Qualifications frameworks

What is the National Qualifications Framework?

The National Qualification Framework (NQF) is the structure into which accredited qualifications are placed. This allows learners, training providers and employers to gain information about the broad equivalence of qualifications.

The NQF allows qualifications to be differentiated in terms of type and level. The level of a qualification tells you that it is broadly equivalent in terms of standard to other qualifications of that level. For example, a level 1 NVQ qualification would be broadly equivalent to a GCSE qualification at grades D–G.

However, the level of a qualification will not tell you:

• which jobs that qualification is suitable for
• equivalence to other qualifications in terms of content or duration 
• equivalence to other qualifications in terms of size 
• equivalence to any qualifications the regulators have not accredited.

Once a qualification meets the regulatory criteria, it will enter the NQF as an accredited qualification and may qualify for state funding.
More information can be accessed on the NQF pages of this website.

How do I find out the equivalency of a qualification on the National Qualifications Framework?

Qualifications that are accredited on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) are broadly equivalent at every framework level. You can find out the level of the qualification by searching using the advanced search of the National Database of Accredited Qualifications.
 
If qualifications share the same level, this means they are broadly similar in terms of the demand that is placed on the learner. However, qualifications at the same level can still be very different in terms of content and duration.
 
For example:

• a level 1 NVQ could be described as being broadly equivalent to any other level 1 qualification on the NQF, such as GCSEs at grade D–G
• a level 3 BTEC national diploma could be described as being broadly equivalent to any other level 3 qualifications, such as A levels or a level 3 certificate.

However, the level of a qualification will not generally indicate:

• which jobs that qualification is suitable for 
• equivalence of qualifications in terms of content or duration
• equivalence to any qualifications the regulators have not accredited (for example overseas qualifications or higher education qualifications).

All equivalence information provided by the regulators is based on the NQF. This allows learners, training providers and employers to gain information about the broad equivalence of qualifications.
 
More specific information on the equivalence of qualifications that cannot be answered using the level of qualifications on the NQF can often be obtained by contacting the provider of the qualification. The equivalencies that have been drawn between the NQF and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications can be viewed on the NQF page. 
 

How do qualifications from overseas compare to qualifications in England, Wales or Northern Ireland?

Unfortunately, Ofqual is unable to provide you with an answer to this question. Our remit does not extend to overseas qualifications, so we are not in a position to say how it compares.
 
If your qualification from overseas is from Scotland or the Republic of Ireland, there has been work between the regulators to draw comparisons.
 
However, equivalence information relating to qualifications obtained overseas can be obtained from the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC).
 
UK NARIC
Oriel House
Oriel Road
Cheltenham
GL50 1XP
Tel: +44 (0)870 990 4088
Fax: +44 (0)870 990 1560
Email: info@naric.org.uk
Web: www.naric.co.uk