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Qualification levels explained
With a wide range of courses and learning types available, it can be a daunting experience choosing the course that's right for your career level.
To help resolve this, qualifications have been categorised into national frameworks, as follows:
- National Qualifications Framework
- Qualifications and Credit Framework
- Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
National Qualifications Framework
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) outlines the level at which a qualification can be recognised, with qualifications needing to be accredited by regulators in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. The levels for these accreditations are below:
| NQF Level | Examples of Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Entry |
|
| Entry 1 |
|
| 2 |
|
| 3 |
|
| 4 |
|
| 5 |
|
| 6 |
|
| 7 |
|
| 8 |
|
Qualifications and Credit Framework
The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) contains new vocational (or work-related) qualifications, available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
These qualifications are made up of units that are worth credits, which can be studied at your own pace and built up to full qualifications of different sizes over time.
Units and qualifications range in difficulty, from entry level to level 8 (similar to the levels in the NQF)
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) describes the main higher education qualifications - degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic awards granted by a university or higher education college, as follows:
| FHEQ Level | Examples of Qualifications |
|---|---|
| 4 |
|
| 5 |
|
| 6 |
|
| 7 |
|
| 8 |
|
Source: Direct.gov
