National Qualifications Framework
Last updated on: 10/03/2008
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) sets out the levels against which a qualification can be recognised in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The NQF helps learners to make informed decisions about the qualifications they need. They can compare the levels of different qualifications and identify clear progression routes for their chosen career.
It comprises nine levels (Entry level to level 8). Learners' progression routes do not necessarily need to involve qualifications at every level. Following changes to the NQF, qualification titles may have changed. However, the qualification's content and demand on the learner has not changed. Each accredited qualification has an NQF level. If qualifications share the same level this means that they are broadly similar in terms of the demand they place on the learner. However, qualifications at the same level can still be very different in terms of content and duration.
The following table shows a selection of individual qualifications and how they appear in the current NQF. It also highlights how qualifications broadly compare to the Framework for Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ) levels.
| National Qualifications Framework (NQF) | Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) | ||
| Previous levels(examples) | Current levels(examples) | Levels (examples) | |
| 5 Level 5 NVQ in Construction Level 5 Diploma in Translation |
8 |
D (doctoral) Doctorates | |
|
7 |
M (masters) Masters degrees, postgraduate certificates and diplomas | ||
| 4 Level 4 National Diploma in Professional Production Skills Level 4 BTEC Higher National Diploma in 3D Design Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Practice |
6 Level 6 National Diploma in Professional Production Skills |
H (honours) Bachelor degrees, graduate certificates and diplomas | |
| 5 Level 5 BTEC Higher National Diploma in 3D Design |
I (intermediate) Diplomas of higher education and further education, foundation degrees and higher national diplomas | ||
| 4 Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Practice |
C (certificate) Certificates of higher education | ||
| 3 Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Care Level 3 NVQ in Aeronautical Engineering A levels |
|||
| 2 Level 2 Diploma for Beauty Specialists Level 2 NVQ in Agricultural Crop Production GCSEs Grades A*-C | |||
| 1 Level 1 Certificate in Motor Vehicle Studies Level 1 NVQ in Bakery GCSEs Grades D-G | |||
| Entry level Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy | |||
Learners can use the National Database of Accredited Qualifications to get up-to-date information on the current NQF level for all accredited qualifications. Both the current and previous levels are shown for qualifications in the higher levels of the NQF.