Australian Qualification Framework

The Australian Qualifications Framework (commonly known as the AQF) is a unified system of national qualifications in schools, vocational education and training (TAFEs and private providers) and the higher education sector (mainly universities).

From its introduction in 1995, the Australian Qualification Framework has comprised of thirteen national qualifications in three sectors.

• The secondary schools sector
• The vocational education and training sector (TAFE and registered private providers)
• The higher education sector (mainly universities).

Qualifications by the Educational Sector in which They Are Most Commonly Used

Certificate I: Certificate I is a preparatory qualification focusing on a range of basic employment-related skills. The competencies demonstrate the ability to perform a defined range of activities or basic practical skills under direction, most of which would be routine and predictable.

Certificate II: Certificate II competencies demonstrate the ability to carry out a specific range of routine functions and procedures with some complex or non-routine activities. They include basic operational knowledge and a defined range of skills. They also demonstrate the ability to apply known solutions to a limited range of predicable problems. Many New Apprenticeships or Traineeships lead to a Certificate II.

Certificate III: Certificate III competencies demonstrate some relevant theoretical knowledge and the ability to perform a defined range of well-developed skills within an area of related activities. They involve known routines, methods and procedures, but with some discretion and judgment required. Responsibility for own work and the work of others is required.

Certificate IV: Certificate IV competencies demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts. They include the ability to perform a broad range of skilled applications, including evaluating and analysing current practices, developing new criteria and procedures for performing current practices, and providing supervision and leadership in the workplace.

Diplomas: There are two levels of Diplomas in the AQF - Diploma and Advanced Diploma. If the Diplomas are undertaken as a higher education award, the university develops the program and assesses and awards the qualification. The Diplomas are usually awarded on the basis of an academic program at the sub-degree level. In many cases, the Diplomas have an applied focus.

Advanced Diploma: The AQF Advanced Diploma is a professional-level qualification for those working as technologists or managers or professionals depending on the occupation or field. Advanced Diplomas can provide advanced standing or credit transfer into a specified Bachelor degree program at a university. Two years of advanced standing is the most common. Only a few Advanced Diplomas are offered as higher education awards. An Advanced Diploma usually comprises units from a Bachelor degree program, providing an early exit point with a stand alone qualification but with the option of continuing to the Bachelor degree. Entry is usually based on normal university entry requirements, and most Advanced Diplomas require two years of full-time study.

Bachelor Degrees: The Bachelor degree is an academic or professional level qualification. It indicates the acquisition of a systemic and coherent body of knowledge, the underlying principles and concepts, and the associated problem-solving techniques. It involves the development of the academic skills and attitudes necessary to comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence from a range of sources. It also involves the development of the ability to review, consolidate, extend and apply the knowledge and techniques acquired.

Master Degrees: The Master degree is a postgraduate qualification. A Master degree may involve the enhancement of specific professional or vocational skills through directed coursework and/or research. Alternatively, a Master degree may indicate the acquisition of in-depth understanding in a specific area of knowledge through research.

Doctoral Degrees: Doctoral degrees are the highest level of postgraduate study. They usually involve a searching review of the literature, experimentation or other systematic approach to the relevant body of knowledge. An original research project is undertaken resulting in a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding and/or the application of knowledge within a discipline or field of study. A substantial and well ordered thesis is prepared, demonstrating the relationship of the research to the broader framework of the discipline or field of study.

Graduate Certificates and Diplomas: Graduate Certificates and Diplomas are postgraduate qualifications below the level of Master degrees. They can involve the broadening of skills already gained in an undergraduate program or developing vocational knowledge and skills in a new professional area. The Graduate Diploma may also provide further specialisation within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge.

Australian Qualifications Framework is the world’s first of its type, and attracts strong international attention.

Diagram below shows an updated version of the AQF Cross Sectoral Qualification Linkages