ABE Level 4 Diploma in

Business Management (QCF)

Qualification specification
Qualification Number: 500/8792/7

Qualification objective

This qualification aims to help learners to develop a basic understanding of management in the context of general
business.

Why you should consider taking this qualification

The qualification will give you a theoretical understanding of management concepts and an overview of general
business. It will equip you to find employment in general business or to continue your professional or academic
studies in a related area.

Any other qualification which you must have completed before taking the qualification

No, this is a stand-alone qualification. However, it is in the interest of learners that they have attained Level 2
qualifications (GCSE standard) in Mathematics and English Language, or can demonstrate competence through
obtaining an alternative qualification of similar standard.

Any prior knowledge, skills or understanding which you are required to have before taking the qualification

None.

Units which you must complete before the qualification will be awarded and any optional routes

Learners must pass these three mandatory units:

Introduction to Business
Introduction to Quantitative Methods
Introduction to Business Communication

Learners for the Business Management pathway must pass this unit:
Introduction to Accounting

Learners for the Financial Management pathway must pass this unit:
Accounting for Financial Managers
Any other requirements which you must have satisfied before you will be assessed or before the qualification will be
awarded

None.

The knowledge, skills and understanding which will be assessed as part of the qualification

How to:
Use practical, theoretical or technical understanding to address problems that are well defined but complex and
non-routine.
Analyse, interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas.
Be aware of the nature and approximate scope of the area of study.
Have an informed awareness of different perspectives or approaches within the area of study or work.

The method of assessment and associated requirements relating to it

The three-hour written external examinations are held twice a year (usually the first week in June and December). ABE
manages the entire examination process, from its external centres around the world, to invigilation and marking.

The criteria against which your level of attainment will be measured

Refer to the assessment criteria for each unit.

Specimen assessment materials

Past papers are available on the members area of the ABE website.

Specified levels of attainment

Learners who meet the requirements for the qualification will be awarded a pass. The qualification itself is not graded.
For each unit learners will be marked out of 100 and will be graded as follows:

A* 75%+ Higher Distinction

A 65% - 74% Distinction
B 50% - 64% Merit
C 40% - 49% Pass
D 30% - 39% Marginal Fail
E 15% - 29% Fail
F 0% - 14% Unclassified

Learners achieving a pass grade (C or above) will be awarded the appropriate QCF credits for the unit.