National Qualifications Authority of Ireland

The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland or NQAI was set up in 2001 under the Qualifications Act, 1999 to develop and promote the implementation of a National Framework of Qualifications across education and training in Ireland. NQAI was dissolved and its functions were passed to Quality and Qualifications Ireland on 6 November 2012.

The Authority's role

The Authority’s principal tasks were as follows:

To establish and enable the implementation of the National Framework of Qualifications
To enable improved arrangements for access, transfer and progression for learners
To facilitate the recognition of international awards
The National Framework

As one of its main functions, the NQAI established the National Framework of Qualifications. The NFQ is a ten-stage system incorporating educational and training awards from certificate to doctoral level. Awards no longer made are included in the framework for reference purposes.

National Qualifications Authority of Ireland

The Authority's role

The National Framework