National Qualifications Framework
The National Qualifications Authority (NQAI) was established in February 2001 under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999. The NQAI had three principal objectives:
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The establishment and maintenance of a framework of qualifications for the development, recognition and award of qualifications based on standards of knowledge, skill or competence to be acquired by learners;
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The establishment and promotion of the maintenance and improvement of the standards of awards of the further and higher education and training sector, other than in the existing universities;
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The promotion and facilitation of access, transfer and progression throughout the span of education and training provision.
All the awards made within the State are included in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), including university awards, which was established in 2003. There are 10 levels of awards. Levels 1-6 cover initial schooling and further education and training. Levels 6-10 cover higher education and training from sub degree to post doctoral level.
On the 6th November 2012, the Minister for Education and Skills announced the formal establishment of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the amalgamated qualifications and quality assurance authority. QQI replaces the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), the Further Education and Training Awards Council of Ireland (FETAC), and the Higher Education Training and Awards Council (HETAC). It also took over the functions of the Irish Universities Quality Board.
The new authority has assumed all the functions of these four bodies. These include managing the National Framework of Qualifications, quality assuring institutions of further and higher education and training, validating educational programmes and making awards to learners. New functions include the development of a Code of Practice and International Education Mark for institutions enrolling international learners.
School national examination awards are made by the State Examinations Commission ([[|SEC]]). The Junior Certificate is at Level 3 and the Leaving Certificate at Level 4 and 5.
The alignment of the Irish levels of the National Qualifications Framework with those in the European Qualifications Framework is set out below.
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National Qualifications Framework Ireland |
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Irish Level |
Title |
EQF Level |
|
10 |
Doctorate/post doctorate |
8 |
|
9 |
Master's Degree/Post Graduate Diploma |
7 |
|
8 |
Honours Bachelor's Degree /Higher Diploma |
6 |
|
7 |
Ordinary Bachelor's Degree |
6 |
|
6 |
Advanced Certificate/Higher Certificate/National Craft Certificate |
5 |
|
5 |
Level 5/Leaving Certificate (upper/post-secondary) |
4 |
|
4 |
Level 4/Leaving Certificate (upper secondary) |
3 |
|
3 |
Level 3 certificate/Junior Certificate (lower secondary) |
2 |
|
2 |
Level 2 certificate (Primary Certificate) |
1 |
|
1 |
Level 1 Certificate |
1 |
The framework covers all awards in the State from basic literacy to post doctoral level across the education and training sector. It provides for the recognition of all learning in the formal and non formal sectors, and in public, private, workplace and community settings, based on the achievement of learning outcomes. It provides for progression to higher levels of learning, and for accreditation of prior learning, and for the recognition of major, minor and special purpose awards. Levels 6-10 comply with the quality assurance criteria set out under the Bologna process, while further education awards at level 1-6 comply with the Copenhagen process criteria.