What is QQI?

What is QQI?

QQI stands for Quality Qualifications Ireland.

A qualification is a formal record awarded following a period of successful study or training. 

Qualifications recognise the knowledge and skills that have been achieved and can be practised by a student.

QQI is the state agency responsible for promoting the quality, integrity and reputation of Ireland’s further and higher education system.

They ensure that students achieve qualifications that are valued nationally and internationally. 

They provide trusted information on the qualifications included on the National Framework of Qualifications. (NFQ)

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QQI are responsible for the external quality assurance of further and higher education and training in Ireland.

They validate or certify programmes, make awards and are responsible for the promotion, maintenance, development and review of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

They also inform the public about the quality of education and training programmes and qualifications, and advise the Government on national policy regarding quality assurance and enhancement in education and training. 

QQI supports students at each stage of their learning journey, whether by issuing QQI Award certificates, verifying existing qualifications such as FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council) or HETAC ( Higher Education and Training Awards Council) awards, or advising on the move to higher education.

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This 10-level National Framework of Qualifications helps you to compare different qualifications, showing how students can progress from one level to the next.

The NFQ ( National Framework of Qualifications) can also help you to compare a foreign qualification with its Irish equivalent and can help with the recognition of Irish qualifications abroad. 

The NFQ classifies the level, class of award and type of qualifications in Ireland from Level 1 literacy qualifications, through to Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate and Level 10 doctoral degrees.

One of the main roles of QQI is to validate or certify the educational and training programmes providers intend to offer students.
This means that they are satisfied that:  

● A given programme’s learning outcomes are right for its intended NFQ level and award type,

● The award is achievable by students

● Appropriate resources and quality assurance processes for the programme are in place. 

QQI’s programme validation process ensures that any new programme proposed by a provider to lead to a QQI award has been fully evaluated and approved before it is offered to students.
This means that the programme leading to an award is: 

● Quality-assured;

● Nationally and internationally recognised

● Placed on the National Framework of Qualifications. (NFQ)

National Framework of Qualifications