NCFE and the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)
What is it? – the QCF will, for the first time, introduce a standard currency for learner achievement across the qualifications system through the award of credit. It’s a framework with a new way of recognising skills and qualifications. It does this by awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning) and enables people to gain qualifications at their own pace along flexible routes.
Understanding credit – all new units developed for inclusion on the QCF must include a credit value. The credit value's role is to indicate the amount of directed learning time required, on average, for a learner to achieve a unit. Learning time is made up not only of Guided Learning Hours (GLH) but also of directed time spent 'away from the provider' (non-GLH: homework, independent research, work placement / experience).
What it means to learning providers – besides being able to offer more freedom, flexibility, choice and opportunities for learners, it will also:
♦ help improve retention and progression rates by recognising smaller steps of achievement more frequently
♦ track all learners' achievements through the use of a unique learner number (ULN) and an individual's electronic learner record, giving providers standard information about each learner's past achievements
♦ describe achievements to employers and learners in a language that’s easy to understand.
What we’re doing – NCFE is currently working hard to transfer qualifications from the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) onto the QCF. Most of our new qualifications will be going onto the QCF as will many of those that require extensions to their accreditation end date. This may mean a change in some of the accreditation codes and potentially an amendment to the qualification content.
We’ll constantly update our sector pages below with progress towards the QCF and information about current developments in each of the NCFE priority sectors:
Arts, Media and Publishing
Child Development and Well Being
Education and Training
Health, Public Services and Care
Leisure, Travel and Tourism
Preparation for Life and Work
Retail and Commercial Enterprise
For more information contact the Research and Product Development team at NCFE on 0191 239 8000 or email info@ncfe.org.uk
Page Author Paul Burton paulburton@ncfe.org.uk updated October 2008