FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can you tell me about the programmes?
The Certificates and Diplomas are aimed at all adults and young
adults (14+). They allow you to achieve a Certificate or
Diploma awarded by the Craft Qualifications Centre in association with
NCFE. At present only two programmes are available, but more will be added at regular intervals. This Certificate in Paper Craft can be associated with many different paper craft techniques, but the learning materials will focus mainly on card making in all of its forms, and
scrapbooking. The Diploma in Professional Crafting is inclusive of all kinds of crafting, whatever they may be.
Who are NCFE?
NCFE are one of the UK’s fastest growing National Awarding Bodies, designing, accrediting and awarding qualifications and learning programmes that are nationally, and even internationally, recognised.
NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by regulators in England. They provide a wide range of programmes at different levels and in a variety of subject areas. These programmes are offered to the public via Approved Centres, including schools, colleges, adult education centres and training providers.
The Certificates and Diplomas on offer here are accredited by NCFE. and are brought to you by the Craft Qualifications Centre which is
an Approved Centre with NCFE. All students are registered with NCFE.
The Craft Qualifications Centre then have to comply with a very rigorous
process in order to be able to offer and award Certificates and Diplomas. NCFE audit the Craft Qualifications Centre on an annual basis (or more) and have the final say on everything awarded.
What is the Craft Qualifications Centre
The Craft Qualifications Centre is managed by Jennie Nicell, who has been managing Approved Centres with a range of Awarding Bodies since the year 2000. Jennie is a qualified Trainer, Assessor, Moderator and Invigilator. Jennie also teaches paper craft adult education classes in her local area. In addition to her passion for education, Jennie also has her own craft design company and successfully sold products via Ideal World/Create & Craft TV.
Jennie is delighted to be able to bring her two passions together and to be able to offer you fully accredited Certificates and Diplomas in doing something that you love as much as she does.
Supporting Jennie is a team of fully qualified Assessors, with a huge mix
of qualifications, teaching, crafting and artistic experience.
What do I need to begin?
Firstly you need a passion for crafting, but dont worry if you are brand new to this, or if you have been doing this for many years, either way, one of the programmes will suit you. You also need a computer,
access to a computer, or someone who is happy to print things out for you, although this may mean that you are not able to fully benefit from the forum support. You will need to be able to email, or post, items to the Craft Qualifications Centre. The forms you complete will require to be typed or hand written in English. Finally, you need a passion for crafting…… well it is worth mentioning twice isn’t it! Each Certificate and Diploma may also have specific entry requirements, so make sure you check them out first.
How many Units require to be completed?
To achieve the Certificate in Paper Craft you are required to complete 4 units in total. You must complete 2 mandatory units, and also 2 optional units. There are 4 optional units to choose from.
To achieve the Diploma in Professional Crafting you are required to complete 2 units in total. You must complete 1 mandatory unit and one optional unit from a choice of 4. For either programme, you can choose to do additional optional units if you wish.
What do you actually have to do to achieve each unit?
Certificate in Paper Craft:
Unit 1 required you to submit 3 paper craft designs and a workbook
Unit 2 required you to submit a workbook
Unit 3, 4, 5 and 6 each require you to submit 3 paper craft designs, from a choice of cards, scrapbook layouts, 3d paper craft, or electronic cutting machine creations; but remember you are only required to complete two of these units.
That totals 9 paper craft designs and 2 workbooks.
For each paper craft design you also have to fill in a recipe card detailing what products and processes you used and why.
Diploma in Professional Crafting:
The Diploma is open to ALL areas of crafting, not just paper crafting. So
if you bake cakes, make jewellery, knit, sew, make candles or any other
crafting technique, then you can consider the Diploma.
Each of the Units require you to complete a Workbook and attach required evidence to the workbook.
Do I have to attend workshops?
No. All programmes can be completed either online, or by distance
learning. A basic learning programme is provided online, which you can print yourself if you wish. However, if you already attend workshops, why not ask the tutor/owner if you can work towards this whilst you are there. If there is a group of you, the tutor can contact the Craft Qualifications Centre for support and guidance on how to help you (and maybe even receive a discount). This would also be a perfect option for those who dont have access to a PC.
Do I have to sit exams?
No. All of the assessment is also done either online or by post. You can
email quality photos of your paper craft designs, along with completed paperwork to the Craft Qualifications Centre, or you can post you paper crafts designs (or photos) along with the completed paperwork.
How much does it cost?
The current price of the Certificate in Paper Craft is £150. However, to make this as accessible as possible, you can choose to pay for this in installment of £25 a month for 6 months. Please see the costs page for more information.
The Professional Diploma in Crafting is £125, but if you have previously completed the Certificate in Paper Craft then the price is reduced to £100. Again this can be paid in full, or in stallments. Additional units can also be completed for £25 per unit.
Are there are other costs on top of that?
If you plan to post your creations to the Craft Qualifications Centre then you will have to pay for the postage, and also the return postage if you would like them back. Any creations not returned will be give to charities to help them raise funds. The only other financial outlay will be in connection with any craft materials or tools that you choose to use.
How long does it take?
Normally, you are allowed up to 1 full year to complete any programme.
However, steady progress of one unit every month is normally achievable.
For the Certificate in Paper Craft, if you have no experience of crafting and require to go through the whole learning programme, and all of the main activities, you will need roughly 50hrs, that’s less than 1hr per day for 2 months. It is also estimated that you will want to spend roughly the equivalent of an hour a day for three months either participating in forums, reading magazines, watching craft TV etc. What a hardship ehh! You could work on your crafting after the kids have gone to bed at night, one crafty afternoon each week with a friend, or just as and when you feel up to it.
For the Diploma in Professional Crafting it is anticipated that you will need to commit 14hrs per week for 6 months, but if you are teaching, working in a design team, or designing or selling craft products, then you probably already know that you spend alot more time that this on crafting.
Can I complete quicker?
Yes, you can complete the whole programme within 3 months (the official minimal amount of time required between registration and final completion). However, if you have chosen to pay for this in instalments/subscription, you will be unable to receive your final certificate until all installment have been paid.
What if I change my mind and do not wish to proceed?
Once you complete the application form and submit payment, you will receive an email confirming access to the basic learning programme.
Thereafter, registration with the Awarding Body will take place and regrettably no refund can be provided. Consequently, feel free to ask as many questions as you wish before comitting to one of the programmes.
What happens if I can not finish the programme and complete all of the Units?
This is unlikely to happen, unless it is down to ill health. In such a situation, we are regrettably unable to refund any costs already paid. However, you can order a formal certificate to cover any units that you have already completed, or you can choose to place the programme on hold for a number of months. This extention must be requested in writing. The extended programme must be completed within 2 years from registration, or this will lapse.
I live in Australia/American/Amsterdam etc, can I do this?
Yes, this is available worldwide. You should use the Paypal
payment buttons on the costs page and these will be automatically recalculated for you. All materials are currently only available in English.
Will I learn everything there is to know about crafting?
I am afraid not. You will be provided with a basic learning programme.
New products and processes are introduced to the craft world so frequently, it would be impossible to maintain up to date learning
materials. In addition, the internet, librarys, TV programmes etc are full of amazing learning opportunities for crafters. The onus is on you
to further develop you own knowledge and skills using your own preferred methods i.e. magazines, workshops, books, tv shows, forums etc.
This approach has also allowed us to keep the cost of the qualification to an absolute minimum, which is particularly helpful for those who are already experienced crafters and wish to gain a Certificate or Diploma without the additional costs of an expensive study programme.
I have been crafting for years, do I need to go through the basic learning programme and study?
No. If you feel you are already competent, then you can move straight on to complete the Units, and only need to refer back to the learning material if needed.
What if I am stuck and don’t know what to do?
You will have access to an assessor who can help you, and also an online forum for support from other crafters and experts.
Can I fail a unit?
Not really. When you submit a unit, your assessor will provide you with detailed feedback. They will confirm that you have either passed, or require to do something further. You will then be given two further opportunities to resubmit the same unit for assessment. The feedback
from your assessor should be sufficiently detailed to allow you to pass the unit within these three attempts. However, if after three attempts you are still unable to pass, you may be asked to pay a small fee (£5) in order to submit the unit on further occasions. All assessment decisions are moderated internally and by the awarding body to ensure fairness and consistency.
Is this just for card makers and scrappers?
Definitely not, this Certificate in Paper Craft is happy to include all forms of paper craft. If your hobby is ATCs, making 3d models, quilling, automata, or any other hobby ending with a paper craft creation, then you can consider this programme. There is even a unit purely for those who love their electronic cutting machines, so if you are a robo rebel, a cricut creator, or an ecraft crafter then this is right up your street. In addition, the
Diploma in Professional Crafting is suitable for all crafters, whether that be
knitting, cake decorating, jewellery making or even making items from wood, soap, leather etc.
What do I actually receive?
You will receive online access to a learning programme. You will also be able to have access to a forum to chat with other students and assessors about the programmes.
The learning programme also contains activity sheets to help the learning process.
You will also get access to numerous free online templates and designs i.e. digi stamps, card templates, mini scrapbook templates, sketches, 3d design templates etc. Many of the free templates are provided in numerous formats (JPEG, SVG, WPC, GSD, KNK and Ai) to suit crafters who prefer to cut things out by hand, and those who prefer to use electronic cutting machines.
You will recieve more details around each of the units, and the paperwork that you require to complete for each of these units.
Finally you will receive the support of an assessor to help you develop your craft skills and complete each unit.
Will other craft programmes be offered?
Yes. It is likely that programmes will be available in jewellery making,
knitting, and all forms of sewing. Other techniques are also being considered and all ideas are welcome.
What happens when I finish?
Your assessor will confirm when you have passed all of the units to the required standard, thereafter your assessment file will be sent for both internal and external moderation/verification. If everything is found to be in order then you will receive a formal certificate from the Awarding Body. You will also receive an award image that you can include on your blog if you have one. Announcements of those who have graduated will also be made on this website and on other forums and marketing literature.
What if my paper craft designs are excellent?
If your assessor decides that you pass all four of the units of the Certificate in Paper Craft with ‘pass credit’ then you will be awarded a ‘distinction’ and you will receive a different award image to use on your blog. The actual awaring body certificate received will however be the same i.e. Certificate in Paper Craft, but you may wish to progress to the
Diploma.
How else can I show off that I have achieved this?
Other branded merchandise will also be available in the near future, like shopping bags and t-shirts.
I am excited, when can I get started?
You can join at any time, just download and complete the application form.
Why would I want to do this?
Many people have not had the opportunity to achieve any kind of formal certification, either at all, or for a very long time. This may be because of circumstance; busy lives, health reasons, cost, or even just because
their strengths didn’t lie with academic subjects. Hopefully these particular programmes will remove many of these barriers allowing you to now achieve a Certificate or Diploma for doing something you love.
In addition, a few people have mentioned that they face a constant battle persuading their partner to let them have time and money for crafting; how perfect to be able to use the excuse that you are working towards a Certificate or Diploma in Crafting!
If you love joining in challenges on forums, making craft items for family, friends and charities, or even selling your creations, then hopefully you will pick up a few ideas that will improve your skills and allow you to progress your crafting, or even just give you the boost of knowing that your current designs are of the required standard to achieve a Certificate. This may give you the confidence to enter more competitions, apply to join design teams, or take that first step towards selling your designs.
Will this help me get a job in crafting?
Unfortunately there are very few jobs out there for people in crafting; even design team members tend to only be paid in free products. Even if there were lots of job opportunities, holding the Certificate in Paper Craft, or something similar, would never be a formal requirement. However, as mentioned above, this programme may help you develop your skills and build your confidence to consider applying to join design teams, maybe sell your own crafts, or even try teaching and demonstrating craft products.
Is this a formal qualification on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)?
The QCF is the formal way of measuring and recording qualifications in England. As such this timely and expensive process would hold no weight for students elsewhere in the world. In addition, the Craft Qualifications Centre is based in Scotland, and the equivalent there would be the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) which would hold no weight for students in England. Therefore we opted to chose the formal accreditation route through an extremely prestigious awarding body (NCFE) who were able to offer worldwide accreditation for the Certificates and Diplomas. This is the same route as adopted by the Fire Brigade and many other professional bodies who would have no need for QCF or similar accreditation as no one else would ever require to achieve their qualifications apart from their own staff.
The Certificates and Diplomas are aimed at all adults and young
adults (14+). They allow you to achieve a Certificate or
Diploma awarded by the Craft Qualifications Centre in association with
NCFE. At present only two programmes are available, but more will be added at regular intervals. This Certificate in Paper Craft can be associated with many different paper craft techniques, but the learning materials will focus mainly on card making in all of its forms, and
scrapbooking. The Diploma in Professional Crafting is inclusive of all kinds of crafting, whatever they may be.
Who are NCFE?
NCFE are one of the UK’s fastest growing National Awarding Bodies, designing, accrediting and awarding qualifications and learning programmes that are nationally, and even internationally, recognised.
NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by regulators in England. They provide a wide range of programmes at different levels and in a variety of subject areas. These programmes are offered to the public via Approved Centres, including schools, colleges, adult education centres and training providers.
The Certificates and Diplomas on offer here are accredited by NCFE. and are brought to you by the Craft Qualifications Centre which is
an Approved Centre with NCFE. All students are registered with NCFE.
The Craft Qualifications Centre then have to comply with a very rigorous
process in order to be able to offer and award Certificates and Diplomas. NCFE audit the Craft Qualifications Centre on an annual basis (or more) and have the final say on everything awarded.
What is the Craft Qualifications Centre
The Craft Qualifications Centre is managed by Jennie Nicell, who has been managing Approved Centres with a range of Awarding Bodies since the year 2000. Jennie is a qualified Trainer, Assessor, Moderator and Invigilator. Jennie also teaches paper craft adult education classes in her local area. In addition to her passion for education, Jennie also has her own craft design company and successfully sold products via Ideal World/Create & Craft TV.
Jennie is delighted to be able to bring her two passions together and to be able to offer you fully accredited Certificates and Diplomas in doing something that you love as much as she does.
Supporting Jennie is a team of fully qualified Assessors, with a huge mix
of qualifications, teaching, crafting and artistic experience.
What do I need to begin?
Firstly you need a passion for crafting, but dont worry if you are brand new to this, or if you have been doing this for many years, either way, one of the programmes will suit you. You also need a computer,
access to a computer, or someone who is happy to print things out for you, although this may mean that you are not able to fully benefit from the forum support. You will need to be able to email, or post, items to the Craft Qualifications Centre. The forms you complete will require to be typed or hand written in English. Finally, you need a passion for crafting…… well it is worth mentioning twice isn’t it! Each Certificate and Diploma may also have specific entry requirements, so make sure you check them out first.
How many Units require to be completed?
To achieve the Certificate in Paper Craft you are required to complete 4 units in total. You must complete 2 mandatory units, and also 2 optional units. There are 4 optional units to choose from.
To achieve the Diploma in Professional Crafting you are required to complete 2 units in total. You must complete 1 mandatory unit and one optional unit from a choice of 4. For either programme, you can choose to do additional optional units if you wish.
What do you actually have to do to achieve each unit?
Certificate in Paper Craft:
Unit 1 required you to submit 3 paper craft designs and a workbook
Unit 2 required you to submit a workbook
Unit 3, 4, 5 and 6 each require you to submit 3 paper craft designs, from a choice of cards, scrapbook layouts, 3d paper craft, or electronic cutting machine creations; but remember you are only required to complete two of these units.
That totals 9 paper craft designs and 2 workbooks.
For each paper craft design you also have to fill in a recipe card detailing what products and processes you used and why.
Diploma in Professional Crafting:
The Diploma is open to ALL areas of crafting, not just paper crafting. So
if you bake cakes, make jewellery, knit, sew, make candles or any other
crafting technique, then you can consider the Diploma.
Each of the Units require you to complete a Workbook and attach required evidence to the workbook.
Do I have to attend workshops?
No. All programmes can be completed either online, or by distance
learning. A basic learning programme is provided online, which you can print yourself if you wish. However, if you already attend workshops, why not ask the tutor/owner if you can work towards this whilst you are there. If there is a group of you, the tutor can contact the Craft Qualifications Centre for support and guidance on how to help you (and maybe even receive a discount). This would also be a perfect option for those who dont have access to a PC.
Do I have to sit exams?
No. All of the assessment is also done either online or by post. You can
email quality photos of your paper craft designs, along with completed paperwork to the Craft Qualifications Centre, or you can post you paper crafts designs (or photos) along with the completed paperwork.
How much does it cost?
The current price of the Certificate in Paper Craft is £150. However, to make this as accessible as possible, you can choose to pay for this in installment of £25 a month for 6 months. Please see the costs page for more information.
The Professional Diploma in Crafting is £125, but if you have previously completed the Certificate in Paper Craft then the price is reduced to £100. Again this can be paid in full, or in stallments. Additional units can also be completed for £25 per unit.
Are there are other costs on top of that?
If you plan to post your creations to the Craft Qualifications Centre then you will have to pay for the postage, and also the return postage if you would like them back. Any creations not returned will be give to charities to help them raise funds. The only other financial outlay will be in connection with any craft materials or tools that you choose to use.
How long does it take?
Normally, you are allowed up to 1 full year to complete any programme.
However, steady progress of one unit every month is normally achievable.
For the Certificate in Paper Craft, if you have no experience of crafting and require to go through the whole learning programme, and all of the main activities, you will need roughly 50hrs, that’s less than 1hr per day for 2 months. It is also estimated that you will want to spend roughly the equivalent of an hour a day for three months either participating in forums, reading magazines, watching craft TV etc. What a hardship ehh! You could work on your crafting after the kids have gone to bed at night, one crafty afternoon each week with a friend, or just as and when you feel up to it.
For the Diploma in Professional Crafting it is anticipated that you will need to commit 14hrs per week for 6 months, but if you are teaching, working in a design team, or designing or selling craft products, then you probably already know that you spend alot more time that this on crafting.
Can I complete quicker?
Yes, you can complete the whole programme within 3 months (the official minimal amount of time required between registration and final completion). However, if you have chosen to pay for this in instalments/subscription, you will be unable to receive your final certificate until all installment have been paid.
What if I change my mind and do not wish to proceed?
Once you complete the application form and submit payment, you will receive an email confirming access to the basic learning programme.
Thereafter, registration with the Awarding Body will take place and regrettably no refund can be provided. Consequently, feel free to ask as many questions as you wish before comitting to one of the programmes.
What happens if I can not finish the programme and complete all of the Units?
This is unlikely to happen, unless it is down to ill health. In such a situation, we are regrettably unable to refund any costs already paid. However, you can order a formal certificate to cover any units that you have already completed, or you can choose to place the programme on hold for a number of months. This extention must be requested in writing. The extended programme must be completed within 2 years from registration, or this will lapse.
I live in Australia/American/Amsterdam etc, can I do this?
Yes, this is available worldwide. You should use the Paypal
payment buttons on the costs page and these will be automatically recalculated for you. All materials are currently only available in English.
Will I learn everything there is to know about crafting?
I am afraid not. You will be provided with a basic learning programme.
New products and processes are introduced to the craft world so frequently, it would be impossible to maintain up to date learning
materials. In addition, the internet, librarys, TV programmes etc are full of amazing learning opportunities for crafters. The onus is on you
to further develop you own knowledge and skills using your own preferred methods i.e. magazines, workshops, books, tv shows, forums etc.
This approach has also allowed us to keep the cost of the qualification to an absolute minimum, which is particularly helpful for those who are already experienced crafters and wish to gain a Certificate or Diploma without the additional costs of an expensive study programme.
I have been crafting for years, do I need to go through the basic learning programme and study?
No. If you feel you are already competent, then you can move straight on to complete the Units, and only need to refer back to the learning material if needed.
What if I am stuck and don’t know what to do?
You will have access to an assessor who can help you, and also an online forum for support from other crafters and experts.
Can I fail a unit?
Not really. When you submit a unit, your assessor will provide you with detailed feedback. They will confirm that you have either passed, or require to do something further. You will then be given two further opportunities to resubmit the same unit for assessment. The feedback
from your assessor should be sufficiently detailed to allow you to pass the unit within these three attempts. However, if after three attempts you are still unable to pass, you may be asked to pay a small fee (£5) in order to submit the unit on further occasions. All assessment decisions are moderated internally and by the awarding body to ensure fairness and consistency.
Is this just for card makers and scrappers?
Definitely not, this Certificate in Paper Craft is happy to include all forms of paper craft. If your hobby is ATCs, making 3d models, quilling, automata, or any other hobby ending with a paper craft creation, then you can consider this programme. There is even a unit purely for those who love their electronic cutting machines, so if you are a robo rebel, a cricut creator, or an ecraft crafter then this is right up your street. In addition, the
Diploma in Professional Crafting is suitable for all crafters, whether that be
knitting, cake decorating, jewellery making or even making items from wood, soap, leather etc.
What do I actually receive?
You will receive online access to a learning programme. You will also be able to have access to a forum to chat with other students and assessors about the programmes.
The learning programme also contains activity sheets to help the learning process.
You will also get access to numerous free online templates and designs i.e. digi stamps, card templates, mini scrapbook templates, sketches, 3d design templates etc. Many of the free templates are provided in numerous formats (JPEG, SVG, WPC, GSD, KNK and Ai) to suit crafters who prefer to cut things out by hand, and those who prefer to use electronic cutting machines.
You will recieve more details around each of the units, and the paperwork that you require to complete for each of these units.
Finally you will receive the support of an assessor to help you develop your craft skills and complete each unit.
Will other craft programmes be offered?
Yes. It is likely that programmes will be available in jewellery making,
knitting, and all forms of sewing. Other techniques are also being considered and all ideas are welcome.
What happens when I finish?
Your assessor will confirm when you have passed all of the units to the required standard, thereafter your assessment file will be sent for both internal and external moderation/verification. If everything is found to be in order then you will receive a formal certificate from the Awarding Body. You will also receive an award image that you can include on your blog if you have one. Announcements of those who have graduated will also be made on this website and on other forums and marketing literature.
What if my paper craft designs are excellent?
If your assessor decides that you pass all four of the units of the Certificate in Paper Craft with ‘pass credit’ then you will be awarded a ‘distinction’ and you will receive a different award image to use on your blog. The actual awaring body certificate received will however be the same i.e. Certificate in Paper Craft, but you may wish to progress to the
Diploma.
How else can I show off that I have achieved this?
Other branded merchandise will also be available in the near future, like shopping bags and t-shirts.
I am excited, when can I get started?
You can join at any time, just download and complete the application form.
Why would I want to do this?
Many people have not had the opportunity to achieve any kind of formal certification, either at all, or for a very long time. This may be because of circumstance; busy lives, health reasons, cost, or even just because
their strengths didn’t lie with academic subjects. Hopefully these particular programmes will remove many of these barriers allowing you to now achieve a Certificate or Diploma for doing something you love.
In addition, a few people have mentioned that they face a constant battle persuading their partner to let them have time and money for crafting; how perfect to be able to use the excuse that you are working towards a Certificate or Diploma in Crafting!
If you love joining in challenges on forums, making craft items for family, friends and charities, or even selling your creations, then hopefully you will pick up a few ideas that will improve your skills and allow you to progress your crafting, or even just give you the boost of knowing that your current designs are of the required standard to achieve a Certificate. This may give you the confidence to enter more competitions, apply to join design teams, or take that first step towards selling your designs.
Will this help me get a job in crafting?
Unfortunately there are very few jobs out there for people in crafting; even design team members tend to only be paid in free products. Even if there were lots of job opportunities, holding the Certificate in Paper Craft, or something similar, would never be a formal requirement. However, as mentioned above, this programme may help you develop your skills and build your confidence to consider applying to join design teams, maybe sell your own crafts, or even try teaching and demonstrating craft products.
Is this a formal qualification on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)?
The QCF is the formal way of measuring and recording qualifications in England. As such this timely and expensive process would hold no weight for students elsewhere in the world. In addition, the Craft Qualifications Centre is based in Scotland, and the equivalent there would be the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) which would hold no weight for students in England. Therefore we opted to chose the formal accreditation route through an extremely prestigious awarding body (NCFE) who were able to offer worldwide accreditation for the Certificates and Diplomas. This is the same route as adopted by the Fire Brigade and many other professional bodies who would have no need for QCF or similar accreditation as no one else would ever require to achieve their qualifications apart from their own staff.
