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What is a QVC?
A Quality Verification Centre (QVC) is an elite status granted by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) to trusted institutions like UTM. Our mission is to act as an independent gateway that audits, validates, and officially recognizes short courses known as Stand-Alone Micro-Credentials (SAMC).
Think of the QVC as the “Quality Seal” for modern education. We ensure that a short course isn’t just a certificate of attendance, but a rigorous academic achievement that holds real-world value.
The Three Pillars of a QV
Formal Validation & Credit Assignment
Not all micro-credentials are created equal. The QVC evaluates the learning hours, complexity, and assessment methods of a course. We then assign it a formal MQF Level (from Certificate to Doctoral level) and determine its Credit Value, ensuring it meets national standards.
National Recognition
(The MQA Registry)
Not all micro-credentials are created equal. The QVC evaluates the learning hours, complexity, and assessment methods of a course. We then assign it a formal MQF Level (from Certificate to Doctoral level) and determine its Credit Value, ensuring it meets national standards.
Unlocking Academic Pathways
The ultimate goal of a QVC is to make education “stackable”. Because our verification process is so rigorous, learners who complete verified SAMCs can use them for Credit Transfers. This allows them to “stack” short courses to gain exemptions from full degree or diploma programs, saving them both time and money.
Why Does it Matter?
For Training Providers:
Unlike standard micro-credentials that are part of an accredited academic program, SAMCs are “stand-alone” – meaning they are not inherently part of an accredited program.
For Learners:
It provides a guarantee that the time and money spent on a course will be recognized by employers and can lead to a formal University degree.
For Employers:
IIt provides a trusted benchmark to verify the actual skills and competency levels of potential hires.
What re a
Stand-Alone
Micro-Credentials
(SAMC)?
A digital certification that verifies a learner’s assessed knowledge, skills, and competencies in a focused or narrow field. These credentials are designed to support a person’s professional, technical, academic, or personal development.
Key Characteristics of SAMCs
Independent Nature
Unlike standard micro-credentials that are part of an accredited academic program, SAMCs are “stand-alone” – meaning they are not inherently part of an accredited program.
Broad Source
They can be inspired by courses within accredited programs or entirely custom-designed to meet the specific needs of industries, employers, or individuals.
Standardized Recognition
Even though they are independent, they can still be recognized for credits within accredited academic programs.
Targeted Learning
They are typically shorter than traditional programs and are often used for the reskilling and upskilling of the workforce, students, and graduates.
Core Requirements
To be officially recognized and quality-verified under the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) guidelines, a SAMC must meet specific standards:
Minimum Duration
It must involve a minimum of 40 hours of notional learning time.
Credit Value
It must be assigned a formal credit value and a level within the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF), ranging from Level 3 (Certificate) to Level 8 (Doctoral).
Digital Format
It must be issued as a secure digital credential that includes essential metadata like learning outcomes, the issuer’s identity, and evidence of assessment.
ABOUT US
Background
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has been authorised by MQA to be a Quality Verification Centre (QVC) for Stand-Alone Micro-Credentials (SAMC). QVC in UTM is known as UTM Quality Verification for Stand-Alone Micro-Credentials (UTM QV SAMC), placed under the Learning Innovation Division at the Center for Advancement in Digital and Flexible Learning (UTM CDex). UTM QV SAMC is responsible for the following core functions:
Quality Assurance Management:
Ensuring that all SAMC offerings comply with the MQA Guidelines to Good Practices (GGP) to maintain high educational standards.
Expert Verification Assessments:
Conducting rigorous evaluations of SAMCs from Level 3 (Certificate) to Level 8 (Doctoral Degree). Our Subject Matter Experts and MQF specialists will verify whether each course meets the learning outcomes and credit requirements of the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF).
Registry & Pathway Facilitation:
Managing the registration of verified SAMCs into the Official MQA Micro-Credentials Registry, enabling learners to use these credentials for future credit transfers and formal academic pathways.
Submittted Applications
Verified and Listed SAMCs
Internal Assessors
External Assessors
Your Path to Verification:
A Simple 6-Step Process
Getting your course verified by UTM QV SAMC is straightforward. Here is how we move from your application to official MQA recognition (refer detailed steps in the Handbook and Guidelines) :
Share With Friends
Fill out some forms in our online system with your company and course details. Our team will do a quick check to make sure everything is ready for a full review.
Professional Evaluation
We assign two experts (a Subject Matter Expert and a OBE/MQF Specialist) to review your course. They ensure your content is top-notch and matches the correct academic level.
Refine & Improve
We assign two experts (a Subject Matter Expert and a OBE/MQF Specialist) to review your course. They ensure your content is top-notch and matches the correct academic level.
Official Endorsement
Once the experts are satisfied, our Verification Committee officially approves your course. This happens every month, ensuring a fast turnaround for you.
Get Listed !
Once approved, we list your course on the Official MQA Micro-Credentials Registry. Your course is now a nationally recognized credential that learners can use for credit transfers.
Ongoing Monitoring & Renewal
Verification isn[t just a one-time event. To protect the integrity of your credential:
Subject Areas / Categories
- Education
- Arts & Humanities
- Business, Administration & Law
- Natural Sciences, Mathematics & Statics
- Social Sciences, Journalism & Information
- Information & Communication Technologies
- Engineering, Manufacturing & Construction
News & Updates
Contact Us
Ts. Dr. Azizul Azri Mustaffa
Manager, UTM QV SAMC
Learning Innovation Division (LENS)Center for Advancement in Digital and Flexible Learning (UTM CDex)
E-Mail: azizulazri@utm.my
Priscilla a/p Prapagara
Secretariat 1, UTM QV SAMC
LENS, UTM CDexE-Mail: priscilla@utm.my
Nor Syafiqka Amirah Othman
Secretariat 2, UTM QV SAMC
LENS, UTM CDexE-Mail: ns.amirah@utm.my
