Summary
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is Ireland's 10-level system for comparing and understanding all education and training qualifications. Level 5 includes the Leaving Certificate and PLC courses. Level 6 is a Higher Certificate. Level 7 is an ordinary degree. Level 8 is an honours degree. Level 9 is a masters degree. Level 10 is a doctorate.
What is the NFQ?
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a system of 10 levels used to describe all education and training qualifications in Ireland. It was established to make qualifications easier to understand and compare, both nationally and internationally.
The NFQ is aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), meaning Irish qualifications are recognised across Europe.
The 10 Levels
Doctoral Degree
PhD, Professional Doctorates
Original research contribution to knowledge
Masters Degree
MA, MSc, MBA, Higher Diploma
Advanced specialised study
Honours Bachelor Degree
BA (Hons), BSc (Hons), BE
Standard university degree
Ordinary Bachelor Degree
BA, BSc, BBS
Degree often from ITs/TUs
Higher Certificate
Higher Certificate in...
First higher education qualification
Level 5 Certificate
QQI Level 5, Leaving Cert
PLC courses, Leaving Certificate
Level 4 Certificate
Junior Cycle, JCSP
Junior Certificate level
Level 3 Certificate
QQI Level 3
Basic vocational skills
Level 2 Certificate
QQI Level 2
Elementary skills
Level 1 Certificate
QQI Level 1
Initial education
Key Levels for CAO Applicants
Honours Bachelor Degree
- • 3-4 year programmes
- • All university degrees
- • Required for many professions
- • Direct pathway to Level 9
- • Higher CAO points required
Ordinary Bachelor Degree
- • 3 year programmes
- • Often at TUs/ITs
- • Can progress to Level 8
- • More practical focus
- • Lower points threshold
Higher Certificate
- • 2 year programmes
- • Entry-level higher ed
- • Can progress to Level 7
- • Industry-focused
- • Lowest CAO points
Progression Between Levels
Level 5
PLC / LC
Level 6
Higher Cert
Level 7
Ordinary Degree
Level 8
Honours Degree
Level 9
Masters
Level 6 → 7: Usually 1 additional year. Many Higher Certificates are designed with Level 7 add-on years.
Level 7 → 8: Usually 1-2 additional years. Called a "top-up" or "add-on" degree. May have specific entry requirements.
Level 8 → 9: 1-2 years for a taught masters, or longer for research. Usually requires a 2:1 or higher in your undergraduate degree.
Level 8 vs Level 7: Does It Matter?
Many employers and postgraduate programmes treat Level 7 and Level 8 differently. However, Level 7 graduates can often progress to Level 8 within 1-2 years.
When Level 8 is Required:
- • Professional registration (medicine, law, teaching, engineering)
- • Many graduate programmes and civil service roles
- • Direct entry to masters programmes
- • International recognition in some jurisdictions
When Level 7 is Sufficient:
- • Many industry roles (especially with experience)
- • Stepping stone with add-on year planned
- • Practical/technical careers
- • If points don't reach Level 8 requirements
QQI and the NFQ
QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) is the state agency that maintains the NFQ and awards qualifications at Levels 1-6 and Level 9-10. Universities and Technological Universities award their own degrees (Levels 7-10) within the NFQ framework.
PLC courses typically lead to QQI Level 5 or Level 6 certificates. These can be used for progression to higher education through the CAO QQI points system or reserved places.