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Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

What is the QCF?

The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is a system for recognising skills and qualifications. It does this by awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning). The flexibility of the system allows learners to gain qualifications at their own pace along routes that suit them best.

The QCF aims to provide a simple yet flexible structure that allows for the maintenance and continuing development of a qualifications system that is:

• inclusive
• responsive
• accessible
• non-bureaucratic

The QCF allows achievements to be recognised and recorded through the award of credits and qualifications. It supports the accumulation and transfer of credits and the easy identification of each achievement’s level and size. In this way, learners have maximum flexibility and range of opportunities and can be reliably recognised for their achievements.

Credit and Level

Every unit and qualification in 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)

It is important to note 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 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 QCF it might be helpful to know that GCSEs (grade A*- C) are Level 2, GCE A Levels are Level 3 and a PhD is a Level 8.

The structure of the QCF and the way in which qualifications are represented in it is represented in the diagram below.

NOCN Qualifications in the QCF

National Open College Network (NOCN) has over 250 qualifications on the QCF, with many more in development. For the full list of our qualifications that are already approved by Ofqual and available for use, visit the Register of Regulated Qualifications.

The 2011 Ofqual Annual Qualifications Market Report showed that NOCN awarded 177,200 qualifications in 2009-10, of which 87,200 were QCF qualifications. This means NOCN awarded 11% of all QCF qualifications in 2009-10. Click here to download the full report.

We can work with providers to develop new national QCF qualifications. Please contact your Development Manager (if you are a Recognised Centre) or call 01752 831500 for more information.

More Information

Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual)

Explaining the QCF - Ofqual

Making the Most of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) - a guide for independent training providers

If you would like further information on the QCF please contact your Development Manager or call the Plymouth Office on 01752 831500.