The NQF defines levels of learning in terms of both academic and vocational qualifications. It is not exact but it indicates the relative values of different awards. The number of qualification levels is nine (entry level to level 8). All learners, education advisors, line managers and training providers should be familiar with the framework. It aims to:
Scotland has its own credit and
qualifications framework;Wales is
introducing a Credit and Qualifications
Framework; Northern Ireland has its own
Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme.
| Level |
Vocational |
Academic |
Indicator |
| 8 |
Diplomas |
Doctorates |
Leading experts or practitioners; learning involves the
development of new, creative approaches that extend or
redefine existing knowledge or practice |
7 |
Vocational
Certificates,
NVQ5 |
Masters Degrees,
Postgraduate Certificates/Diplomas |
Highly developed, complex knowledge that enables the
development of in-depth and original responses to
complicated and unpredictable problems and situations |
| 6 |
Vocational
Certificates/Diplomas |
Bachelor. s Degrees,
Graduate
Certificates/Diplomas |
Specialist high-level knowledge to enable the use of an
individual. s own ideas and research in response to complex
problems and situations |
| 5 |
Vocational
Certificates/Diplomas,
NVQ 4 |
Diplomas of Higher Education/,
Further Education, Foundation
Degrees,
Higher National Diplomas |
Ability to increase the depth of knowledge and understanding
to enable the formulation of solutions and responses to
complex problems and situations; involves high levels of
knowledge and work expertise, and competence in managing
and training others |
| 4 |
Vocational
Certificates/Diplomas |
Certificates of Higher Education |
Specialist learning involving detailed analysis of a high level of
information and knowledge for people working in technical
and professional jobs, and/or managing and developing others |
| 3 |
Vocational
Certificates/Diplomas,
NVQ 3 |
A-levels,
AVCE |
Ability to gain and apply a range of knowledge, skills and
understanding; involves obtaining detailed knowledge and
skills; appropriate for people wishing to go to university,
people working independently, or those supervising and
training others |
| 2 |
Vocational
Certificates/Diplomas,
NVQ 2 |
GCSE (Grades A*. C) |
Ability to gain a good knowledge and understanding of a
subject area of work or study, and to perform tasks with
guidance or supervision; involves building knowledge and/or
skills in work or subject area |
| 1 |
Vocational
Certificates/Diplomas,
NVQ 1,
Basic Skills |
GCSE (Grades D. G) |
Basic knowledge and skills, and the ability to apply learning
with guidance or supervision; concerns activities relating to
everyday situations; may be linked to job competence |
| Entry |
Entry-level,
Certificates
Basic Skills |
|
Basic knowledge and skills, and applying learning to everyday
situations under direct guidance or supervision; not geared
towards specific occupations |
