As part of our ongoing commitment to improving the services we provide, Wa’Daq will be retired and replaced with modern systems that deliver a simpler, more streamlined experience for centres offering iTEC and VTCT Skills qualifications.
The transition has been carefully planned to minimise disruption and ensure centres are fully supported throughout the process. You’ll continue to receive regular communications outlining key milestones, important dates and any actions required.
As part of the transition from Wa’Daq, centres will begin using two new systems: Parnassus and Saras. This is a change from the current single-system approach, but each system has a clear and separate purpose.
Together, Parnassus and Saras will provide a more sustainable and supported approach to managing assessments. The move is intended to improve consistency, security and usability, while giving centres the guidance and support they need to move confidently from Wa’Daq to the new arrangements.
Parnassus is a dedicated learner management solution. This is where centres will complete registration activity and maintain the core learner records needed to support assessment delivery.
Saras will be used to schedule, deliver and manage assessments. It provides a modern assessment platform with improved functionality for booking and managing theory and practical assessments, supporting secure assessment delivery, and giving centres greater control over scheduling.
We’re committed to supporting you every step of the way. Access all the guidance, resources and support you need to help your centre prepare for and navigate the Wa’Daq transition with confidence.
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below.
The current expectation is that the new approach will be applied from Q4 2026. Further dates and detailed guidance will be confirmed through follow-up communications.
Existing learners and bookings will be managed carefully as part of the transition. The aim is to avoid a sudden changeover and allow a natural migration where possible. Existing bookings with assigned learners will complete in the current ITEC system where appropriate.
Yes, the expectation is that both systems will run concurrently for a period to support a controlled transition and avoid unnecessary disruption.
No additional cost is expected for centres for current capability. This is as an investment in quality, platform support and customer experience. Where exceptions apply your account manager will advise you locally.
Yes. Centres will still need to make practical bookings, but the process and system used will change. Further guidance will be issued.
Centres will have more control over scheduling theory assessments themselves, rather than relying on VTCT Skills to create theory schedules for them.
The current iTEC platform approach relies on centres invigilating over zoom. The new approach introduces record-and-review arrangements, which will be explained in more detail through future guidance.
Secure browser controls support assessment security and integrity. They help protect the assessment environment and support VTCT’s commitment to robust, credible digital assessment.
Yes. Saras supports assistive technologies such as jaws and nvda, which should improve accessibility for learners who require screen-reader support. The test player also offers additional accessibility support including the ability to increase the text size and magnify images, as well as different colour profiles including high contrast, to support the learner experience.
Detailed instructions will follow through user guides, information packs and further communications before centres are expected to use the new arrangements.
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below but if you can’t find the answer you need and require support please contact sarasenquiries@vtctskills.org.uk