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How will the QCF work?
The QCF has been developed through a two year test and trial which ended in July 2008. The regulatory arrangements for the QCF was published in August 2008 and can be found in the 'Key Documents' page of this website. In the QCF, every unit and qualification in the framework has been allocated a level between Entry Level and Level 8 (showing how difficult it is) and a credit value. Credit values represent the number of credits a learner will be awarded for successfully completing the unit. One credit is awarded for the learning outcomes achievable in 10 hours of notional learning time. In the QCF trial, there are three sizes of qualifications: - Award (1 to 12 credits) - Certificate (13 to 36 credits) - Diploma (37 credits or more). So, in the new framework, you can have an Award at Level 1 or an Award at Level 8. This is because the qualification title "Award, Certificate, Diploma" represents the size of a qualification, not how difficult it is. For more information on the QCF, go to http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_8150.aspx
Date published:		Related category(ies):	FAQs ;
Number of views:	196	Resource type(s):	Development of the QCF; Education and skills
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What does the QCF mean for course design? How can providers deliver lots of different units to a class of 30 learners?
The introduction of the QCF does not mean that learners will not enrol for and complete whole qualifications. Many learners will continue to work towards whole qualifications, although the new framework does enable learners to complete qualifications at their own pace and achieve credit for the successful completion of each unit. Providers may need to develop more flexible patterns of delivery to support this incremental achievement. Some learners may wish to take learning programmes made up of individual units only but it is important that learners are aware of the opportunities available to them through the QCF to build on their achievement. The new sizes and structure of qualifications within the QCF may help to motivate some learners to progress who previously may have been discouraged by the size or lack of flexibility of some NQF qualifications. The new framework may also encourage providers to review and rationalise their provision, for example where the new qualifications cross levels or where there are common units within a number of different qualifications. This may enable providers to increase the number of optional units available. Ultimately the decision on a provider’s delivery model will be their own. They will choose the mechanism for delivery taking into account their learners and financial, resource and quality issues.

What are the key differences between the QCF and NQF?
Currently the National Qualification Framework (NQF) sets out the levels against which a qualification can be recognised but there are no agreed criteria for the titling or size of qualifications. The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is a new way of recognising skills and qualifications. It does this by awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning) to enable learners to gain qualifications at their own pace along flexible routes. It will also provide a simple and standardised framework that will enable a learner or employer to quickly understand the difficulty (level) and size (number of credits) of any qualifications or units achieved.

VQ Reform webpage
The VQ Reform section of the DIUS website

Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)
Link to the QCF section on QCA website

Can you tell us more about the QCF test and trials?
The first year's (2006-2007) focus was on testing out the technical details ie the design of units, the combination of units and the credit value of units. The second year's(2007-2008) focus was on the learner's experience. Most tests and trials are led by a sector body or an awarding organisation, though nearly all have awarding organisation involvement. A second set of tests and trials with employer recognised awards and provider recognised awards got underway in October 2007. The final reports from the tests and trials were completed at the end of April 2008. These reports will contribute to inform the final recommendations to ministers about the future of the national roll out of the QCF. For more information, go to http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_8152.aspx .