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Mr Cuthbert will tell a Business Skills Conference in Swansea later that he wants to ensure the Government is getting value for money from the qualifications it delivers, and that they are meeting the needs of learners and the economy.
"One of our manifesto pledges was that we would simplify the qualifications system," he said.
"Our vision is to ensure that we have Qualifications for 14 to 19-year- olds that meet the needs of Wales, are understood and valued.
"I want to ensure public money is focused in the right direction to help provide the skilled workforce our economy needs. And equally, I want to make sure that the choices available to learners will actually make a difference in allowing them to progress to work or higher education."
The review will be wide ranging but centred around three themes.
- Identify the most relevant qualifications and ensure they are available to learners.
- Ensure qualifications are trusted and understood.
- Ensure qualifications remain fit for purpose.
Mr Cuthbert explained:
"We often hear it said that some qualifications are more useful to learners than others. Likewise, we hear that some Vocational Qualifications prepare young people more effectively for employment than others.
"We want to find out which qualifications have greatest value; which qualifications are most relevant and should be encouraged."
He said they would also be reviewing the way they fund post 16 education, which currently has more than 10,000 different qualifications.
"Our second theme will be to ensure that our qualifications are trusted and understood. As part of this, we need to ensure that the assessments which form part of our qualifications are appropriate," he said.
"We are committed to both General and Vocational Qualifications, which have successfully delivered much of the skilled workforce we need. However, now is a good time to look at how we ensure both are equally valued and provide progression routes to the levels of skills and education that Wales will need to compete globally.
"Finally, we need to ensure that the qualifications we deliver are fit for purpose. Qualifications need to change with the times and be flexible to respond to our changing needs as a society and an economy."
Mr Cuthbert added that he would shortly be naming the person who would be leading the review and members of the advisory group that will support him.
"I will ask the group to deliver a final report by next autumn," he said.
"However, the review will be conducted in several phases and I look forward to making further announcements about its progress over the coming months."
