Level 5 QQI Awards
A Level 5 QQI award holder has a broad range of knowledge skill and competence and can take responsibility for the nature and quality of the work in a managed environment. QQI level 5 award holders have demonstrated the ability to act independently and responsibly in a broad range of contexts. A QQI level 5 award equates to a higher Leaving Certificate Standard.
QQI Level Award-type
1 Level – 1 Certificate
2 Level – 2 Certificate
3 Level – 3 Certificate and Junior Certificate
4 Level – 4 Certificate and Leaving Certificate
5 Level – 5 Certificate and Leaving Certificate
6 Level – Advanced Certificate and Higher Certificate
7 Level – Ordinary Bachelor Degree
8 Level – Honours Bachelor Degree and Higher Diploma – e.g., BA (Hons) in Arts
9 Level – Masters Degree and Postgraduate Diploma – e.g., MSc in Physics
10 Level – Doctoral Degree – e.g., PhD in Linguistics
What Does This Mean For You?
Basically, the table above shows that there are 15 award types within the 10-level system. So, the Leaving Certificate fulfils the criteria set by the NFQ at levels 4 and 5. Thus, somebody who gains a Level 4 or Level 5 Certificate – in Childcare or Business Studies, for example – has an award equivalent to that of the Leaving Certificate. The same is true of somebody who gains a bachelor degree and somebody who gains a higher diploma – both awards fulfil the criteria set by the NFQ at level 8 so their awards are recognised as equal in value.
