FAQs
Why is the ISTD offering some qualifications/exams for the final time?
As an Ofqual regulated awarding organisation the ISTD is required to check that all examinations that we offer are fit for purpose and have sufficient demand. This means that we need to regularly review our portfolio of qualifications to ensure we are maintaining qualifications that are of a high standard and that are being regularly used by current ISTD teachers.
Additionally, we are continually looking to improve our exams and have an ambition to develop new qualifications to meet the needs of current dance teachers and students. In order to do this, we need to make room within our portfolio by withdrawing qualifications as necessary.
How was the decision made to stop offering these qualifications?
The ISTD has recently undertaken a review of its full qualification portfolio to ensure that all of our exams are fit for purpose and have sufficient demand from teachers and students.
During this review some qualifications were identified as having very low exam entries over a long period of time. These qualifications are being withdrawn. This decision has been communicated to members in September 2024.
How long do I have to enter for an exam that is being offered for the final time?
The table of withdrawn qualifications states how long the notice period is and when the final assessment date will be.
The Syllabus Outlines have also been amended to clearly show which qualifications have been withdrawn and the final examination date. The final examination date is the last date by which an examination for any of the withdrawn qualifications must have taken place.
Can candidates resit exams for withdrawn qualifications after the last examination date?
No. All examinations, including resits must have taken place by the published last examination date.
If an examination has been withdrawn, are my certificates for that qualification still valid and recognised?
Yes. Your certificate is proof of your passing an exam at a time when the qualification was in existence and therefore is still valid and recognized.
Have any genres had all of their qualifications withdrawn?
No. We are retaining all teaching qualifications for all genres at this time, and for Dancesport genres, all dance styles can still be entered as Imperial Dance Faculties (IDF) examinations.
For example, all medal tests and higher awards have been withdrawn for Country and Western however, Country and Western teaching qualifications (Associate and Licentiate) have not been withdrawn and Country and Western can still be entered as a dance style within Imperial Dance Faculties (IDF) examinations.
