Every year or so, we revisit this topic, because it’s always worth reminding learners that before purchasing an online course, they have a responsibility to do their due diligence.

Online learning has opened more doors than ever before. It’s flexible, affordable, and accessible, and for many people, it’s the reason they’re finally able to achieve the qualification they’ve been putting off for years.

But here’s the catch: not all online courses are created equal. While some offer real, industry-recognised qualifications that can transform your career, others promise the world and deliver very little. In some cases, learners invest their time, money, and energy into a course that isn’t recognised by employers, regulators, or professional bodies.

At Future Step Education, we’ve seen this first-hand. Students who joined us after discovering that the course they previously paid for wasn’t legitimate. This article will help you avoid that mistake by explaining what makes a qualification recognised, what red flags to look out for, and how to check a provider’s credibility before you enrol.

1. What Makes a Qualification Legitimate?

A legitimate qualification is one that’s regulated by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) the government body responsible for maintaining standards in education across England.

When a qualification is Ofqual-regulated, it means:

• It meets nationally agreed learning standards.
• It is issued through an approved awarding organisation such as Focus Awards or the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
• It sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), a national system that ensures consistency across all qualifications, from Level 1 up to Level 8.
• The provider delivering it has been formally approved as a registered centre with the awarding body.

In other words, an Ofqual-regulated qualification has been checked, verified, and quality-assured, giving you confidence that it holds real professional value.

Quick tip: Before you enrol, check that both the qualification and the training provider appear on the Ofqual Register. You can do this for free on the Ofqual website (see below).

2. The Role of Awarding Bodies and Training Providers

Awarding bodies (such as Focus Awards, CMI, and TQUK) design and regulate qualifications. They don’t sell courses directly,  they partner with approved providers like Future Step Education to deliver them.

When a provider becomes an approved centre, it must meet strict standards covering:

• Tutor qualifications and subject expertise.
• Assessment and quality assurance systems.
• Learner support and record-keeping.
• Fairness, equality, and transparency in assessment.

This means your qualification is backed not just by your training provider but by a nationally recognised awarding organisation. That’s the difference between a certificate that looks official and one that is official.

3. Common Red Flags When Choosing an Online Course

Unfortunately, not every provider operates to the same standard. Here are a few signs that should immediately raise concern:

• No mention of an awarding body or Ofqual regulation.
  If you can’t find the awarding body’s name on the course page, that’s a serious warning sign.
• Unrealistic promises.
  Beware of phrases like “guaranteed job,” “instant certificate,” or “fast-track qualification in a weekend.”
• Suspiciously low prices.
  Genuine, accredited qualifications involve rigorous assessment and external verification — they cost more to deliver for a reason.
• No named tutors or support.
  Reputable providers are transparent about who delivers and assesses your work.
• Hidden fees or unclear payment terms.
  Always check what’s included and whether there are additional fees for registration, assessment, or certification.

At Future Step, all of our courses clearly list awarding body information, support arrangements, and total costs upfront. No fine print. No hidden surprises.

4. How to Check if a Course Is Recognised

It only takes a few minutes to verify whether a course or provider is legitimate. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Ofqual Register (register.ofqual.gov.uk).
2. Search for the qualification title (for example, Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (RQF)).
3. Check the awarding organisation  it should be one you recognise (e.g., Focus Awards, CMI).
4. Verify the provider’s status. Contact the awarding body to confirm that the training provider is one of their approved centres.

When you do this for Future Step Education, you’ll find we are fully approved by both Focus Awards and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) two of the UK’s leading awarding organisations regulated by Ofqual.

5. What Real Accreditation Looks Like at Future Step Education

At Future Step, legitimacy isn’t a marketing claim it’s built into everything we do.

• Registered and approved: We are a Focus Awards and CMI approved centre, delivering fully Ofqual-regulated qualifications.
• Quality assurance: Every piece of learner work is internally verified and subject to external moderation to maintain consistent national standards.
• Experienced tutors: All of our tutors are qualified educators and assessors with current industry experience.
• Personal support: Learners receive 1-to-1 tutor guidance, detailed feedback, and a clear assessment plan from day one.
• Transparent pricing: Every course fee includes registration, certification, and full learner support no hidden extras.
• Proven outcomes: Our graduates have gone on to secure teaching roles, management promotions, and even international opportunities.

6. Real Stories, Real Results

Many of our learners come to us after discovering that their previous course wasn’t recognised. For example, one of our students, Sarah, completed an unregulated “teaching diploma” online that looked official but wasn’t accepted for QTLS registration. She then enrolled with Future Step to complete the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (RQF) — an accredited qualification regulated by Ofqual and accepted by the Society for Education and Training. Within months, she secured a teaching position in adult education.

If you’d like to learn more about the difference between accredited and unaccredited courses, you can read our full article on that topic here: Is Your Course Worth It? The Truth About Accredited vs Unaccredited Qualifications

7. Final Thoughts: Invest in Qualifications That Count

Your qualification should open doors, not raise eyebrows.

The right training provider won’t just give you a certificate; they’ll give you confidence, credibility, and career clarity. Whether you’re training to teach, assess, or lead, choosing an accredited provider ensures your hard work leads to real, recognised success.

If you’re not sure whether a course you’re considering is legitimate, take a moment to check or get in touch with our team. We’ll happily confirm it for you, even if it’s not one of ours.

Happy studying!