Future-proofing the NFQ

A priority of the QQI Statement of Strategy 2025-2027 is to future-proof the National Framework of Qualifications as the authoritative information source for quality assured tertiary qualifications. Actions identified to deliver this priority include the further development of QQI’s platforms to promote the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) as the authoritative source of information on quality-assured qualifications including micro-credentials and the review and modification of the current system of award types in the NFQ to better serve learners in a more integrated tertiary education system, including general education qualifications delivered via the school system.

Programme for review of the NFQ

This programme aims to deliver on this priority by conducting a policy review of the National Framework of Qualifications. This will include the review of existing policy and the development of new policy to formally articulate the mechanism for maintaining and implementing the NFQ, as well as promotions and communications.

A history of the NFQ

The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) was introduced in 2003. While it may have begun its life primarily as an information source, it has since been transformed into a filter tool for a range of functions including government funding, student grant aid and employee recruitment. It has worked its way into the national lexicon in a way that many of its counterparts elsewhere have not.

Explore the documents below to discover more about the history of the NFQ and follow its development from pre-establishment to a mature qualifications framework respected internationally.

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