What is the National Framework of Qualifications?

When you or other learners begin a FETAC accredited training programme, you are participating in a course of study or training that will give you credits towards a particular level on the new National Qualifications Framework.

There are 10 levels in the national framework of qualifications from basic level (Level 1) to advanced level (Level 10). In time, all qualifications or awards made in Ireland will be placed at some level on that framework. This is good for the learner in that the training that is done will count towards gaining full awards or other credits and it encourages people to make learning and achieving certification an ongoing process rather than just a one time experience.

The framework of qualifications will show how each qualification or award relates to each other and will also help you the learner to progress to other courses or transfer to other courses perhaps bringing your credits with you.

FETAC looks after awards from Level 1 to Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications. For further details, please refer to the FETAC website on www.fetac.ie

HETAC is the qualifications awarding body for third level education and training institutions outside the university sector and offers awards from Level 7 to Level 10 on the National Frameword of Qualfications. For further details, please refer to the HETAC website on www.hetac.ie 

In the diagram below, you can see an outline of the National Framework of Qualifications, the levels, award types and awarding bodies. This is useful in understanding the structure of the framework and how major awards are placed at the various levels between 1 and 10.

                    




The following table shows how FETAC Awards compare to other qualifications:-

 Return to UNDERSTANDING FETAC section

• Back to Home Page