The NQF system ensures that learners’ skills and knowledge are formally acknowledged and can contribute to their career progression. Whether you’re pursuing a qualification or looking to understand how the system works, here’s an essential guide to NQF qualifications in South Africa.
What is the NQF?
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a system that records the credits assigned to various levels of learning. This framework is designed to ensure that the skills and knowledge acquired by learners are recognized nationally and integrated into a single structure. Its core objective is to facilitate lifelong learning and make education more accessible, equitable, and standardized across South Africa.
The NQF is designed with several goals in mind:
- National recognition of qualifications: The NQF ensures that your qualifications are valid across the country, making it easier for you to access opportunities in education and employment.
- Enhance education quality: By establishing guidelines for accredited training providers, the NQF aims to improve the overall quality of education.
- Facilitate mobility and career progression: The framework allows for smooth transitions between different learning levels and career paths.
- Promote fairness and redress: It works to eliminate past educational inequalities, giving all South Africans equal opportunities to develop professionally.
The Structure of the NQF
The NQF is divided into three sub-frameworks, each covering different levels of education and training:
- General and Further Education and Training Sub-Framework (GFETQSF): This sub-framework covers levels 1 to 4 and is typically aimed at school education and basic skills training.
- Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF): Spanning levels 5 to 10, this framework is for post-school qualifications like diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and postgraduate qualifications.
- Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF): Covering levels 1 to 6, this sub-framework is designed for vocational qualifications, including trades and professional qualifications.
Each sub-framework defines the types of qualifications and part qualifications that are registered at specific NQF levels. For example:
- GFETQSF: Levels 1-4 (e.g., Basic Education)
- HEQSF: Levels 5-10 (e.g., Higher Education)
- OQSF: Levels 1-6 (e.g., Vocational Education)
How Qualifications Are Structured
Qualifications on the NQF are composed of unit standards and modules. Unit standards are smaller courses that can take from a few days to several months to complete. Each unit standard represents a certain number of credits, with 1 credit typically equaling 10 hours of learning.
Credit Breakdown:
- Fundamental Component: This consists of unit standards worth 25 credits, and they are mandatory for all qualifications.
- Core Component: The core component requires a total of 91 credits. These unit standards are compulsory, focusing on the primary knowledge and skills required for the qualification.
- Elective Component: Learners select elective unit standards worth 22 credits. These electives allow learners to specialize in specific areas relevant to their field, such as business, IT, or engineering.
The Role of SAQA and Quality Councils
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is responsible for overseeing the NQF. SAQA ensures that qualifications and unit standards meet specific criteria for registration. Qualifications are registered through collaboration with three Quality Councils (QCs):
- UMALUSI: Oversees general education and training.
- QCTO (Quality Council for Trades & Occupations): Governs occupational qualifications.
- CHE (Council on Higher Education): Manages higher education qualifications.
To get a qualification registered on the NQF, it must meet the registration criteria laid out by the relevant Quality Council and must comply with SAQA’s standards.