Introduction to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
NQF Structure
Band
NQF Level
Types of Qualifications and Certificates
Locations of Learning for Units and Qualifications
Higher Education and Training Certificate – HET
8 Higher Education and Training (HET) 7 6 5 Doctorates Further Research Degrees Tertiary/Research/Professional Institutions Higher Degrees Professional Qualifications First Degrees Universities, Technikons, Colleges, Higher Diplomas Workplace, Private/ Professional Diplomas Institutions Occupational Certificates
Further Education and Training Certificate – FET
Further Education and Training 4 3 2 School / College / Trade Certificates / Learnerships Mix of units from all State/Private High Schools, Technical Schools and Colleges, Private Colleges, Nursing/Military/Police Training Centres, Industry Training Boards, RDP/Labour Market Schemes, Unions, Workplaces
General Education and Training Certificate – GET
Senior Phase General Education and Training Intermediate Phase Foundation Phase Pre-school ABET level 4 Formal Urban/Rural/Farm/Special Schools, occupational/work-based ABET level 3 training, RDP/Labour Market Schemes, NGO’s – churches, night schools, ABET ABET level 2 programmes, private providers, Industry Training Boards, Unions, Workplaces, ABET level 1 upliftment/community programmes,
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Qualification Equivalent:
NQF Level 1 1 – ABET 1 1 – ABET 2 1 – ABET 3 1 – ABET 4 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
School Grade/Qualification Pre-school and Primary School to Grade 7 3 5 7 9 8 10 12 National Certificates and Diplomas Bachelor Degrees Masters Professionals
Doctorates and beyond
The objectives of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) are to: (a) (b) create an integrated national framework for learning achievements; facilitate access to, and mobility and progression within education, training and career paths; (c) (d) enhance the quality of education and training; accelerate the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities; and thereby (e) contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the nation at large.
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