Award-Type Descriptors
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, in consultation with further and higher education and training stakeholders, published the Major Award type descriptors for each level of the NFQ in 2003. The purpose of these descriptors was to identify the standard of knowledge, skill and competence appropriate to each level on the NFQ. The Qualifications Authority published these indicators in its Determinations for the Outline National Framework of Qualifications. 
The Qualifications Authority has now published the descriptors appropriate
to Minor,
Supplemental and Special Purpose Awards.
It has also published the descriptor relevant to the Higher
Doctorate .
Major Award type which became the sixteenth award Major Award type in 2005.
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland is firmly committed to protecting the environment by better understanding and reducing the environmental impact of our business operations through pro-active environmental policies. The Authority is determined to minimise any adverse impacts as a result of its business. In addition, the Authority also strives to review environmental practices to ensure their continued relevance and will set specific improvement targets, monitor progress and communicate results internally.