The National Qualifications Framework
The NQF is a framework i.e. it sets the boundaries, principle and guidelines, which provide a vision, a philosophical base and an organisational structure, for the construction of a qualifications system. Detailed development and implementation is carried out within these boundaries. All education and training in South Africa fits within this framework.
It is national because it is a national resource, representing a national effort at integrating education and training into unified structure of recognised qualifications. It is framework of qualifications i.e. records of learner achievements.
The NQF is a set of principles and guidelines by which records of learner achievement are registered to enable national recognition of acquired skills and knowledge, thereby ensuring an integrated system that encourages lifelong learning.
The NQF consist of 10 levels divided into three bands, namely:
| Levels | Designation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Grade 9 |
| 2 | Grade 10 and National (vocational) Certificates level 2 |
| 3 | Grade 11 and National (vocational) Certificates level 3 |
| 4 | National Senior Certificate and National (vocational) Cert. level 4 |
| 5 | Higher Certificates and Advanced National (vocational) Cert. |
| 6 | Diploma and Advanced certificates |
| 7 | Bachelors Degree and Advanced Diplomas |
| 8 | Honours, Post Grad diploma and Professional Qualifications |
| 9 | Masters Degrees |
| 10 | Doctoral Degrees |
Read more about this topic: South African Qualifications Authority
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