The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) sets out the levels against which a qualification can be recognised in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It helps learners make informed decisions about the qualifications they want to pursue, by comparing the levels of different qualifications and identifying different progression routes.

The accreditation of qualifications makes sure they are of a high quality and that they meet the needs of learners and employers. In 2004 QCA started the process of revising the NQF so that it could recognize qualifications more precisely. To achieve this, we increased the number of levels in the NQF from five to nine.

The current levels 4 to 8 (previously levels 4 and 5) broadly compare to the framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), which covers qualifications, provided by universities and other higher education institutions. The increase in levels does not change the number of qualifications available or a qualification’s content. 

As of January 2006 qualifications are awarded against the new NQF levels. (Higher-level NVQs and related qualifications will continue to be awarded against the previous NQF levels.) All accredited qualifications are awarded an NQF level. If a qualification shares the same level as another qualification, they are broadly similar in terms of the demand they place on the learner. However, qualifications at the same level can still be very different in terms of content and duration.

The NQF now comprises nine levels (entry level to level 8). Entry level and levels 1 to 3 did not change. Levels 4 and 5 were divided into five levels. The table below shows a selection of individual qualifications and how they appear in the current NQF.

It also highlights how the current levels broadly compare to the FHEQ levels.

National Qualification Framework for England,  Wales & Northern Ireland
Previous levels & examples	Current levels & examples	Framework for higher education qualifications
5 Level 5 NVQ in Construction Management Level 5 Diploma in Translation	8 Specialist awards	D (doctoral) Doctorates
	7 Level 7 Diploma in Translation	M (masters) Masters degrees, postgraduate
4 Level 4 NVQ in Advice and Guidance Level 4 National Diploma in professional production skills  Level 4 BTEC Higher National Diploma in 3D design  Level 4 Certificate in Early Years	6 Level 6 National Diploma in Professional Production Skills	H (honours) Bachelor degrees, graduate certificates and diplomas
	5 Level 5 BTEC Higher National Diploma in 3D Design	I (intermediate) Diplomas of higher education and further education, foundation degrees and higher national diplomas
	4 Level 4 Certificate in Early Years	C (certificate) Certificates of higher education
3 Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Care Level 3 NVQ in Aeronautical Engineering A levels
2 Level 2 Diploma for Beauty Specialists Level 2 NVQ in Agricultural Crop Production GCSEs Grades A*-C
1 Level 1 Certificate in Motor Vehicle Studies Level 1 NVQ in Bakery GCSEs Grades D-G
Entry Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy