QQI Levels 1-6

Overview

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the state agency responsible for promoting the quality, integrity and reputation of Ireland's further and higher education system. QQI is the national awarding body for further education and training and for most private higher education providers. It is not a single exam: providers run QQI-validated programmes, and QQI sets award standards, validates programmes, assesses the fitness of providers and issues certificates.

Levels or stages

QQI awards sit on Ireland's 10-level National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). QQI is the awarding body for further education awards at Levels 1 to 6. Each major award is measured in further education and training (FET) credits:

Levels 1 and 2 are made up of components, most often in basic literacy and numeracy, which a learner can complete at their own pace. The Level 4 Certificate covers vocational and personal skills and can lead to employment at an introductory vocational level or to a Level 5 Certificate. At Level 5, holders are deemed to meet minimum entry requirements for a range of higher education programmes, though most take up employment. Level 6 holders can work independently or progress to higher education. The Higher Certificate at Level 6 is a higher education award of 120 ECTS credits, normally two years long.

Besides major awards, the NFQ lists minor awards (partial completion of a major award), supplemental awards, special purpose awards and professional awards.

How to apply

Learners enrol with a provider whose programme QQI has validated, for example an Education and Training Board or another community, voluntary or independent provider. QQI also publishes a database of QQI-validated programmes, and offers certificate replacement and qualification verification services.

FAQs