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How different qualifications compare

You may hear people talking about qualification 'levels'. These levels are contained in three qualification 'frameworks':

• National Qualifications Framework
• Qualifications and Credit Framework (the framework for vocational, or work-related qualifications)
• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

The frameworks group together qualifications that place similar demands on you as a learner. However, within any one level, qualifications can cover a wide mix of subjects, and take different amounts of time to complete.

The frameworks can also help you see how one type of qualification can lead on to other, higher levels of qualifications.

National Qualifications Framework

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) sets out the level at which a qualification can be recognised in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Only qualifications that have been accredited by the three regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland can be included in the NQF. This ensures that all qualifications within the framework are of high quality, and meet the needs of learners and employers.

Qualifications and Credit Framework

The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) contains vocational (or work-related) qualifications, available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

These qualifications are made up of units that are worth credits. You can study units at your own pace and build these up to full qualifications of different sizes over time.

Units and qualifications also range in difficulty, from entry level to level 8 (similar to the levels in the NQF).

To find out more about these qualifications, see ‘Vocational qualifications’.

• Vocational qualifications

• Find out more about the Qualifications and Credit Framework Opens new window

Qualifications by level across the NQF and QCF

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) has been designed by the higher education sector, and describes all the main higher education qualifications. It applies to degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic awards granted by a university or higher education college (apart from honorary degrees and higher doctorates).

The FHEQ broadly corresponds with levels 4 to 8 of the National Qualifications Framework, in terms of the demands the qualifications place on learners.

• Find out more about the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Opens new window

Search for accredited qualifications

You can search for an accredited qualification on the Register of Regulated Qualifications.

• Search for an accredited qualification Opens new window

Choosing the right qualification for you

If you're interested in gaining a qualification, choosing from the huge range available can seem daunting.

But there's lots of help and advice to help you pick a qualification that's right for you.

Careers advice

Get advice about qualifications from the National Careers Service:

• call an adviser on 0800 100 900

• Contact the National Careers Service Opens new window

• Learning at 14 to 19

• Qualifications and exams: a guide for adult learners

University and higher education

If you're thinking about getting a higher education qualification, there's lots of advice and information in the 'University and higher education' section.

• University and higher education

More useful links

• A list of approved qualifications for pupils aged under 19 Opens new window

Useful contacts

• Office of Qualifications and Examination Regulation Opens new window

• Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) Opens new window

• UK NARIC Opens new window