Qualifications Frameworks

The two qualifications frameworks in England are the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), for qualifications regulated by Ofqual, and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) for qualifications granted by bodies with degree awarding powers, overseen by the Quality Assurance Agency. These share a common numbering scheme for their levels, which was also used for the earlier Qualifications and Credit Framework. The RQF is linked to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the FHEQ to the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA).

RQF/FHEQ level Common qualifications EQF/QF-EHEA equivalent
Level 1 Foundation diploma
GCSE (grades D - G)
NVQ level 1
EQF level 2
Level 2 Higher diploma
GCSE (grades A* - C)
NVQ level 2
EQF level 3
Level 3 Advanced diploma
A-level
International Baccalaureate
BTEC National
NVQ level 3
EQF level 4
Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education
HNC (awarded by a degree-awarding institution)
QF-EHEA Intermediate qualifications within the Short Cycle
BTEC Professional award, certificate and diploma level 4
Higher National Certificate (HNC)
NVQ level 4
EQF level 5
Level 5 BTEC Professional award, certificate and diploma level 5
Higher National Diploma (HND)
NVQ level 4
Diploma of Higher Education
Foundation degree
HND (awarded by a degree-awarding institution)
QF-EHEA Short Cycle (within or linked to first cycle)
Level 6 BTEC Advanced Professional award, certificate and diploma level 6
NVQ level 4
EQF level 6
Graduate certificate
Graduate diploma
Professional Graduate Certificate of Education
QF-EHEA Intermediate qualifications within the First Cycle
Ordinary bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree with honours
QF-EHEA First Cycle (end of cycle)
Level 7 BTEC Advanced Professional award, certificate and diploma level 7
NVQ level 5
EQF level 7
Postgraduate certificate
Postgraduate diploma
Postgraduate Certificate of Education
QF-EHEA Intermediate qualifications within the Second Cycle
Integrated master's degree
Master's degree
QF-EHEA Second Cycle (end of cycle)
Level 8 NVQ level 5 EQF level 8
Doctorates QF-EHEA Third Cycle (end of cycle)