What is a BTEC?

The IICUS Intermediate Certificate in Cricket Umpiring is not just a world first but a world-class qualification. It makes considerable demands on learners but, if they are successful, earns them a recognised qualification that adds genuine value to a CV and is held for life. But what does BTEC stand for?

Not to be confused with B.Tech, which is a specialist degree qualification, BTEC is an acronym for the Business and Technology Education Council. This UK-based organisation was formed in 1984 with the amalgamation of the Business Education Council (BEC) and the Technician Education Council (TEC). BTEC conferred vocational awards, below the level of university degrees, matched to the needs of business and industry. Public and private organisations were able to specify the content of relevant courses of study, some of them non-academic, as well as higher awards - BTEC Nationals, BTEC Higher Nationals, etc. BTEC approved the courses and conferred certificates or diplomas.

In 1996 the functions of BTEC were transferred to Edexcel, a private company that is the largest UK awarding body of academic and vocational qualifications. In the UK alone Edexcel delivers over 10 million examination scripts ranging from primary school testing to foundation degree material. Although UK-based, Edexcel also offers courses and testing in over 100 countries worldwide.

Edexcel offers a range of BTEC courses, from Short Courses (Introductory) to Higher National Diplomas. Organisations can choose from a range of ready made courses or they can mix-and-match a number of units within courses to match their needs. Edexcel also accept one-off, customised courses from individual organisations for accreditation. The IICUS BTEC Intermediate Certificate in Cricket Umpiring is an example of this latter category.

BTEC levels reflect the ability of learners to respond to the demands of the course. The IICUS BTEC is a Level 2 course. Specifically: Level 2 reflects the ability 'to apply knowledge with underpinning comprehension in a number of areas and employ a range of skills within a number of contexts, some of which may be non-routine; and undertake directed activities, with a degree of autonomy, within time constraints'.

While the overall level of the course is Level 2, Unit 2 of our course is at a higher level - Level 3. Level 3 reflects the ability to 'make reasoned judgements, selecting from a considerable choice of procedures'. This reflects the use and application of management skills. The total number of hours for the course is 150 - though some 90 of those take place while officiating on the field of play.

Learners with IICUS can, therefore, work for a valuable Intermediate Certificate from a world leader in vocational qualifications.