Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)
The way that qualifications are organised and structured is changing. This includes all vocational qualifications in all sectors - not just social care.
The current National Qualifications Framework (NQF) will be replaced by the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). This is a government initiative across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The QCF is a new flexible way of recognising and rewarding skills and qualifications. The QCF will present units and qualifications in a simpler way and it will lead to qualifications that are flexible and meet the skills and knowledge needs of the workforce.
The QCF is designed to capture the flexibility of a 'mix and match' approach to meet a wider variety of the workforce's needs.
Click here to see the current draft units which are available for consultation
How will it work?
Credit and level
Every unit and qualification in the framework will have a credit value(one credit represents 10 hours, showing how much time it takes to complete) and a level between entry level and level 8 (showing how difficult it is).
There are three sizes of qualifications in the QCF:
- awards (1 to 12 credits)
- certificates (13 to 36 credits)
- diplomas (37 credits or more)
So each qualification title will contain the following:
- the level of the qualification (from entry level at the bottom to level 8 at the top)
- the size of qualification (award/certificate/diploma)
- details indicating the content of the qualification
The QCF will allow Skills for Care to develop units and qualifications in different ways to meet the changing needs of the workforce as highlighted by our Sector Skills Agreement (SSA) and our Sector Qualification Strategy (SQS).
For more information please view our Frequently Asked Questions page and select one of the various topics on Qualification Credit Framework.
We have created a number of leaflets to explain more about the QCF - please click on the links below for the one most relevant to you:
QCF for employers (updated Oct 09, pdf)
QCF for learners (updated Oct 09, pdf)
QCF for training providers (updated Oct 09, pdf)
Update on the developments of the Health and Social Care QCF diploma - Sep 09
qualifications and training
- introduction
- apprenticeships
- brokerage
- care training codes
- diploma 14 - 19
- foundation degree
- innovation case studies
- NVQ
- qualifications and credit framework QCF
how will it work?- draft units for consultation
- training materials listing
- working with education and training providers
