 The JCQ was established in January 2004 to supersede the Joint Council for General Qualifications (JCGQ, 1998–2003).The JCQ was established to unite to an extent the largest educational and vocational examination boards in the United Kingdom and to administer testing standards.The JCQ should not be confused with Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), the authority to regulate and accredit British examination boards.