UK NARIC hosts many visitors from around the UK and from around the world in its offices in Cheltenham. But last week we wished that our new training room, recently enlarged in our office refurb, had been made even bigger as we welcomed an unusually large delegation of 18 from our counterpart national recognition agency in Norway, NOKUT.
The photo shows some of the delegation enjoying the floral gardens and period buildings of Regency Cheltenham! 
NOKUT is conducting a major fact-finding review to inform the next stages in its development. NOKUT’s remit is not only qualification recognition; it also performs the lead quality assurance role for vocational education and for higher education in Norway.
This accounts for the size of the delegation – there were representatives from the different departments and functions of the organisation, and also Board members. The NOKUT Board includes representatives from the education sector and student union representation as well, so all in all the approach is notably collaborative and multi-stakeholder.
The day after meeting us in Cheltenham, the NOKUT delegation travelled to nearby Gloucester to hold conversations with the UK quality assurance agency, the QAA, with a focus on that aspect of NOKUT’s work.
The exchange of ideas was extremely interesting. There are some similarities between NOKUT and UK NARIC – they are both independent, but officially authorised, agencies – but at the same time there are differences of approach. Of course, in our recognition work, the focus is the same, and there was much discussion in this area.
Our meeting in Cheltenham was very fruitful indeed and we look forward to interesting collaborations and joint projects with our Norwegian colleagues at NOKUT!
Hi I’m Ali Mohammed from Cardiff city, I just want to make equivalents right now, I’ve got secondary school certificate! How long does it take, to do the equivalent, please let me know thanks so much!
Hi Ali,
Thank you for your message.
A Statement of Comparability will provide a comparability of your overseas qualifications to the level in which they sit on the UK Framework. It takes approximately 10-15 working days to process your application from the date of receipt of complete documentation and payment. Your application is then posted via your chosen delivery method.
The documentation required in order to assess your qualifications is a photocopy of your final certificate and transcripts of results for each of the qualifications submitted.
Please see the following page for more information on how to apply: https://www.naric.org.uk/naric/individuals/Compare%20Qualifications/Statement%20of%20Comparability.aspx
Regards,
UK NARIC
I would like to study university to improve my skills, but I’m really happy to study. How can you help me with my secondary school certificate, and I do equivalent, I went school in Nigeria many years ago, what can I do to find help, please let me know as soon as possible thank you!
Hi Ali,
Thank you for your message.
A Statement of Comparability will provide a comparability of your overseas qualifications to the level in which they sit on the UK Framework. You can present this Statement of Comparability to Organisations and Institutions for further Work or Study. Please see the following page for more information on how to apply: https://www.naric.org.uk/naric/individuals/Compare%20Qualifications/Statement%20of%20Comparability.aspx
Regards,
UK NARIC