RQF levels of qualifications in the UK stand mean the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and all qualifications regulated by Ofqual (in England) are on this framework. Most qualifications have a difficulty level. The higher the level, the more difficult the qualification is.
Difference between RQF and NQF
The RQF levels have replaced previously implemented NQF levels in 2015. In general, the difference is as follows:
NQF
This standard consists of 9 levels. The initial level 1 is basic and 8 is super brainy. The focus of these levels was knowledge-based. It assessed what the holder of a certain qualification knew, not necessarily what they could do.
RQF
The newly adopted system is called the Regulated Qualifications Framework and has 9 levels. This system uses credits to measure the size of a qualification (this is usually also practiced in whole EU countries). The focus of this new standard is competency-based. It comprises what the holder of a qualification can with based on knowledge. RQF uses, making it easier to compare different learning paths.
Use of RQF levels in Immigration
RQF levels are widely used as terms in immigration matters. Students use it to calculate the qualifications eligibility for admission to UK universities. Skilled workers have to learn about these levels because of requirements from employers about certain eligibility levels from RQF. In the case of applying for recognition, the knowledge of these levels is also important.
RQF Levels
| Levels | Year 1 of a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, Higher National Certificate (HNC) |
| Level 1 | GCSE (grades D-G or 3-1) |
| Level 2 | GCSE (grades A-C or 9-4) |
| Level 3 | A levels |
| Level 4 | Year 2 of a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, Higher National Diploma (HND), Foundation degree |
| Level 5 | Year 2 of a 3 year Bachelor’s degree, Higher National Diploma (HND), Foundation degree |
| Level 6 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Level 7Level 8 | Postgraduate, Master’s degree Ph.D |
Level of Qualifications in the United Kingdom
There are 9 levels of qualifications in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland which are as follows:
Entry level
Each entry-level qualification is available at three sub-levels – 1, 2 and 3. Entry level 3 is the most difficult.
Entry-level qualifications:
- entry level award
- entry level certificate (ELC)
- entry level diploma
- entry-level English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
- entry-level essential skills
- entry-level functional skills
- Skills for Life
Level 1
Level 1 qualifications are:
- first certificate
- GCSE – grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G
- level 1 award
- level 1 certificate
- level 1 diploma
- level 1 ESOL
- level 1 essential skills
- level 1 functional skills
- level 1 national vocational qualification (NVQ)
- music grades 1, 2 and 3
Level 2
Level 2 qualifications are:
- CSE – grade 1
- GCSE – grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C
- intermediate apprenticeship
- level 2 award
- level 2 certificate
- level 2 diploma
- level 2 ESOL
- level 2 essential skills
- level 2 functional skills
- level 2 national certificate
- level 2 national diploma
- level 2 NVQ
- music grades 4 and 5
- O level – grade A, B or C
Level 3
Level 3 qualifications are:
- A level
- access to higher education diploma
- advanced apprenticeship
- applied general
- AS level
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
- level 3 award
- level 3 certificate
- level 3 diploma
- level 3 ESOL
- level 3 national certificate
- level 3 national diploma
- level 3 NVQ
- music grades 6, 7 and 8
- tech level
Level 4
Level 4 qualifications are:
- certificate of higher education (CertHE)
- higher apprenticeship
- higher national certificate (HNC)
- level 4 award
- level 4 certificate
- level 4 diploma
- level 4 NVQ
Level 5
Level 5 qualifications are:
- diploma of higher education (DipHE)
- foundation degree
- higher national diploma (HND)
- level 5 award
- level 5 certificate
- level 5 diploma
- level 5 NVQ
Level 6
Level 6 qualifications are:
- degree apprenticeship
- degree with honors – for example, bachelor of the arts (BA) Hons, bachelor of science (BSc) Hons.
- graduate certificate
- graduate diploma
- level 6 award
- level 6 certificate
- level 6 diploma
- level 6 NVQ
- ordinary degree without honors
Level 7
Level 7 qualifications are:
- integrated master’s degree, for example, master of engineering (MEng)
- level 7 award
- level 7 certificate
- level 7 diploma
- level 7 NVQ
- master’s degree, for example master of arts (MA), master of science (MSc)
- postgraduate certificate
- postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE)
- postgraduate diploma
Level 8
Level 8 qualifications are:
- doctorate, for example, doctor of philosophy (Ph.D. or DPhil)
- level 8 award
- level 8 certificate
- level 8 diploma