Overview

The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) of Ireland describes the qualifications used in the nation’s education and training system.  The 10-level NFQ classifies the level, class of award, and type of qualifications in Ireland. This system enables learners to compare different qualifications and see how to progress from one level to the next. The NFQ shows how general education, further education and training, and higher education awards are mapped against the 10 levels of the framework. The NFQ is portrayed in a fan-shaped graphic:

• Major Awards: named in the outer rings, are the principal class of awards made at a level.
• Minor Awards: are for partial completion of the outcomes for a Major Award. All Minor Awards are single modules which can be combined and certified individually. All Minor Awards are linked to a Major Award and can be stacked towards gaining a Major Award.
• Supplemental Awards: are for learning that is additional to a Major Award. These awards recognize learning concerned with updating upskilling, or continuing education and training.
• Special Purpose Awards: are for relatively narrow or purpose-specific achievement. They are developed for specific areas of learning that have a narrow scope.
• Professional Awards: are for occupation-orientated qualifications including apprenticeships.

Minor, Supplemental, and Special Purpose awards share characteristics of what increasingly are termed microcredentials.

The NFQ also enables comparisons among foreign qualifications with their Irish equivalent.

Irish Government Initiative in Microcredentials

From March 2024 – October 2025, the Higher Education Authority (HEDA) and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science (DFHERIS) introduced an 80% learner free subsidy for certain (>300) identified microcredentials. Government funding for courses addressing skills Iin key priority areas include:

• Renewable energy
• Sustainability
• Construction and planning
• Artificial intelligence
• cybersecurity

Related Resources

• Europass – a set of online tools and information to help manage the various steps of an individual’s learning and career journey. Quality Qualifications Ireland) manages Ireland's National Europass Centreand engages in promotional activities for stakeholders and Europass users.
• Qualifax - Ireland’s national learners’ database, is a 'one stop shop’ for learners and the public.
• Recognition of foreign qualifications - NARIC Ireland offers advice on the recognition of foreign academic qualifications in Ireland.

References

The National Framework of Qualifications

https://www.qqi.ie/what-we-do/the-qualifications-system/national-framework-of-qualifications