National Qualifications Framework
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) sets out the level at which a qualification can be recognised in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Only qualifications that have been accredited by the three regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland can be included in the NQF. This ensures that all qualifications within the framework are of high quality, and meet the needs of learners and employers.
Qualifications and Credit Framework
The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) contains vocational (or work-related) qualifications, available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
These qualifications are made up of units that are worth credits. You can study units at your own pace and build these up to full qualifications of different sizes over time.
Units and qualifications also range in difficulty, from entry level to level 8 (similar to the levels in the NQF).
| Level | Examples of NQF qualifications | Examples of QCF qualifications |
| Entry |
- Entry level certificates - English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) - Skills for Life - Functional Skills at entry level (English, maths and ICT) |
- Awards, Certificates, and Diplomas at entry level - Foundation Learning at entry level - Functional Skills at entry level |
| 1 |
- GCSEs grades D-G - BTEC Introductory Diplomas and Certificates - OCR Nationals - Key Skills at level 1 - Skills for Life - Functional Skillsat Level 1 |
- BTEC Awards, Certificates, and Diplomas at level 1 - Functional Skills at level 1 - Foundation Learning Tier pathways - NVQs at level 1 |
| 2 |
- GCSEs grades A*-C - Key Skills level 2 - Skills for Life - Functional Skillsat Level 1 |
- BTEC Awards, Certificates, and Diplomas at level 2 - Functional Skills at level 2 - OCR Nationals - NVQs at level 2 |
| 3 |
- A levels - GCE in applied subjects - International Baccalaureate - Key Skills level 3 |
- BTEC Awards, Certificates, and Diplomas at level 3 - BTEC Nationals - OCR Nationals - NVQs at level 3 |
| 4 | -Certificates of Higher Education |
- BTEC Professional Diplomas Certificates and Awards - HNCs - NVQs at level 4 |
| 5 |
- HNCs and HNDs - Other higher diplomas |
- HNDs - BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards - NVQs at level 5 |
| 6 |
- National Diploma in Professional Production Skills - BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards |
- BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards |
| 7 |
- Diploma in Translation - BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards |
- BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards |
| 8 | - specialist awards | - Award, Certificate and Diploma in strategic direction |
