National Qualifications Authority of Ireland
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland or NQAI (Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann in Irish) was set up under the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999 to develop and promote the implementation of a National Framework of Qualifications across education and training in Ireland.
The Authority's role
The Authority’s principal tasks are as follows:
- To establish and enable the implementation of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)
- To enable improved arrangements for access, transfer and progression for learners
- To facilitate the recognition of international awards
The National Framework
As one of its main functions, the NQAI established the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The NFQ is a ten-stage system incorporating educational and training awards from certificate to doctoral level. Awards no longer made are included in the framework for reference purposes.
See also
- Education in the Republic of Ireland
- Institutes of Technology in Ireland
- List of universities in the Republic of Ireland
- State Examinations Commission