Provider
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) has been in place since 2003. The NFQ is designed for the development, recognition and award of qualifications based on standards of knowledge, skill and competence acquired by learners. The Framework consists of 10 levels, from basic learning to Doctoral awards. Thus, it is designed to accommodate all types of education and training, wherever it takes place.
What is a provider?
A provider (of a programme of education and training) is defined as a person who, or body which, provides, organises or procures a programme of education and training.
You may be a provider. You may work for a provider, or you may be considering becoming a provider. This section of the website highlights aspects that are likely to be of interest to you as a provider. You may wish to find out more by using the About the NFQ link on the left.
The NFQ: A provider perspective
The NFQ is underpinned by legislation. This legislation established three new bodies. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland has responsibility for leading the development and implementation of the NFQ. FETAC (The Further Education and Training Awards Council) makes awards at NFQ Levels 1 to 6. HETAC (The Higher Education and Training Awards Council) makes awards at NFQ Levels 6 to 10. Awards (qualifications) made within schools, universities and Dublin Institute of Technology are also included in the NFQ. In addition, a number of awards have been aligned with the NFQ, for example, awards made by a number of UK awarding bodies.
Benefits for providers
There are key benefits to providers of programmes (courses) leading to qualifications recognised through the NFQ. Quality assurance is a key principle of the NFQ. All education and training qualifications recognised through the NFQ are quality assured.
- By offering programmes leading to these awards, you are communicating the quality of your education and training programmes at home and abroad.
- By accurately referencing the NFQ when promoting your education and training programmes, you are helping existing and future learners to make informed choices about the status of the particular programmes you offer.
- By providing information on the variety of entry and progression opportunities for your programmes, you increase your capacity to attract and retain learners
A Guide to Referencing the NFQ
A guide specifically designed to help higher education and training providers reference the NFQ in marketing and promotional materials has been produced. As an education or training provider, this guide is aimed at providing you with a simple explanation of how to reference the NFQ . This guide is designed to facilitate the provision of important information to your existing and potential learners on the recent changes to the qualifications system in Ireland.
Accreditation
Providers seeking accreditation from an awarding body should refer directly to that awarding body for information regarding specific quality assurance policies and procedures.
FETAC have produced the following information for providers:
A Guide regarding information for learners
Information from HETAC for providers can be found here.
Other Irish awarding bodies include the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), and the universities. In addition to the Irish awarding bodies mentioned above, a number of UK awarding bodies have aligned awards with the NFQ. These are awards provided in Ireland. For further details, including lists of these awards, please click here.
The NFQ has been in place since 2003. You can visit our Frequently Asked Questions for more information. You may also wish to explore further by using the About the NFQ and the Publications and Resources pages.
If you have any unanswered queries, please contact us via email or telephone.
