Understanding Northern Ireland’s framework of qualifications is very important when choosing a nightcourse, you do not want to enrol in a course with a qualification that has less value than one you already possess, or a course that is beyond your current skill levels and will prove too difficult. It’s all about locating your current position on the framework, and then finding a course that will take you to the next level of lifelong learning.

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) was amended from five to nine levels (entry level plus eight levels) in January 2006 to more accurately reflect the complexity of educational qualifications available. So let’s dive straight in, shall we?

Entry Level: Learning basic knowledge and skills that are not yet geared toward a specific occupation, e.g. BTEC (Business & Technology Education Council) Certificates in Life Skills, BTEC Certificates in Skills for Working Life

Level 1: The ability to apply basic knowledge and skills under supervision, e.g. National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) 1, GCSEs Grades D-G, BTEC Diplomas and Certificates, Certificate in Plastering, ECDL Essentials

Level 2: The building of skills/knowledge in relation to an area of work, e.g. NVQ 2, GCSEs A-C, BTEC Diplomas and Certificates, Diploma for Beauty Specialists, ECDL Extra

Level 3: Obtaining detailed knowledge and skills, appropriate for people who wish to enrol in university, work independently, or supervise/train others (in limited areas), e.g. NVQ 3, A Levels, BTEC Diplomas and Certificates, Certificate for Teaching Assistants, ECDL Advanced

Awards at Level 4 and up, are equivalent with Levels C(ertificate), I(ntermediate), H(onours), M(asters) & D(octoral) respectively in the Framework for Higher Education Qualification Levels (FHEQ)

Level 4: Gaining a high level of information and knowledge in an area of work/study, appropriate for people in technical and professional roles, e.g. NVQ 4, C&G (City & Guilds) Licentiateship, BTEC Professional Diplomas/Certificates, Certificates of Higher Education, Certificate in Site Management

Level 5: Learning at this level involves the demonstration of high levels of knowledge and work expertise, and competence in management/training.  Appropriate for roles as manager, professional and higher-grade technician, e.g. NVQ 4, C&G Licentiateship, BTEC Higher National Diplomas/Certificates, BTEC Professional Diplomas/Certificates, Certificate in Performing Arts

Level 6: Empowering the individual to use their own ideas and research in complex areas of work or study; suitable for professional management, e.g. NVQ 4, C&G Licentiateship, Bachelor Degrees, BTEC Professional Diplomas/Certificates, Certificate or Diploma in Management

Level 7: Provides highly developed and complex levels of knowledge; appropriate for senior professionals and managers, e.g. NVQ 5, C&G Graduateship and Associateship, BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas/Certificates, Masters Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas/Certificates, Diploma in Translation

Level 8: Become a leading expert or practitioner in a particular field, e.g. NVQ 5, C&G Graduateship and Associateship, BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas/Certificates, Doctorates, Specialist Awards

So research fully the various awards available if you plan to take a nightcourse. The right qualification can set you up in the perfect job, get you that dream promotion, or allow you allow you to continue on your merry way up the educational slope.