Information about QCA and NDAQ

 

What and Who is the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA )?

QCA is a non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Education and Skills (DfES ).  It is governed by a board, whose members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, and managed on a day-to-day basis by an executive team.

QCA  maintains and develops the national curriculum and associated assessments, test and examinations; and accredits and monitors qualifications in colleges and at work.

What is the National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ )?

The NDAQ  (Previously known as the National Qualifications Framework (NQF )) sets out levels at which qualifications can be recognised.  The purpose is to help learners make an informed decision about the qualifications they need.  Learners will be able to compare the levels of different qualifications and identify a clear progression route for their chosen career.

An individual level within the NDAQ  highlights the learning achievements needed to obtain an accredited qualification recognised at that level, within the industry that the learner chooses.

To view a table which shows the equivalence of levels in Southern Ireland and Scotland, click here

The NDAQ  is comprised of nine levels (Entry Level – Level 8), for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  All qualifications accredited within the framework will have a level.

What are level descriptors?

Level descriptors describe the range of generic outcomes that are characteristic to each level.  These outcomes are listed under 3 areas:

Level descriptors integrate vocational, occupational, academic and professional achievements, as well as those relating to personal achievements. The descriptors are also intended to provide a reference framework for determining the level of a unit or qualification and are used as a tool by professionals, such as ourselves, when developing new qualifications.

What is the Framework Development Programme?

Framework development forms a key strand within the Vocational Qualification Reform Programme.  The overall aim of this strand is to develop a jointly regulated Credit and Qualifications Framework (CQF ) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It has been agreed that over the next two years the three regulators (QCA , DELLS , CCEA)  in England, Wales and Northern Ireland respectively, will test and trial the mechanisms and processes needed to revise the current National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ ) and will provide advice and recommendations to ministers with a view to understanding and enabling a regulated CQF .  The first phase is underway, with phase 2 due in 2007.

For more information, visit www.qca.org.uk and click on the qualifications tab.