What are credits?

The Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) completely replaces the National Qualification Framework (NQF) from 1st September 2010.

You’ll see credits next to each qualification title. When you follow a QCF framework qualification you’ll earn credits for each unit of achievement. One credit represents 10 hours learning time. Learning time is defined as "the time taken by learners, at the level of the unit, on average, to complete the learning outcomes to the standard determined by the assessment criteria".

The number of credits attached to a qualification gives you an idea about the size of a qualification and the expected time it will take you to complete it.

Unique learner number (ULN)

When you register as a student, you’ll either receive a Unique Learner Number (ULN) if you’ve not had one before, or you’ll be required to provide a ULN so that your achievements (credits) can be recorded on a central database. The idea is that each learner in the country will have an up to date, centrally managed learner record which can be accessed, with your authorisation, by learning providers, awarding bodies and employers.