The National Qualifications Framework
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) sets out the levels against which a qualification can be recognised in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It helps learners make informed decisions about the qualifications they want to pursue, by comparing the levels of different qualifications and identifying different progression routes.
There are nine levels, entry level to level 8.
Qualifications and Credit Framework
Regulators in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have been tasked with reforming the current NQF. Through a series of tests and trials the QCF is being developed. The proposed framework will be a unit-based qualification framework underpinned by a system of credit accumulation and transfer. Designed to recognise a wider range of learner achievements than the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), it will be:
- more responsive to employer and learner needs
- demand- and market-led
- simple, flexible and with currency for learners
- underpinned by a credit system that recognises achievement of units and qualifications.
In November 2005 QCA received a remit to proceed with tests and trials of the key features of the framework from 2006 to 2008. More information on the tests and trials and developments around the framework can be found at http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_8150.aspx
The QCF will form part of the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW). The CQFW covers all post-16 and higher education in Wales. You can get more details from www.Wales.gov.uk
Click here for UK Qualification frameworks (with examples of sector qualifications)
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) was developed to meet the needs of Scotland’s learners and was created by bringing together all Scottish mainstream qualifications into a single unified framework. It uses two measure to describe qualifications and learning programmes: level and credit. There are 12 levels which indicate the complexity of learning, and credit points which show the volume of learning undertaken to achieve the qualification.
The aims of the SCQF are to:
- assist people of all ages and circumstances to access appropriate education and training over their lifetime to fulfil their personal, social and economic potential;
- enable employers, learners and the public in general to understand the full range of Scottish qualifications, how they relate to each other and how different types of qualifications can contribute to improving the skills of the workforce.
The SCQF will also assist in making clear the relationships between Scottish qualifications and those in the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond, thereby clarifying opportunities for international progression routes and credit transfer.
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