(hover over the icon to see the link name)

The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is a framework that is replacing the existing National Qualifications Framework (NQF). It is a new way of recognising skills and qualifications, by awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning). It enables people to gain qualifications at their own pace along flexible routes.

The QCF is designed to make sure future qualifications allow a flexible, 'mix and match' approach to meeting the different development needs of the workforce. (Download the Introduction to the Qualification & Credit Framework)

Every unit and qualification in the framework will have both a credit value and a level:
- one credit represents 10 hours of average learning time and so the credit value shows how much time it takes to complete.
- the level shows how difficult the unit or qualification is and this can be anywhere between entry level and level 8.

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 14-19 Diploma.