Q F N D N A I Q Q Questions and answers about where your awards fit into the new system of Quality and Qualifications Ireland...
Q
My daughter is filling out her CAO Handbook for third level options this year and there is a reference to ‘Levels’. What do they mean and how do they relate to my daughter’s application?
A
Since 2004, references to ‘Levels’ have featured in the CAO Handbook. These refer to the 10 Levels of Qualification set out by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). The Irish qualifications system was restructured in 2003 and is now described in terms of awards at 10 levels in the National Framework of Qualifications, also referred to as NFQ, for which the QQI is responsible. The 10 Levels of the NFQ incorporate awards
The Definitive Guide to Going to College
made for all kinds of learning, from basic literacy to doctorate level. School, further education and training and higher education and training (i.e. DIT, Institutes of Technology and the universities) are all included. For instance, the Leaving Certificate is at Level 4 and 5, apprenticeships qualifications are at Level 6, an Ordinary Bachelor Degree is at Level 7 and an Honours Bachelor Degree is at Level 8. The level a qualification is at on the NFQ indicates the standard of knowledge, skill and competence a learner is expected to have on completion of a programme. The higher education qualifications in