Qualifications and Credit Framework Business Definition

DEFINITION

1. The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is a new framework for recognising and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

DESCRIPTION

2. The QCF was developed by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), but since it's launch in November 2008, responsibility for implementing it across the sector was transferred to the LSC.

3. The framework's structure simplifies the range of qualifications on offer by categorising them according to credit value and level. This provides a more flexible system for learners and employers, as well as making the range of qualifications easier to understand and measure.

4. Each qualification is assigned a difficulty level (between Entry Level and Level 8), and a 'size' according to how long it takes to complete. There are three sizes of qualification:

• Awards (1-2 credits)
• Certifications (13-36 credits)
• Diplomas (37 credits or more)

5. The QCF framework features an IT infrastructure that can hold information about a learner's achievements. Parts of this Learner Record can be made available to third parties with the consent of the learner, such as employers or learning providers, and it also enables the learner to keep track of their progress.

LINKS

6. For further information, visit the QCF pages on the QCA website.

Last date modified: 11th February 2009