Introduction to the Qualifications Credit Framework

The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is the new Government framework for recognising achievement through the award of credits for units and qualifications.

It is designed to be simple, flexible, less bureaucratic, inclusive and responsive enabling people to accumulate credits towards a vocational qualification which reflects the diversity of their occupational role and responsibility. It provides the option to achieve a full vocational qualification by taking smaller steps in a more flexible and manageable way to suit their circumstances. They can undertake courses which enable them to accumulate credits. Credits are awarded upon completion of a unit. Units are either knowledge or competence focussed as they relate to different aspects of a vocational role or work activity. 

Future qualifications will only be called an Award, Certificate or Diploma - the title will depend solely on the size of the qualification i.e. the number of credits required. For example - an Award can be from 1 to 12 credits.  One credit equals 10 notional learning hours. As well as the three sorts of qualification there will be nine different levels - from 'entry' to level 8.  Entry and level 1 are called the 'Foundation Learning Tier' and level 8 equates to post graduate work.

In adult social care we currently only have vocational qualifications at levels 2, 3 and 4 - this may change as the QCF develops. Credit can be accumulated for larger qualifications through the completion of smaller qualifications or units. I credit = 10 'notional' learning hours. Notional learning hours includes....mentoring, supervision, observation, visual learning, classroom, work based etc

Benefits to learners:

• More choice and flexibility
• Build up credits at their own pace
• Undertake learning in smaller bite size chunks
• Transfer credits and learning between qualifications to avoid repetition

Benefits to Employers:

• Level and size of achievements of prospective employees easily identified
• Qualification options and pathways clear, helping employees and employers find the right training for their learning and business needs

Revolutions Training provides Diplomas in Health and Social Care (Adults) at levels 2 and 3 as well as the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce.