What will QCF qualifications look like?
The QCF will introduce unitisation of all qualifications, with each unit allocated a level and credit value. Credit value represents the number of credits a learner will be awarded for successfully completing the unit. One credit is awarded for learning outcomes achieved in 10 hours of notional learning time (this is not the same as guided learning hours). It is a combination of contact and study time. Under the QCF, the qualification level indicates its complexity. This ranges from Entry to Level 8 (the current NQF system goes up to Level 7). The size (volume of learning of a qualification is expressed using the terms; Award (1-12 credits); Certificate (13-36 credits); or Diploma (37+ credits) with all being available at each level.
