Qualifications Framework … what is it?

Qualifications Framework … what is it?

Nationally recognised vocational education and training Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications are provided through endorsed Training Packages and accredited courses as follows.

  • In endorsed Training Packages, qualifications are created by combining units of competency into meaningful groups aligned to the AQF and endorsed by the NQC within the Training Package Qualifications Framework.
  •  In courses, accredited by State or Territory course accrediting bodies where there is no relevant endorsed Training Package and an industry or community need has been identified, qualifications can be based on:
    • a combination of units of competency from one or more Training Packages, or groups of endorsed units of competency
    • units of competency, for example specific enterprise units of competency
    • modules incorporating learning outcomes, where the course developer can show it is not possible to develop competency standards.

Increasingly, vocational education and training qualifications are Training Package based.

Training Package qualifications are created by combining units of competency into groups which meet job roles and are meaningful in the workplace, a process known as ‘packaging’, and aligning those groups of competencies to vocational qualifications identified in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Importing of accredited course units to Training Package qualification electives is allowed and encouraged in order to widen available choice.

All Training Package qualifications must be consistent with the advice provided in the current edition of the AQF Implementation Handbook (available from www.aqf.edu.au)

The AQF covers all nationally recognised qualifications in Australia, across the three sectors – schools, vocational education and training and higher education. The AQF Implementation Handbook provides a comprehensive guideline for each AQF qualification.

There are currently eight competency-based qualifications identified for the vocational education and training sector:

  • Certificate I
  • Certificate II
  • Certificate III
  • Certificate IV
  • Diploma
  • Advanced Diploma
  • Vocational Graduate Certificate
  • Vocational Graduate Diploma

Refer to the Australian Qualifications Framework Implementation Handbook for more information.

Training Packages can include a range of AQF qualifications, including multiple Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualifications to cater for occupational specialities within the industry or industry sector covered by the Training Package.

There is no requirement that the full range of qualifications from Certificate I to Vocational Graduate Diploma be available in one Training Package. However, developers must fully consider inclusion of Certificate I or II qualifications to cater for entry level training and people disadvantaged in access to vocational education and training and employment.

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