Qualifications: what the different levels mean
A qualification shows employers, teachers and learners what you have learnt and what you can do as a result of that learning. There is a large variety of qualifications available so they are grouped together into levels to show how they compare and what other qualifications they can lead to.
Qualification frameworks
In the UK, most qualifications taken through work, school, college or university, fit into one of nine levels (12 in Scotland). The higher the level, the harder the qualification. The levels are based on the standards of knowledge, skill and competence needed for each qualification. Qualifications at the same level can be very different in terms of content and the length of time they take to complete.
Knowing about the different levels means that you can compare qualifications and identify what you need for your chosen career.
Four qualifications frameworks are in use within the UK:
- Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Northern Ireland
- Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW)
- Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
- Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ)
Qualification levels
The table below shows some examples of qualifications at each level under the various frameworks. The list is not exhaustive.
| Qualification level | Examples of qualifications | What they give you |
|---|---|---|
| Entry |
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| One |
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| Two |
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| Three |
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| Four |
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| Five |
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| Six |
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| Seven |
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| Eight |
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More information on the frameworks and associated levels, including comparisons with other countries can be found on the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessments (CCEA) website.
Comparing qualification levels from outside Northern Ireland
There are 12 qualification levels in Scotland. These are set out in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
Irish qualifications are set out in the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.
You can compare European qualification levels and also get information on specific qualifications that occupy those levels in national frameworks.
You can also contact the UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC) to compare a UK qualification with any non-UK qualification (there may be a fee for this subject to your request).
Useful links