The National Framework of Qualifications

“The NFQ”

It’s all about YOU!!

‘The NFQ’ - It’s all about YOU!!

The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

Have you seen this ‘fan’ diagram before?

Where can I get more information on the NFQ?

How can I use the NFQto help me?

Who is involvedin the NFQ?

Why was the NFQ developed?

When was the NFQ introduced?

What is the NFQ?

National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

Got questions about Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications?.....get them answered!

What is the NFQ?

The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a system of 10 levels used to describe the Irish qualifications system and to recognise people’s learning - including yours!...It was introduced in 2003.

The NFQ includes learning from the most basic level (NFQ Level 1) to the most advanced (NFQ Level 10). Learning is gained in lots of places - schools, the workplace, the community, training centres or colleges and universities!

The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland is responsible for the NFQ!

The NFQ – Levels and Award-Types

What NFQ level are you on?

Can you spot 15 major award-types

Do these award-types look familiar? !!

Levels….

Can you spot 16 major award-types

What NFQ level are you on?

Do these award-types look familiar? !!

Levels….

Let’s Build the Framework!!

• The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) has 10 levels.

• Award-types describe the amount of learning

- Can you see the major 16 award-types on the fan diagram?

- The Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate are award-types. What NFQ level are they?

The Framework – Awarding Bodies

SEC = State Examinations Commission

Watch the colours!!

Watch the colours!!

SEC = State Examinations Commission

Know your Awarding Body!

• An Awarding Body is a body which gives you an award to recognise your learning. This is then YOUR qualification….

School:The State Examinations Commission (SEC) is the Awarding Body for the Junior Cert & Leaving Cert….

The Framework – Awarding Bodies

FETAC = Further Education and Training Awards Council

FETAC = Further Education and Training Awards Council

Awarding Bodies

Further Education:

FETAC is the awarding body for further education from NFQ Level 1 to NFQ Level 6….can you name the award-types awarded by FETAC?

The Framework – Awarding Bodies

HETAC = Higher Education and Training Awards Council

DIT = Dublin Institute of Technology

& IoT

IoT = Institutes of Technology

HETAC = Higher Education and Training Awards Council

DIT = Dublin Institute of Technology

IoT = Institutes of Technology

Awarding BodiesHigher Education:

• HETAC is the awarding body for some Institutes of Technology (IoT)

• Some Institutes of Technology (IoT) have permission from HETAC to be awarding bodies themselves

• DIT is an awarding body itself

The National Framework of Qualifications – award-types & awarding bodies

Ireland has 7 universities!!

& IoT

Awarding BodiesHigher Education - Universities:

• Universities are awarding bodies themselves for NFQ Level 7 to NFQ Level 10

• We have 7 universities in Ireland

Awarding Bodies

SEC, FETAC, HETAC, IoT, DIT & Universities

An award from any of these Awarding Bodies shows your friends, family and future employers that you have achieved a

high quality qualification!

Why was the NFQ developed?

1. To make it easier for YOU to understand the qualifications system in Ireland

2. To help YOU learn throughout your life – not just at school!!

3. To make sure that YOU can travel abroad and use your Irish qualifications

How can I use the NFQ to help me?

As a learner, the NFQ can help you….

1. Plan YOUR education and training and career choices

2. Make good decisions about YOUR future with information on courses available to you

Additional benefits:

1. All qualifications in the NFQ are quality assured

2. All qualifications in the NFQ are recognised at home and abroad

Use the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) as a tool to plan your future!

Looking for courses?

Know your options….

Check it out!

Qualifications on the NFQ are recognised at home and abroad…..

Check where YOUR qualifications fit on the NFQ

Planning to travel in the future?

Qualifications Matter: Make them part of your travel arrangements….

Any Questions….??