Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about DirectSkills online courses, qualifications, enrolment, payments, assignments, tutor support and certificates.
New Students
Current Students
Qualifications
Payments
Assignments
Certificates
Tutor Support
International
New Students
You can enrol directly through our website by selecting your desired course and clicking "Enrol Now". Follow the simple checkout process, choose your payment plan, and you'll receive immediate confirmation.
Yes, we welcome international learners! Our courses are delivered entirely online, allowing you to study from anywhere in the world.
You can start immediately! As soon as your enrolment is processed and your initial payment is received, you'll get login details for our learning platform.
No, our courses are 100% asynchronous. There are no fixed class times or live lectures, so you can study whenever it suits you.
Absolutely. Our model is designed specifically for busy professionals. You can log in 24/7 and progress at your own pace.
Most courses come with up to 12-24 months of access, providing ample time to complete your qualification even with a busy schedule.
You’ll receive comprehensive study guides, video resources, and access to a dedicated tutor. Everything you need to pass is included in the portal.
It’s simple: you log into our secure portal, download your units, study the materials, and upload your assignments for marking by your tutor.
Current Students
Please check your spam folder first. If you still can't find them, contact our support team at support@directskills.co.uk and we'll resend them immediately.
You can message your tutor directly through the messaging system within your learning platform for guidance and feedback.
Simply navigate to the relevant unit in your portal and use the "Upload Assignment" feature. Your tutor will be notified automatically.
Yes, we encourage you to submit drafts for feedback. Your tutor will provide guidance to ensure you are on the right track before final assessment.
We aim to provide feedback within 5-10 working days, though it is often much faster.
Yes, if you encounter unforeseen circumstances, you can request an extension. Contact your tutor or the support team to discuss your options.
Don't worry! If your assignment doesn't meet the criteria, your tutor will provide detailed feedback, and you can resubmit it as many times as needed until you pass.
Most quizzes allow for multiple attempts. You can review your materials and retake the test when you are ready.
Qualifications & Recognition
Yes, we only offer regulated qualifications accredited by major UK awarding bodies like QUALIFI and OTHM, ensuring they are recognised by employers and universities.
Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) is the non-ministerial government department that regulates qualifications, examinations, and assessments in England.
The RQF is the system for cataloguing all qualifications regulated by Ofqual. It provides a clear way to understand the level and size of a qualification.
Yes, RQF qualifications are the standard for regulated learning across these regions and are highly respected globally.
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is for skill updates, while an Ofqual regulated qualification is a formal, nationally recognised certificate with a specific level (e.g., Level 3, Level 5).
Awarding bodies are organisations approved by Ofqual to develop, deliver, and award qualifications. We partner with top-tier bodies like OTHM and QUALIFI.
Look for the RQF level and the awarding body logo. All our core diploma courses are industry-standard and fully recognised.
Payments & Enrolment
We accept all major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX) and offer secure online checkout through Stripe.
Yes, we are famous for our interest-free monthly payment plans, allowing you to spread the cost of your diploma over several months.
Absolutely. Most courses allow for a small deposit followed by manageable monthly instalments.
We offer a standard 14-day cooling-off period for most enrolments, provided you haven't accessed a significant portion of the learning materials.
Yes, our system processes payments instantly. You will receive an automated receipt and your login instructions shortly after.
Assignments & Assessment
Assignments are based on the units of your qualification. You will be given a brief and relevant resources to complete the task. Once submitted, your tutor will mark it against the criteria.
For certain advanced levels, a professional discussion with your assessor may be required to verify your knowledge and experience.
We allow two resubmissions within your course access period. Our goal is to help you pass and gain your qualification.
Certificates
Yes, upon successful completion and moderation, you will receive an official certificate from the relevant awarding body.
Certificates are usually issued within 4-8 weeks after your final assignment has been successfully moderated.
You can request a replacement by contacting our support team. Please note that awarding bodies typically charge a fee for re-issuing certificates.
Yes, our RQF qualifications are widely accepted for professional memberships and university top-up applications.
Tutor Support
Tutors typically reply to messages within 24-48 working hours.
Yes, that is what they are here for! Your tutor will provide constructive feedback and guidance to help you overcome any challenges.
Yes, full tutor support is included as standard with all our diploma qualifications.
International Students
Yes, we have a large community of international students studying UK qualifications from their home countries.
Yes, UK qualifications are globally respected and can significantly enhance your career prospects internationally.
Yes, there is no need to visit the UK. Everything from enrolment to certification is handled online.