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Vocational Qualifications

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Information for Employers

The Credit and Qualification Framework for Wales (CQFW) recognises all learning that takes place in School, Further Education, Higher Education and Work Based Learning.

Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales

All learning, including mainstream qualifications, offered in Wales is gradually being brought into a single unifying structure.

Information for education providers and advisers

The Credit and Qualification Framework for Wales recognises all learning - all subjects at all levels.

A Vocational Qualification is a recognised award designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and/or competence directly relevant to a line of work or specific job role.

Vocational Qualifications are available from Entry Level to Level 8 of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).  Qualifications can range in size and level from, for example, an Entry level certificate in Child Development, to a Level 8 Diploma in Direction and Leadership. 

Every unit and qualification in the QCF has a credit value.  1 credit is given for every 10 hours of learning time, for example, a unit worth three credits is equal to 30 hours of learning time. Learning time may include time spent in the classroom, doing practical activities, carrying out research, doing homework or on a work placement.  It may take less time or more time to complete but a learner would not get more credits for taking longer to achieve their units, or fewer credits for completing the units more quickly. There are three sizes of qualifications in the QCF:

  • Awards (1 - 12 credits); 
  • Certificates (13 - 36 credits);  
  • Diplomas (37+ credits).

So you could have an award at level 1 or an award at level 8. This is because the qualification type ('award, certificate, diploma') represents the size of a qualification, not how difficult it is.  Some qualifications take a few days to complete others take up to 2 years of fulltime study.

Level examples

  • Level 2 is equivalent to GCSEs (grade A*- C); 
  • Level 3 is equivalent to A levels; 
  • Level 6 is equivalent to an honours degree;
  • Level 8 is equivalent to a PhD.