QCF

The Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) is the new way of recognising skills and achievements. It does this by awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning).

Each unit has a level and a credit value. The level reflects the challenge or difficulty of the unit and the credit value represents the estimated time and effort it takes to complete. One credit represents approximately ten hours of learning.

The units cover skills learners can perform and / or knowledge they can learn. Some units combine both.

The flexibility of this system allows learners to gain qualifications at their own pace along routes that suit them best. QCF also allows learners to take further qualifications without having to re-study units they’ve already covered.

QCF qualifications are categorised as Awards, Certificates or Diplomas and they can be completed at a number of levels, depending on their size, up to level 8 in some cases.

• Awards are 1 to 12 credits (10 and 120 hours’ learning)
• Certificates are 13 to 36 credits (130 to 360 hours’ learning)
• Diplomas are 37 credits (370 or more hours’ learning)