Qualifications Frameworks

ConstructionSkills is involved in the major reform of the vocational qualifications system and introduction of the new Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) designed to make the whole system simpler to understand,  use and more inclusive.

All qualifications within the construction qualification framework should be:

• approved by the employer lead 'ConstructionSkills;  Standards and Qualification Validation Group Procedure and Criteria for Approving Qualifications and Validating Units, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Strategies'
• assessed and quality assured following the 'Consolidated Assessment Strategy for Construction and the Built Environment – Craft, Supervisory, Technical, Managerial and Professional Units and Qualifications with NVQ in the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) and SVQs' principles of the ConstructionSkills' Assessment Strategy.

‘Rules of Combination (RoC) set out the requirements of a qualification in the QCF.  RoCs specify the credits that need to be achieved through the completion of particular units, and establish connections between other qualifications. ConstructionSkills’ RoCs for the QCF competence (NVQ) qualifications have been developed from the recommended qualification structures as confirmed by industry representatives. The credits that have been assigned to each unit within the RoCs have been provided by occupational experts.’ The following link takes you to all occupations areas.

For managerial, technical and professional qualifications, please visit Construction Industry Council (CIC).

For further information contact Standards and Qualifications team by email: standards.qualifications@cskills.org

• Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Construction Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland framework
• Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
• Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)