UK NARIC comparison statements are changing on our online databases from Monday 3 December.
This applies to International Comparisons (IC), Vocational Comparisons (VC) and Teaching Comparisons (TC).
The most significant change to our databases is the way that National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ), above level 3, are expressed on our statements.
NVQs are now offered at seven levels, corresponding to the first seven levels of the RQF and the CQFW. The names of the awards will now align with their framework level.
Due to changes that have occurred in the sector, what was previously the National Qualification Framework (NQF) has become the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW).
NVQs were originally offered at one of five levels, in line with the five original levels of the now obsolete NQF.
When the NQF and its successor frameworks expanded to include eight principal levels, NVQ levels 1-5 endured. UK NARIC thus compared occupationally orientated qualifications to NVQ levels 1-5.
As shown in the table below, the now obsolete NVQ level 5, which was previously the highest level of NVQ attainable and benchmarked at level 7 alongside a Master’s degree, would now correspond to the new (RQF / CQFW) level 7 NVQ.
The table illustrates how some of the old and new NVQ comparability statements align:
Old NARIC Statement |
New NARIC Statement |
Is considered comparable to a standard between N/SVQ level 3 and N/SVQ level 4 |
Level 4 NVQ / SQA Professional Development Award at SCQF Level 7 |
Is considered comparable to N/SVQ level 4 standard |
Level 5 NVQ / SVQ Level 4 / SQA Professional Development Award at SCQF level 8 |
Is considered comparable to N/SVQ level 5 standard |
Level 7 NVQ / SVQ Level 5
|
The new comparability statements, which indicate how international qualifications correspond to UK levels, will be more concise and easier to understand. For the most part, wording differences will be subtle, with minimal differences between old and new statements.
For further information about the new statements, and if you have any queries, please contact your account manager.