Qualifications: NQF Grid
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) has been revised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) to recognise more precisely the academic levels of qualifications at the higher levels of the framework. The revised NQF was fully implemented in 1 January 2006 and applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The actual content and other attributes of the respective qualifications are not altered or diminished. The revision also provides better alignment with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) used in universities and higher education institutions.
You can download the NQF grid in printable format (PDF) below.
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Level 5 NVQs |
Level 5
BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards |
Level 8
BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards
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D (Doctoral)
Doctorates |
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Level 7
BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards
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M (Masters)
Masters degrees, postgraduate certificates and diplomas
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Level 4
Key skills |
Level 4
NVQs |
Level 4
BTEC HNDs and HNCs
BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards |
Level 6
BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards
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H (Honours)
Bachelors degrees, graduate certificates and diplomas |
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Level 5
BTEC HNDs and HNCs
BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards
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I (Intermediate)
Diplomas of higher education and further education, foundation degrees, higher national diplomas |
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Level 4
BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards
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C (Certificate)
Certificates of higher education |
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Level 3
Key skills |
Level 3
NVQs |
Level 3
BTEC National Diplomas, Certificates and Awards
BTEC Foundation Studies in Art and Design
BTEC Diplomas, Certificates and Awards
A levels
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Level 2
Key skills
Literacy
Numeracy |
Level 2
NVQs |
Level 2
BTEC First Diplomas and Certificates
BTEC Diplomas, Certificates and Awards
GCSEs grades A* to C
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Level 1
Key skills
Literacy
Numeracy |
Level 1
NVQs |
Level 1
BTEC Introductory Diplomas and Certificates
BTEC Diplomas, Certificates and Awards
GCSEs grades D to G
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Entry Level
Literacy
Numeracy |
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Entry Level
BTEC Certificates in Life Skills
BTEC Certificates in Skills for Working Life
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