The QCF is a new way of recognising achievement through the award of credit for units and qualifications.

Credit and level

Every unit and qualification in the framework will have a credit value (one credit represents 10 hours, showing how much time it takes to complete) and a level between Entry level and level 8 (showing how difficult it is).

There are three sizes of qualifications in the QCF:

• Awards (1 to 12 credits)
• Certificates (13 to 36 credits)
• Diplomas (37 credits or more).

So in the new framework you can have an award at level 1 or an award at level 8. This is because the qualification type 'award, certificate, diploma' represents the size of a qualification, not how difficult it is.

Each qualification title contains the following:

• the level of the qualification (from Entry level at the bottom to level 8 at the top)
• the size of qualification (award/certificate/diploma)
• details indicating the content of the qualification.

Simply by looking at the title of a qualification you will be able to see how difficult it is, how long it will take the average learner to complete, and its general content. To understand the level of difficulty of the units and qualifications in the new framework it might be helpful to know that GCSEs (grade A*- C) are level 2, GCE A levels are level 3 and a PhD is a level 8. Knowing this can help to position the difficulty and challenge of each level in the framework.

NVQ

Health & social care national vocational qualifications (NVQs) are work-related, competence-based qualifications. They reflect the skills and knowledge a carer or health worker needs to do their job effectively, and shows that a learner is competent in the area of work.

Health & social care NVQs are based on national occupational standards. These standards are statements of performance that describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of care work, including current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding that underpin competent performance..

How are NVQs achieved?

NVQs are achieved through assessment and training. Assessment is normally through on-the-job observation and questioning. Learners produce evidence to prove they have the competence to meet the NVQ standards. Top Cat assessors sign off units when the learners are ready. The assessor tests their knowledge, understanding and work-based performance to make sure they can demonstrate competence in the workplace.