NQF levels

Each accredited qualification has an NQF level. If qualifications share the same level this means that they are broadly similar in terms of the demand they place on the learner. However, qualifications at the same level can still be very different in terms of content and duration.

The following table shows a selection of individual qualifications and how they appear in the current NQF. It also highlights how these more precise levels broadly compare to the Framework for Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ) levels.

We have selected examples of qualifications that were previously at levels 4 to 5 but now have more precise levels. For a full list of all accredited qualifications in the NQF please visit NDAQ, QCA's freely searchable website.

National Qualifications Framework (NQF)			Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
Previous levels(Examples)	Current levels(Examples)		Levels (Examples)
Level 5 Level 5 NVQ in Construction Level 5 Diploma in Translation	Level 8 Specialist awards		D (doctoral) Doctorates
	Level 7 Level 7 Diploma in Translation		M (masters) Masters degrees, postgraduate certificates and diplomas
LEVEL 4 Level 4 National Diploma in Professional Production Skills Level 4 BTEC Higher National Diploma in 3D Design Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Practice	Level 6 Level 6 National Diploma in Professional Production Skills		H (honours) Bachelor degrees, graduate certificates and diplomas
	Level 5 Level 5 BTEC Higher National Diploma in 3D Design		I (intermediate) Diplomas of higher education and further education, foundation degrees and higher national diplomas
	Level 4 Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Practice		C (certificate) Certificates of higher education
Level 3 Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Care Level 3 NVQ in Aeronautical Engineering A levels
Level 2 Level 2 Diploma for Beauty Specialists Level 2 NVQ in Agricultural Crop Production GCSEs Grades A*-C
Level 1 Level 1 Certificate in Motor Vehicle Studies Level 1 NVQ in Bakery GCSEs Grades D-G
Entry level Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy

*Revised levels are not currently being implemented for NVQs and a small number of related qualifications. For current information please refer to NDAQ.

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, was published by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in January 2001.

This framework applies to degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic awards (other than honorary degrees and higher doctorates) granted by a university or higher education institute.

Broad comparisons with NQF levels can be seen in the table above. For further details, visit the QAA website. A link to this website is available from this page.

Framework for Achievement

The changes to the NQF support the Framework for Achievement (FfA), the new and forward-looking framework that will encompass a much wider range of achievements. For more information, visit the FfA page on the QCA website, which can be accessed from this page.