About the NFQ
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) was launched in 2003. It is now the single structure mechanism for recognising all education and training in Ireland. You will see that all framework awards now have an NFQ Level (1-10) which tells you about the standard of learning and an NFQ Award-Type which tells you about the purpose, volume and progression opportunities associated with a particular award. The following overview of the core concepts of the framework will help you to understand the main features of the NFQ so that you can assess education and training opportunities and plan to meet your own education and training needs.
The Framework Levels & Award-Types
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a system of ten levels and is used to describe the Irish qualifications system.
The ‘fan diagram’ helps to illustrate the levels on the NFQ and each level is based on nationally agreed standards of knowledge, skill and competence i.e. what an individual is expected to know, understand and be able to do following successful completion of a process of learning. This section provides information on each level and information on the award-types.
Awarding Bodies
An awarding body is a national body that has the legal power to make an award in order to recognise learning. This section identifies the awarding bodies whose qualifications are in the NFQ.
Access, Transfer and Progression
A key element of the NFQ is to improve access (entry) to education and training, transfer within and between education and training and progression within and between education and training.
Professional Body Awards
The Qualifications Authority has put in place policies for the awards of professional bodies to be recognised through the NFQ.
Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance is central to the recognition of any qualification through the NFQ. The quality assurance functions of the Awards Councils (i.e., FETAC and HETAC), the DIT and the universities are detailed here. The role of the Qualifications Authority, in terms of the review of the Awards Councils and the DIT, is also detailed.
Recognition of International Qualifications
The introduction of the NFQ has provided a tool by which qualifications gained outside the State can be recognised. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland provides a service called Qualifications Recognition, which provides employers and recruiters with a means of comparing and contrasting foreign qualifications with qualifications in the Irish system. This service is free of charge and is an advisory service that can assist in determining eligibility of qualifications for employment
The International Context
The NFQ, whilst a national development, is also linked to similar initiatives that are taking place in other countries and at an overall European level. This section includes an overview of the Bologna Qualifications Framework, the European Qualifications Framework and how Europass seeks to increase the mobility of both learners and workers across Europe.
