Last updated: 07 Nov 2008

QCA is influencing the development of units and qualifications at Entry and level 1 through a strategic approach informed by the FLT qualifications strategy and the implementation of the QCF, which is the new qualifications framework replacing the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

The QCF is a new way of recognising achievement that presents qualifications in a way that is easy to understand and measure. By awarding credit for the achievement of units and qualifications, it ensures that a wider range of achievements can be recognised within an inclusive qualifications framework. This is a significant benefit to Entry and level 1 learners.

All Entry level Entry level and level 1 qualifications within the QCF are part of the FLT. The diagram below shows the architecture of the QCF and highlights the relationship of Entry and level 1 qualifications within the FLT.

Much NQF provision and unaccredited pre-Entry, Entry and level 1 provision has failed to allow learners to demonstrate their skills, make progress, or develop the skills required for life and work. A wider range of credit-based units and qualifications will be developed for the FLT and accredited into the QCF to ensure that all learners have access to nationally accredited qualifications that recognise their achievements and meet their expectations whilst improving progression and filling gaps in provision.

QCA is working in partnership with awarding organisations, providers, sectors and the Learning and Skills Council to ensure that all stakeholders are well informed of qualification development needs for learners and to ensure that a sufficient, relevant and appropriate range of sizes and levels of credit-based qualifications will support learners to improve work and life chances.

Within the QCF there are three Entry sub-levels, Entry 1, Entry 2 and Entry 3. Each has a statement describing the level of knowledge, understanding and required at each level. Qualifications accredited to the framework will need to demonstrate that they meet these level descriptors.

Entry 1 will have no lower limit – sometimes called a 'bottomless level' approach. This will allow qualifications at Entry 1 to accredit achievement at pre-Entry level and mean that all learners can gain access to accredited qualifications on the QCF. Because all units and qualifications will be credit-based, learners can accumulate or attain credit for the successful completion of units , reducing the need to repeat learning where it is not appropriate. However some learners with learning difficulties or disabilities, will want to repeat learning to maintain skills or repeat them within new contexts to allow progression, only the professional learning provider will be able to best determine what is relevant and appropriate for the individual learner.

You can download the QCF level descriptors from this page.

As well as these qualifications developments, high-quality qualifications currently within the NQF are being revised to meet QCF requirements and feature in progression pathways. The QCF doesn’t guarantee an automatic transfer or reaccreditation – the qualification must serve a clear purpose, clear target market and it must provide progression.

For further information on the QCF, please click on the link located in the features box on the right hand side of this page.