The QCA is responsible for developing and maintaining the national curriculum and all its associated assessments, tests and examinations. In doing so it oversees the work of the awarding bodies setting any examination sat in England - ensuring that their administration, marking and awarding procedures run smoothly.

Acting as overall regulator for the public examination system in the UK, the QCA also collaborates with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), the Department for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills(DELLS) and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment in Northern Ireland (CCEA), accrediting all qualifications according to its national qualifications framework.