GQAL Qualifications

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Malpractice and Maladministration

GRADED QUALIFICATIONS ALLIANCE acknowledges its responsibility to deal with any issues of malpractice or maladministration on the part of candidates, centre staff or any others involved in providing their qualifications.

What is malpractice?

Malpractice is defined as any activity or practice which deliberately contravenes regulations and compromises the integrity of the assessment process and/or the validity of certificates. For the purpose of this policy this term also covers misconduct.

The categories listed below are examples of potential malpractice. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.

  • Failure to adhere to our candidate registration and certification procedures
  • Failure to comply with centre approval criteria (where these apply) or examination requirements
  • Failure to maintain auditable records, eg certification claims
  • Fraudulent claim for certificates
  • Intentional withholding of information from us which is critical to maintaining the rigour of quality assurance
  • Deliberate misuse of our logo
  • Plagiarism of any nature by candidates.
  • Submission of false information to gain a proxy or a qualification
  • Disruptive behaviour by candidates
  • Failure to adhere to the requirements of our Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy.

What is maladministration?

Maladministration is defined as any activity or practice, which results in non-compliance with regulations. Anybody identifying cases of maladministration should report them to the Responsible Officer.

We are obliged to investigate all cases of maladministration in liaison with the parties concerned. If an investigation results in evidence of maladministration, we will need to impose the appropriate sanction and take the necessary steps to ensure that the candidates’ interests are protected as far as is reasonably possible. This may include making arrangements for re-assessment or certification, as appropriate.

The policy and procedures for investigation of malpractice and/or maladministration can be downloaded below.

Policy and procedures for the investigation of malpractice and/or maladministration