Qualifications
Before choosing a course to study adult learners should do a bit of research;
- Find out what if any qualification they will be awarded upon completion of the course
- Know the institutions awarding body
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) is a body of 14 members appointed by the Minister of Education and Skills. Learners should always research what qualification they will receive upon completion of their chosen course. The two main awarding bodies in Ireland are;
HETAC - (The Higher Education and Training Awards Council) is the qualifications awarding body for third-level education and training institutions outside the University sector other than the Dublin Institute of Technology. It is the legal successor to the National Council for Educational Awards (NCEA).
FETAC - (The Further Education and Training Awards Council) is the national awarding body for all further education and training in Ireland.
In November 2008 the Minister for Finance announced that these three bodies would be amalgamated. The amalgamation will result in learners and award holders finding it easier to get recognition for achievements both nationally and internationally.
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a ten level system that incorporates awards made for all kinds of learning, large and small, whether it is gained in schools, the workplace, the community, training centre's, colleges or universities. For each level of the NFQ, standards of knowledge, skill and competence have been set out, defining the outcomes to be achieved by a learner seeking to gain a qualification.
For more information about your education and training options, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website or download a copy of the AONTAS Information booklet here.
