as Ofqual?

No. Ofqual is the regulator. NCFE CACHE is an awarding organisation that designs and awards qualifications which Ofqual regulates.

What is a Qualification Number (QN)?

A unique code (e.g., 603/1234/5) that identifies the qualification on the Ofqual Register. Use it to verify the exact title, level and awarding organisation.

Do Awards require a placement?

Awards are usually knowledge-only and typically do not require a placement. Certificates/Diplomas do, because they assess in-school competence.

How do I know my provider is an approved centre?

Ask for their awarding-organisation centre number or approval letter for the qualification you’re buying. You can also contact the AO (e.g., NCFE) to confirm.

Will I receive an official certificate?

For a regulated qualification, you should receive an awarding-organisation certificate (e.g., NCFE CACHE) — not just a provider’s “certificate of completion”.