National Framework of Qualification

The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a 10-level system used to describe qualifications in the Irish education and training system.  The NFQ shows how General Education Awards, Further Education and Training and Higher Education Awards are mapped against the 10 levels of the framework. Each level (see fan diagram) is based on nationally agreed learning outcome standards. 

The ‘fan diagram’ helps to illustrate the levels on the NFQ, the awarding bodies and the major types of qualifications that are included in the system of qualifications. It also allows you to compare qualifications to help with your choice of course. The framework levels consider a wide range of learning. For instance, level 1 recognises the ability to perform basic tasks, while level 10 recognises the ability to discover and develop new knowledge and skills that are at the frontier of research and scholarship. 

Each level of the framework is based on nationally-agreed standards of knowledge, skill and competence. These standards are based on learning outcomes; that is, what a learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do after successful completion of the learning process. So the level of award reflects the learner’s level of knowledge, skill and competence.

The National Framework of Qualifications helps you to:

• Compare awards and decide which awards suit your needs;
• Make decisions about how to progress within the award system;
• Identify learning outcomes for each level of the NFQ;
• Identify what you are expected to know, understand and be able to do at each level;
• Recognise where on the framework your prior learning is located. 

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