Qualifications can

Correspondences between UK and Irish frameworks with European Thinking of working or studying in the UK or Ireland? You may be
qualifications frameworks interested in the answer to one or more of these questions.
Within Europe, two overarching qualifications frameworks exist to n W
 hat do they call the qualification which compares most closely

Cross Boundaries
which the national qualifications frameworks of the UK and Ireland
with mine?
relate: The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the
Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area n Will I get some recognition for the qualifications I have?
(FQ-EHEA) also known as the Bologna Framework. n W
 hat kind of job or course can I apply for with my current qualification?
Table 1 shows the correspondence of levels established between Recruiting people with Irish qualifications in the UK or people with
A guide to comparing qualifications
national qualifications frameworks and the EQF:
European Regulated Credit and Scottish The National
UK qualifications in Ireland? You may be interested in the answer
to these questions.
in the UK and Ireland
Qualifications Qualifications Qualifications Credit and Framework of
Framework Framework Framework for Qualifications Qualifications n H
 ow do I know what a qualification from another country means in terms
(EQF) England/ Wales (CQFW) Framework for Ireland How to use this leaflet:
Northern (SCQF) (NFQ IE) of level?
Ireland (RQF) n Which national qualification should I compare this qualification to? ● This leaflet provides information that allows you to look at the
8 8 8 12 10 n W
 here can I find more detailed information about the content and ways qualifications are organised in the UK and Ireland.
7 7 7 11 9
level of qualifications?
6 6 6 10/9 8/7 ● It shows which qualifications in other countries are broadly
5 5/4 5/4 8/7 6 This leaflet helps you explore these questions. comparable to your qualifications (or those that you are interested
4 3 3 6 5
Qualifications are different between countries. However, there are some clear in taking).
3 2 2 5 4
2 1 1 4 3
stages people move through in education, training and work that are common
to most countries. Primary education is followed by secondary education and ● On the left side of the principal table you will find the main stages
1 E3 E3 3 2/1
E2 E2 2 then initial entry into employment and/or further education, higher education of education or employment - you can find where you are in
E1 E1 1 or training. these stages.
Table 2 shows the outcome of verifying the compatibility of higher The main table gives an indication of how you can compare qualifications
● The next column shows the qualifications framework for
education frameworks for Scotland (FQHEIS/SCQF), for England, across national boundaries. Examples of major qualifications at each level
Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) and for the NFQ for the Republic are provided. For more detail of the current qualifications in each country, your country.
of Ireland (NFQ IE) with the FQ-EHEA as follows: you will need to consult the website given at the heading of each column.
● To the right of this you can see the nearest levels and similar kinds
Qualifications in each of these frameworks change from time to time and
Typical higher education FHEQ FQHEIS/ NFQ Corresponding you need to check the relevant websites for the latest versions (as well of qualifications that are used in the other countries.
qualifications within each level level SCQF IE FQ-EHEA cycle
level level as for earlier versions of the framework where these are available). Entry ● This makes it possible to draw broad comparisons, rather than
For more information on compatibility with these frameworks see:

Doctoral degrees Third cycle (end of requirements for jobs and courses often vary within a country. This means you
direct equivalences, between qualifications and their levels for
http://ec.europa.eu/eqf/home_en.htm and www.enic-naric.net.

Master’s degrees (including
Integrated Master’s)
Postgraduate diplomas
Postgraduate certificates
Bachelor’s degrees with honours
/Honours Bachelor Degrees
Irish Higher Diplomas
Bachelor’s degrees/
Ordinary Bachelor Degree
Graduate diplomas
Graduate certificates
Foundation Degrees
(for example FdA, FdSc)
Diplomas of Higher
Education (DipHE)
Higher National Diplomas (HND)
Irish Higher Certificates
Higher National Certificates
(HNC)
Certificates of Higher Education
(CertHE)
8 12 10 cycle) qualifications will need to check specific requirements with the employer or institution for
Second cycle (end of the job or course that you are interested in. each country.
cycle) qualifications
● The back page indicates how UK and Irish qualifications
7 11 9 Intermediate
qualifications within frameworks relate to qualifications frameworks in Europe.
the second cycle
First cycle (end of ● This leaflet is updated periodically. Check one of the websites for
Regulation
10 8 cycle) qualifications
the most up-to-date version.
QAA Scottish Credit and Qualifications CCEA Regulation
Southgate House, Southgate Street, Framework Partnership 29 Clarendon Road, Clarendon
6 Gloucester GL1 1UB 201 West George Street Dock, Belfast BT1 3BG
7
Tel: +44 (0)1452 557050 Glasgow Tel: +44 (0)28 9026 1200
9 www.qaa.ac.uk G2 2LW Email: info@ccea.org.uk
Intermediate
Email: info@scqf.org.uk www.ccea.org.uk
qualifications within www.scqf.org.uk
the first cycle
Short cycle (within or
linked to the first
cycle) qualifications
5 8 6
Office of the Qualifications and CQFW, Welsh Government Quality and Qualifications Ireland
Examinations Regulator Ty’r Afon, Bedwas Road, Bedwas, (QQI)
Spring Place, Coventry Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 8WT 26-27 Denzille lane
Herald Avenue, Coventry Email: cqfwenquiries@wales.gsi. Dublin 2
CV5 6UB gov.uk D02 P266
Intermediate Tel: +44 (0)300 303 3344 www.cqfw.net Tel: +353 (0)1 905 8100
qualifications within Fax: +44 (0)300 303 3348 www.qqi.ie
4 7 the short cycle
Email: public.enquiries@ofqual.gov.uk
www.ofqual.gov.uk Sixth edition published 2017
Main stages of education/employment
Qualifications can be taken at any age in
order to continue or return to education
or training
 rofessional or postgraduate education,
P
research or employment
Higher education
Advanced Skills Training
 ntry to professional
E Bachelor’s/Ordinary Degrees, Technical
graduate employment
Specialised education and training
Qualified/Skilled worker
Entry to higher education
Completion of secondary education
Progression to skilled employment
Continuation of secondary education
 econdary education. Initial entry into
S For more detail of the qualifications
employment or further education
Qualifications can cross boundries
- a guide to comparing qualifications in the
UK and Ireland, March 2017
Framework for higher education
qualifications in England, Wales and
Northern Ireland
www.qaa.ac.uk
LEVEL
8 Doctoral Degrees
Master’s Degrees, Integrated
Master’s Degrees, Postgraduate
7 Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificate
in Education (PGCE), Postgraduate
Certificates
Bachelor’s Degrees with Honours,
Bachelor’s Degrees,
Professional Graduate Certificate in
6 6
Education (PGCE),
Graduate Diplomas,
Graduate Certificates
Foundation Degrees,
Diplomas of Higher Education
5 Level 5, Higher National Diplomas
(DipHE), Higher National Diplomas
(HND)
Higher National Certificates (HNC),
4 Certificates of Higher Education
(CertHE)
Access to HE Diploma*
3 3
*The Access to HE Diploma is regulated
by QAA but is not part of the FHEQ
The table gives an indication of how
you can compare qualifications across
national boundaries. Examples of major
qualifications at each level are provided.
that are current at the time of
publication in each country, you will
need to consult the website given at the
head of each column.
This leaflet is designed to give some
information to help you begin this
process, for example, by telling
you what your qualification,
or qualifications you are interested
in studying, are broadly comparable
to in other countries.
Regulated Qualifications Framework
for England and Northern Ireland
www.ofqual.gov.uk
www.ccea.org.uk
LEVEL
Technical/Vocational Qualifications
8 8
Level 8
7 Technical/Vocational Qualifications
Level 7
Technical/Vocational Qualifications
Level 6
Technical/Vocational Qualifications
5 Higher National Diplomas (HND),
(HND)
Technical/Vocational Qualifications
4 (HNC),Certificates of Higher
Level 4, Higher National Certificates
(HNC)
3 Technical/Vocational Qualifications
Level 3, GCE AS and A Levels
Technical/Vocational Qualifications
Level 2. GCSEs at grade A* - C and
2 from 2017 grade 4-9 (England).
Functional Skills Level 2 (England).
Essential Skills Qualifications (NI)
Technical/Vocational Qualifications
Level 1. GCSEs at grade D-G and
1 3
from 2017 grade 3-1 (England).
Functional Skills Level 1 (England).
Essential Skills Qualifications (NI)
Entry Level Certificates
Entry Level
(sub levels 1-3), functional skills
Entry Level (England) (English,
Mathematics & ICT), Essential Skills
Qualifications (NI)
Credit and Qualifications Framework
for Wales
www.cqfw.net
LEVEL
Doctoral Degrees, Industry
Qualifications, for example,
Chartered Accountant
Master’s Degrees, Vocational
Qualifications, Postgraduate
7 Certificate in Education (PGCE),
Apprenticeships
Honours Degrees, Vocational
Qualifications, Professional
6 Higher Diplomas
Certificates in Education,
Apprenticeships
Foundation Degrees, Vocational
5 Qualifications, Higher National
Diplomas (HND), Apprenticeships
Higher National Certificates
4
Education (CertHE), Vocational
Qualifications, Apprenticeships
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced,
Vocational Qualifications, AS
and A Level, Access to HE,
Apprenticeships
Welsh Baccalaureate National,
Vocational Qualifications, Essential
2 Leaving Certificate
Skills, GCSEs grades A*-C,
Apprenticeships
Welsh Baccalaureate Foundation,
1 Vocational Qualifications, Essential
Skills, GCSEs at grade D-G
Entry Level
Entry Level Qualifications
National Framework of Qualifications
for Ireland
www.qqi.ie
LEVEL
Doctoral Degrees,
10
Higher Doctorates
Master’s Degrees,
9 11 Apprenticeships, SVQ, PDA,
Postgraduate Diplomas
Honours Bachelor Degrees,
8 10
7 Ordinary Bachelor Degrees
Advanced Certificate,
6 Higher National Certificates (HNC),
Higher Certificate
Level 5 Certificate,
5 SVQ, PDA, National Progression
Leaving Certificate
Level 4 Certificate,
4 Modern Apprenticeships, SVQ,
Level 3 Certificate,
Junior Certificates
2 Level 2 Certificate
1 Level 1 Certificate
Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework
www.scqf.org.uk
LEVEL
Doctoral Degrees,
12 Professional Apprenticeships,
Professional Development Awards
(PDA), Award
Master’s Degrees, Integrated
Master’s Degrees, Professional
Postgraduate Diplomas,
Postgraduate Certificates, Award
Bachelor’s Degrees with Honours,
Professional Apprenticeships, SVQ,
PDA, Graduate Diplomas, Graduate
Certificates, Award
9 Apprenticeships, PDA, SVQ, Graduate
Diploma, Graduate Certificates, Award
8 Diplomas of Higher Education
(DipHE), Technical Apprenticeship,
PDA, SVQ, Award
Modern Apprenticeships, PDA, SVQ,
7 Certificates of Higher Education
(CertHE), Scottish Baccalaureate,
Advanced Higher, Award
Higher, Modern Apprenticeships,
6 Award (NPA),
National Certificate, Award
National 5,
5
NPA,
National Certificate, Award
National 4,
4 SVQ, NPA,
National Certificate, Award
National 3, NPA, National
3
Certificate, Award
National 2, NPA,
2
National Certificate, Award
1 National 1, Award