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Learning Providers FAQs

What is a Lead OCN?

The OCN that leads on a particular qualifications development.

What is the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)?

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland is the framework that sets out the levels at which qualifications are recognised.  If qualifications share the same level it is an indication that the demand is in broad terms similar, though the size of qualifications may differ.  The NQF is being progressively phased out and will be replaced for most qualifications by the QCF.

What is the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)?

The Qualifications and Credit Framework is the new framework for recognising and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  The QCF is designed to make the whole qualifications system simpler to understand and use, as well as being more inclusive, flexible and accessible for a wider range of learners.  It is also intended to be more relevant to the needs of employers.

In the QCF learners can build towards the achievement of a qualification by being awarded credits for the completion of units.  All qualifications in the QCF are built from smaller units.  Every unit and qualification in the QCF has a credit value (showing how much time it takes to complete – one credit represents 10 hours and a level between Entry level and level 8 (showing how difficult it is).

There are three sizes of qualification in the QCF:
Award ( 1 to 12 credits)
Certificate (13 to 36 credits)
Diploma (37 credits or more)

The QCF is operating now and is progressively replacing the current National Qualifications Framework (NQF).  Currently it is expected that all funding for NQF qualifications will cease by July 2011, with many NQF qualifications losing their eligibility for funding from August 2010.