Personal Effectiveness Qualifications
About this course
What is it?
We have updated our Personal Effectiveness Qualifications (PEQ) available for learner registration from January 2026.
Our Personal Effectiveness Qualifications are designed to support and empower learners at every stage of their journey. It helps them gain the skills and knowledge needed to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence.
Our renewed qualifications includes Award, Extended Award and Certificate-sized qualifications at Entry 3, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. This flexible structure allows practitioners to meet the individual needs of learners. They can start at a suitable level, build their skills by completing units at different levels, and work towards a chosen outcome. This approach keeps learners motivated, engaged and progressing.
Personal Effectiveness Qualification is centred around ASDAN’s six core skills:
- learning
- communicating
- decision-making
- thinking
- team working
- self-awareness
Evidence shows that developing these skills can have a positive effect on emotional, mental and physical well-being. PEQ supports learners to become independent thinkers who are ready for further education, work or training.
CoPE information
Members currently endorsed to deliver Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) qualifications will automatically be endorsed to deliver the updated PEQ suite and supported through the transition.
CoPE qualifications remain available until their final learner registration dates:
- 31 December 2025 in England, Northern Ireland and internationally
- 30 September 2026 in Wales
All existing certification deadlines continue to apply.
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To teach this course you must have one of these membership types:
- Qualifications
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Helpful resources for getting started
Who is it for?
The Personal Effectiveness Qualifications are designed for learners aged 14 and over. Level 3 qualifications are for learners aged 16 and over.
There are no formal entry requirements. Members should carry out an initial assessment to confirm the most appropriate level and size of qualification before registering learners.
Progression opportunities
Learners may progress to:
- a larger or higher-level Personal Effectiveness Qualification
- another ASDAN qualification at the same or a higher level
- further education or training (eg moving from school to college or to higher education)
- a work placement
- employment
Facts and figures
The ASDAN Personal Effectiveness Qualifications at levels Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2 are funded in England and Northern Ireland for learners aged 14-16. Performance points are available for qualifications regulated in Northern Ireland.
Members should check the latest funding and performance point information when planning their curriculum.
Details for each qualification can be found on the Register of Regulated Qualifications (for Ofqual and CCEA Regulation). Funding and performance point information is available on:
- List of qualifications approved for funding (Ofqual-regulated)
- NIEFQAN (qualifications regulated by CCEA Regulation)
Level 3 ASDAN qualifications also carry UCAS Tariff points. For more information, visit the UCAS website.
Structure
To achieve a Personal Effectiveness Qualification, learners must complete a set number of credits. One credit refers to approximately 10 hours of learning, including assessment.
Members can select units that suit their learners’ needs and interests.
Learners may complete units at the level above or below their chosen qualification, where available. They must achieve the minimum required credits at the qualification level to achieve the qualification. Learners may complete more credits than the minimum.
If a learner achieves more credits than allowed at a higher level, this may lead to a different qualification outcome. Members unsure about the likely result should contact info@asdan.org.uk for guidance.
If a learner does not achieve enough credits to complete a qualification, they will receive certification for the units they have achieved.
Downloads
Personal Effectiveness Qualifications Specification
ASDAN training events are delivered by experts to enable your centre to successfully run our courses. They provide an introduction to the course, along with guidance on the processes involved, course delivery and quality assurance.
Training is highly recommended for Personal Effectiveness Qualifications.
ASDAN Qualification Assessment Planning
Three training videos covering what assessment plans are, how to complete them and how to manage them across your cohorts.
This training is free and not mandatory.
Our expert team can guide you through the process. Please complete this expression of interest form, and an ASDAN expert will be in touch.