National standards

Each standard registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) describes what a learner needs to know or what they must be able to achieve.

Because the standards are nationally agreed, learners' achievements can be recognised in a number of contexts. Their knowledge and skills will be transferable between qualifications and providers.

Standards specify learning outcomes. Having qualifications based on learning outcomes is what makes NQF qualifications different from other qualifications systems (which are often focused more on outputs such as courses, or inputs such as curricula or teaching hours). Outcomes models have been endorsed by international bodies involved with funding education systems (for example, the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and the OECD).

Each standard has a defined credit value and sits at a specified level on the NQF. Credits may be accumulated from different learning institutions or workplaces towards a single qualification. All organisations accredited to assess against standards recognise NQF credits awarded by others.

• Unit standards are used in both academic and vocational contexts for National qualifications
• Achievement standards are used in school curriculum subjects for the National Certificate of Educational Achievement.

National qualifications do not count credits twice for the same learning outcome. Where a unit standard and an achievement standard assess substantially the same learning outcome they are considered mutually exclusive. The Exclusions List applies to all NQF qualifications

About Framework provides more information about the National Qualifications Framework.

About NCEA provides more information about the National Qualifications Framework in Schools.

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