OTHM Centre Approval and Accreditation Policy Takes Effect on 13 July 2026

OTHM Qualifications has issued a new Centre Approval and Accreditation Policy, effective 13 July 2026, replacing the former Centre Withdrawal Policy and highlighting four areas for centre review.

Policy effective from 13 July 2026

OTHM Qualifications notified approved centres on 13 July 2026 that its new Centre Approval and Accreditation Policy takes effect on the same date.

The new document replaces the former OTHM Centre Withdrawal Policy. OTHM states that it introduces additional centre requirements and clarifies existing expectations.

Four areas highlighted by OTHM

OTHM has asked centres to pay particular attention to four areas: centre location; English-language requirements for centre staff; management of Total Qualification Time and Guided Learning Hours; and centre renewal.

The notification is a high-level policy alert. Detailed obligations, evidence requirements and implementation points must be read from the policy document itself rather than inferred from the email summary.

Centre location and staff English requirements

The new policy includes information relevant to where an approved centre operates and how its approved delivery locations are managed. OTC will review the policy wording against its current centre records and delivery arrangements.

OTHM also highlights English-language requirements for centre staff. OTC will map the stated expectations to relevant management, teaching, assessment and quality-assurance roles and retain appropriate evidence where required.

TQT and GLH management

Total Qualification Time (TQT) represents the overall time a learner is expected to spend achieving a qualification, while Guided Learning Hours (GLH) cover learning undertaken under the immediate guidance or supervision of appropriate education or training personnel.

OTC will review programme planning, timetables, guided-learning records, independent-study expectations and learner monitoring against the new policy. Qualification-specific figures and delivery expectations remain subject to the relevant official qualification specification and OTHM requirements.

Centre renewal and OTC follow-up

Centre renewal is identified as another priority section. OTC has begun an internal policy review covering governance, staffing, delivery location, learning-hour management, record keeping and renewal evidence.

If this review results in a change that requires action from learners, tutors or partners, OTC will issue a separate targeted notice. No specific change to an individual learner's registration, assessment or timetable should be inferred from this general policy announcement alone.

Further policy updates

OTHM has advised centres that it is reviewing all of its policies and procedures and that further updates will be circulated. OTC will continue to monitor those communications and update its internal controls and public notices where appropriate.

Questions about OTC implementation may be sent to office@overseasuk.com. Questions requiring OTHM's formal interpretation may be referred to OTHM Qualifications through its customer service team.

This article is general educational information only. Current admissions requirements, deadlines and official decisions should always be checked with the relevant institution or qualified professional adviser.