Understanding how NQF levels work in South Africa is important for anyone who wants to build a career in the future. This article will help you understand everything you need to know about National Qualification Framework Levels.
What is NQF Level?
National Qualification Framework (NQF) is a qualification structure used by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to represent different levels or stages of learning a particular skill or knowledge.
The NQF focuses on a list of ‘applied competencies,’ so each Level signifies a specific standard of intellectual and academic skills, including problem-solving abilities and learner autonomy. This system is used in different parts of the world.
There are ten (10) levels and Each is a registered South African qualification according to the NQF Act of 2008. The higher an individual’s level, the more proficient the person is in a particular field of study or skill.
How Do These NQF Levels Work?
Previously I mentioned that there are 10 NQF levels, These levels are divided into three segments:
- Levels 1 to 4 represent grades 9 to 12 in high school or vocational certificate
- Levels 5 and 6 represent university diplomas and vocational qualifications
- Levels 7 to 10 represent university degrees.
| Grade Nine | Level 1 |
| Grade Ten | Level 2 |
| Grade Eleven | Level 3 |
| Grade Twelve/(National Senior Certificate) and National Vocational Certificate | Level 4 |
| Higher Certificates & Advanced National (Vocational) Certificates | Level 5 |
| National Diplomas & Advanced Certificates | Level 6 |
| Bachelor Degrees, Advanced Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificates, & Bachelor of Technology | Level 7 |
| Bachelor Honours, Postgraduate diplomas, & Professional Qualifications | Level 8 |
| Master’s Degree | Level 9 |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | Level 10 |
For learners to advance from one NQF level to another, they must have passed a test or an examination to prove that they have mastered the skills or knowledge in the current level that they are in. For example, if you have spent four or five years in a university and you have successfully passed all your exams, you will be given a bachelor degree, which is represented by NQF Level 7.
Why is it Important to Have NQF Levels?
NQF levels help learners to choose the correct level they need to attain to be able to pursue a particular career. It also helps employers to choose the right individuals to employ for a particular position in an organization, knowing that he/she is qualified for that position, or that he/she is able to do that job efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NQF Level 4 the same as Matric? Yes it is. Grade 12 is also populary known as Matric.
Which NQF Level is Higher Certificate registered? Higher Certificate is registered on Level 5 as shown above.
What is the NQF Level for NATED courses? A National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) qualification is on Level 5.
