Independent Funeral Directors CollegeNational Open College Network (NOCN) is the leading credit-based awarding body in the UK, offering high quality, flexible, credit-based qualifications. NOCN originated from the Open College Network (OCN) movement first established in 1975 to formally recognise the achievements of adult learners.
NOCN is an innovative and progressive national awarding body. It is a recognised awarding body by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) in England, the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland and the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority (ACCAC) in Wales, since 2000.
The Training Framework
The Unit Credit Levels Level Descriptors Equivalences Accredited units
The Unit
A unit within the Credit Framework is defined as 'a coherent set of learning outcomes'.
'Learning outcomes' describe those things which a learner is expected to know, understand or do on completion of a process of learning.
All units within OCN-accredited programmes are represented in terms of:
- a title
- learning outcomes
- assessment criteria
Through the process of accreditation, OCNs will determine for each unit its credit value and level within the National Credit Framework.
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Credit
Within the Credit Framework, a quite specific definition of 'credit' has been developed: A credit is awarded for those outcomes which a learner, on average, might reasonably be expected to achieve in a notional 10 hours of learning.
This definition of credit is also used by OCNs to ascribe credit value to a unit. Credit value therefore defines the number of credits a learner may achieve through the successful completion of a unit within the Credit Framework.
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Levels
There are four levels prior to Higher Education. These are called:
- Entry Level
- Level One
- Level Two
- Level Three
These levels relate to all learning achievements and each unit has a particular level within the credit framework.
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Level Descriptors
The levels have the following descriptors:
- Entry Level
The acquisition of a limited range of basic skills, knowledge and understanding in highly structured and self-referenced contexts which permit the identification of progression from the learner's point of entry to the learning process. - Level One
The acquisition of a foundation of competences, knowledge and understanding in a limited range of predictable and structured contexts that prepare the learner to progress to further achievements. - Level Two
The acquisition of a broader range of competences, knowledge and understanding which demonstrate the extension of previous abilities in less predictable and structured contexts and prepare the learner to progress to further achievements. - Level Three
The acquisition of a more complex range of competences, knowledge and understanding in contexts which develop autonomous, analytical and critical abilities that prepare the learner to progress to further independent achievements.
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Equivalences
The following chart illustrates the approximate equivalences between credit framework levels and other forms of measuring achievement.
Level Three |
NVQ3 |
GNVQ Advanced |
A Level |
Level Two |
NVQ2 |
GNVQ Intermediate |
GCSE A* - C |
Level One |
NVQ2 |
GNVQ Foundation |
GCSE D - G |
Entry |
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How does IFD College training fit into the National Open College Network?
On Friday March 10th 2007, the Independent Funeral Director’s College became an approved NOCN Training Centre. This means that IFDC is now able to deliver 15 units of OCN accredited training in Funeral Practice. Our National Open College Network centre number is NO56281
The fifteen accredited units are as follows:
NOCN Unit Code | Unit Name | Level | Credit Value |
DA8/1/TY/001 |
Health and Safety Legislation and Manual Handling |
1 |
1 |
DA8/1/TY/002 |
Safety and Infection Control for Funeral Staff |
1 |
1 |
DA8/1/TY/003 |
General Safety in the workplace |
1 |
1 |
DA8/1/TY/004 |
First Calls Measuring and Conduct |
1 |
2 |
DA8/1/TY/005 |
Identification Viewing and Personal effects |
1 |
2 |
DA8/2/TY/002 |
Removal of human remains for custody and care prior to disposal. |
1 |
6 |
DA8/2/TY/003 |
Coffin and Casket Finishing |
2 |
3 |
DA8/2/TY/004 |
Vehicle Maintenance, Cortege Driving and Chauffeuring skills |
2 |
6 |
DA8/2/TY/005 |
Pall bearing, handling floral tributes and Funeral Procedures. |
2 |
6 |
DA8/3/TY/007 |
Taking Funeral Instructions from a client |
3 |
6 |
DA8/3/TY/008 |
Death Registration, HM Coroner and Repatriations |
3 |
6 |
DA8/2/TY/006 |
The law of Burial and Cremation |
2 |
3 |
DA8/2/TY/007 |
Funeral Office Procedures |
2 |
6 |
DA8/2/TY/008 |
Loss, Grief & Bereavement and Funeral Planning |
2 |
3 |
DA8/2/TY/009 |
Professional Organisations, the Funeral service and customer care |
2 |
3 |