The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) replaces
the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The QCF is a new way of recognising skills and qualifications.
It does this by awarding credit for units (small steps of
learning), enabling learners to gain qualifications at their own
pace along flexible routes.
Every qualification has a Level to show how difficult it is
and can be anywhere between Entry Level and Level 8. The QCF
levels are the same as the levels on the old National Qualification
Framework it replaces. For example, GCSEs are at levels 1 and 2, A
levels are at level 3, and a postgraduate qualification is at
level 8.
Units and qualifications on the QCF have a credit value, showing
how long it takes to complete them. One credit is equivalent to 10
hours. This can include time spent learning in a variety of ways –
not necessarily being taught by someone. There are three
sizes of qualification in the QCF:
- Award (1-12 credits)
- Certificate (13-36 credits)
- Diploma (above 36 credits) - not linked to the new 14-19
Diploma.
In the new framework you can have an award at Level 1 or an award
at Level 8. This is because the qualification type 'award,
certificate, diploma' represents the size of a qualification, not
how difficult it is going to be to study.
To find out more about the Qualifications and Credit Framework
look at
this website page.
We also have a simplified version of the Framework as an
A3 wallchart that can be downloaded and printed off.
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QCF
Wallchart.