Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698147013684.pdf (Mauritius)
What is a Level Descriptor?

A level descriptor is a set of criteria expressed in terms of learning demand and processes that are used to assign a particular level to a qualification.

Each level is defined in terms of progressive stages of achievement/outcomes and complexity of skills applicable.

Each of the ten levels of the NQF is described by its corresponding level descriptor.

What is a Qualification?


A qualification is a formal recognition of the successful completion of the required number and range of credits, and other requirements at specific levels, as determined by an awarding body.

Quali- fications obtained locally are based on the NQF.

A qualification consists of different unit standards.

What is a Unit Standard?


A Unit Standard is a registered statement of the learning outcomes, the type and quality of evidence that, together, represent performance worthy of the award of credits.

Set contexts regu- late how the required evidences should be demon- strated.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) RPL is the recognition, through evaluation, of a person’s skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience.
This recognition may be in the form of partial or full qualification.
MAURITIUS QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY MAURITIUS QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY IVTB Compound Pont Fer, Phoenix Mauritius Phone: 686 1400 Fax: 686 1441 E-mail : office@mqa.mu Website : www.mqa.mu MAURITIUS QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY NATIONAL NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK (NQF) (NQF) Valued Qualifications for Employability and Lifelong Learning NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK What is the National Qualifications Frame- work (NQF)?
The NQF is a ten-level instrument to classify qualifications according to specified levels of learning achieved.

It is based on set criteria and aims at integrating and coordinating qualifications to improve the transparency, access, progress, comparability and quality of qualifications in relation to the labour market and the public.

Each level is defined by its level descriptor which is based on learning outcomes.

What is the importance of the National Qualifi- cations Framework (NQF)?
The NQF is used to pitch qualifications at the ap- propriate level, based on the level descriptors.

The NQF aims at: • Ensuring that quality programmes are offered to the public.

• Improving understanding of qualifica- tions pathways by every individual.

• Recognising Qualifications and pitching same at the appropriate level of the NQF.

• Increasing the recognition of qualifica- tions within the national system and also in regional as well as international systems.

• Promoting lifelong learning.


• Establishing equivalence of local/ foreign qualifications.
THE NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK LEVEL PRIMARY / SECONDARY EDUCATION TVET / WORKPLACE TERTIARY EDUCATION LEVEL 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Doctorate Masters Degree eg MA, MSc, M.Phil Post-graduate Certificate, Post-graduate Diploma Bachelor Degree with Honours, Conversion Programmes Bachelor (Ordinary Degree) Diploma Diploma Certificate HSC / GCE ‘A’ Level /BAC / IBAC SC / GCE ‘O’ Level Certificate Certificate of Primary Education 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1