Every unit and qualification in the framework will have a credit value (indicating the size of the units or qualification) and a level, which ranges from Entry level to Level 8 (indicating the difficulty).

Credit
One credit represents 10 hours of learning time. Learning time is the amount of time a learner at the level of the unit, is expected to take, on average, to complete the learning outcomes of the unit to the standard defined by the assessment criteria.

• Learning time is different from guided learning hours (GLH). The GLH does not include learning time spent away from the assessor
    
• Learning time includes all the time needed to achieve a unit, including, contact time, directed learning, assessment preparation time and assessment time but not learner initiated study 
    
• The relationship between and learning time changes at different levels. At Entry level and Level 1 most of the learning happens when the tutor is present, but at higher levels such as Level 4 and 5, more independent learning is expected away from the tutor. The learning time can not be less than the GLH
    
• Relating GLH to credit is difficult. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is testing approaches to unit funding in 2008/9 and 2009/10. The credit success rate measure will be tested through the trials. Funding will continue to be based on GLH for the time being.