What is the QCF?
Find out what the QCF is and how we've been involved in its implementation
Vocational qualifications are changing
They're becoming more responsive to the demands of employers and learners. They'll be more relevant to employers’ needs and more accessible to a wider range of learners.
An essential tool in this reform of vocational qualifications is the QCF.
What is the QCF?
It's the new framework for creating and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It will give a wider range of learners the opportunity to get the qualifications they need, in a way that suits them. QCF qualifications are designed with the help of employers so learners can be assured that they're gaining skills that employers are looking for.
The QCF:
• recognises smaller steps of learning and enables learners to build up qualifications bit by bit
• helps learners achieve skills and qualifications that meet industry needs
• enables work-based training to be nationally recognised.
Our role
The government asked the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and Ofqual to implement the QCF in England in 2008 following two years of tests and trials.
Then operating as QCA, we worked with partner organisations to get the education sector ready to put the QCF in practice. We worked closely with sector skills councils, awarding organisations, learning providers, employers and learners. Visit our resources page to find out how the QCF benefits these audiences and to find a wealth of guidance and support materials.
The LSC is responsible for implementing funding, planning and performance measures to support QCF qualifications in England. It's also delivering the QCF Service Layer, which stores learners’ achievement data from awarding organisations.
Find out more about the Service Layer and funding.
Ofqual is responsible for regulating the QCF in England. Visit the Ofqual website to find more about QCF regulation.
European Qualifications Framework
QCDA was also involved in referencing the QCF to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The EQF links European countries’ qualifications systems to each other and makes it easier to cross-reference qualifications between countries. For more information on the EQF and how the QCF works within it, visit the QCF readiness resources page.
QCDA and higher education
QCDA has produced a publication that provides information on how the QCF links with higher education and explores the opportunities and impact the QCF will bring. More guidance and support can be found on the QCF resources page.
Last modified: 15 Apr 2010
