ABE

ABE

ABE is a not-for-profit skills development specialist and awarding organisation providing internationally recognised learning and credentials, and quality assurance.

About ABE examinations body

ABE is a not-for-profit skills development specialist and awarding organisation providing internationally recognised learning and credentials, and quality assurance. 

ABE focuses on business and entrepreneurship skills, and makes a difference to the lives of people in some of the world’s poorest countries.  We work with a network of international partners to develop skills that empower individuals, reduce gender inequality and tackle extreme poverty.   Our expertise in operating on a transnational scale, and in some of the world’s most challenging environments, makes us the partner of choice to support governments and organisations in the deployment of economic capacity building projects.

In the UK, we are a strategic partner of the Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council, affiliated to the UK Skills Partnership and a member of the Federation of Awarding bodies (see more about these organisations below).

Our story

ABE was founded with a clear social purpose: to improve business education for aspiring entrepreneurs in developing countries. This mission required courage, resilience, and the determination to make a difference - all of which have become defining features of the ABE way.

Since being formed in 1973, ABE has expanded its reach across four continents. We now work with employers, governments, NGOs, regulators and education providers throughout the world. We’re constantly updating our business education products and services to help organisations and individuals develop the skills needed to adapt to rapidly changing marketplaces in both established and emerging economies and, in this way, we are contributing to the development of a highly-skilled global workforce.

From our qualifications portfolio, 1.5 million people have mastered essential and advanced modern business concepts, and ABE continues to play a vital role in helping to diversify and grow economies, reducing inequality within and among countries.  In this respect, the impact that ABE qualifications have extends far beyond our students, our alumni go on to lead change, inspire communities and build successful social or commercial enterprises all over the world.

It's our proud 'first-mover' heritage and our ongoing commitment to make a difference to the lives of individuals, communities and organisations, so that they can all meet the challenges of a dynamic, unpredictable, but more connected world, which make ABE a true pioneer in global business education.

Our Mission

To make a difference in the world as the global leader in high-quality, accessible learning journeys which lead to internationally-recognised credentials in business and entrepreneurship -  enabling people everywhere to realise their potential.

Our Vision

  • To be the international first-choice awarding organisation in the arena of business and entrepreneurship.

  • To be the pioneering provider of curriculum solutions which help bridge the global skills gap.

  • To lead the market in customer experience and value-for-money, and to have that commitment at the heart of everything we do.

  • To be passionate about making our educational programmes accessible, by working with strategic partners all over the world.

  • To deliver the highest quality experience in all that we do.

  • To ensure that ABE credentials are innovative and recognised by universities and employers.

  • To be focused on responding to the evolving needs of our learners, members and centres.

  • To always act with integrity, openness and respect for others.

Our President: Dr Edward de Bono

Nominated for the Nobel Prize for Economics in 2005, ABE’s president, Edward de Bono, is regarded by many as the leading authority in the field of creative thinking, innovation and the teaching of thinking as a skill.  He is the originator of the concept of Lateral Thinking and has written over 70 books which have been translated into over 40 languages. 

Study with us

 

ABE qualifications will help you excel. Whether you're a working professional wishing to add to your skill set, or an ambitious young learner wanting qualifications that will help you stand out in the workplace, ABE is here to help you succeed. ABE offers professional Diplomas in Business Management, Human Resources and Marketing. These qualifications are designed to give our graduates the most dynamic and up to date skill set on the market.  Top reasons people choose ABE are:

  • It will give you the skills to build a great career
  • You can top up to a university degree quickly and affordably
  • It’s flexible – units can be studied in any order and over any time period
  • What's more, ABE is recognised by Ofqual (the UK government's qualifications regulator for England) as well as by similar bodies internationally. You can be assured that your qualification has international recognition and meets the standards required by respected, education authorities.

ABE has an outstanding global reputation. Our qualifications are designed to give you the best chance of achieving your full potential in your chosen career, whether you are already a working professional or studying to build a future career. There is a world of opportunity waiting for you. ABE can help you seize that opportunity.

Learners worldwide love our qualifications because they are:

Professional

ABE qualifications are the outcome of extensive research which assessed which skills would be of most value to business professionals.  They will give you the toolkit you need to succeed and make a difference in the workplace.

Affordable

We are a not-for-profit organisation so our objective is to ensure our fees remain as affordable as possible. Plus, our fast track routes to degree programmes are often much more cost effective than traditional routes.

Supported

As an ABE member you will be able to access a wealth of resources to support your studies.

International

In our most recent survey ABE alumni were working in more than 70 countries.

Proven

Our alumni speak for themselves. They are working in a diverse range of industries and organisations. Many are in top jobs or running their own successful enterprises.

Flexible

You can study full-time or part-time, attend a college or self-study (with the support of a college). All our programmes share common units which allow you to explore several areas of business management and then decide to specialise if you wish to do so.

A great route to university

ABE's qualifications are accepted by a large number of universities. Learners with Levels 5 and 6 can fast track onto a Bachelors or Masters/MBA degree course, meaning the cost of their education is dramatically reduced.

Quality assured

ABE is recognised by Ofqual, the UK government's qualifications regulator for England.  We have similar recognition by other regulatory authorities around the world.

Our trade memberships
Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council

This is a not-for-profit membership organisation with a mandate from Commonwealth Heads of Government to promote intra-Commonwealth trade, investment and the role of the private sector across the 53 member countries.  ABE is a strategic partner.

UK Skills Partnership

ABE is affiliated to the UK Skills Partnership: a collective of leading organisations in the UK skills sector, working together to offer integrated solutions in vocational skills development to international partners around the world.   

Federation of Awarding Bodies

ABE is a member of the Federation of Awarding Bodies: a trade association representing the collective interests of the UK’s qualifications and assessments industry.

Courses examined by ABE

Certificate
6 months
Certificate
1 year
Certificate
2 years
Certificate
1 year
Certificate
2 semesters
Diploma
6 months
Diploma
2 years
Higher Diploma
1 year