ABE qualifications are recognized by Ofqual, the qualifications regulatory authority in the United Kingdom. Through June 2011, ABE will award the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) qualifications for corresponding programs at Levels 3, 5, 6 and 7. Thereafter, ABE will begin awarding the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) qualifications at Diploma Levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 with the first examinations in December 2011. Levels refer to 3 as a certificate under NQF qualifications only, 4 as a Level 4 diploma under both, 5 as a Level 5 diploma under both, 6 as an advanced diploma under NCF and a graduate diploma under QCF, and 7 as a postgraduate diploma under NQF qualifications or a Level 7 diploma under QCF qualifications.
The ABE accredits programs in business management, business information systems, financial management, human resource management, marketing and travel, tourism and hospitality management. ABE provides students with the complete syllabus online for each program and corresponding level. In addition, ABE provides students with a complete reading list required for each course.
Before a potential student enrolls at an accredited college for a program, he will need to register with ABE. The student will need to gain acceptance from ABE to make sure that he qualifies for a particular level of examination. Once a student registers, becomes an ABE member. In addition to attending an accredited college, students may choose the self-study option directly through ABE to gain qualifications. Students register through the ABE website. Fees range from 35 to 250 pounds for registration, depending on qualification level sought; a yearly membership fee of 25 to 50 pounds is also charged.
Once a student gets into a program administered through ABE, she may enroll at an ABE-accredited college or select the self-study option. Each qualification prescribes a length of time for completion and a final exam date. Exams are usually held twice a year, in June and in December, and last three hours. Students report to an ABE study center to take the required exam; the study center grades the exam and notifies the student of the result. ABE does not allow study centers to be located on accredited or affiliated college campuses.