Introduction to the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

There is a major reform of the vocational qualification system taking place, the heart of which is the transition of all qualifications from the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). This new framework will be used for recognising and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and is designed to make the whole system simpler to understand and use, and more inclusive. The intention is to make both the system and the qualifications offered far more relevant to the needs of employers and more flexible and accessible for learners.

At present, it is hard to understand all the different types of qualifications that learners hold - what level they are, how long they take to complete, what content they cover, and how they compare to other qualifications. The new framework will help present qualifications in a way that is easy to understand and measure, as achievement is recognised through the award of credit for units and qualifications.

Every unit and qualification within the framework will have a credit value (one credit represents 10 hours, showing how much time it takes to complete), and a level between entry level and level 8 (showing how difficult it is).

There are three sizes of qualifications in the QCF:

• Awards (1 to 12 credits).
• Certificates (13 to 36 credits).
• Diplomas (37 credits or more).

So, in the new framework you can have an award at level 1 or an award at level 8. This is because the qualification type (award, certificate or diploma) represents the size of a qualification, not how difficult it is.

Each qualification title contains the following:

• The level of the qualification (from entry level at the bottom to level 8 at the top).
• The size of the qualification (award/certificate/diploma).
• Details indicating the content of the qualification.

Simply by looking at the title of a qualification you will be able to see how difficult it is, how long it will take the average learner to complete, and its general content. To understand the level of difficulty of the units and qualifications in the new framework it might be helpful to know that GCSEs (grade A*-C) are level 2, GCE A Levels are level 3, and a PhD is level 8. Knowing this can help to position the difficulty and challenge of each level within the framework.

Sports Leaders UK is transferring its qualifications to the Qualifications and Credit Framework. The move will not affect the value or ethos of the Sports Leaders UK qualifications, and learners will still learn leadership skills in the manner that they currently do.

For more information and easy to follow animations on the Qualifications and Credit Framework, please look at the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) website.