National Qualifications Framework levels
The NQF is the structure that tells institutions where a qualification sits, how it progresses, and which rules start to apply around delivery, quality assurance, and reporting.
How providers should use NQF levels
The framework is not just a reference table. It should shape how your institution positions programmes, admits learners, maps curriculum, and configures records.
- Validate whether a programme belongs where your institution says it belongs before you market or deliver it.
- Check whether entry requirements, learner support, and progression routes make sense for the qualification level.
- Avoid building attendance, assessment, or certificate workflows around the wrong qualification assumptions.
- Make sure funding, compliance, and registry reporting are anchored to the correct framework level.
Common NQF mapping mistakes
These are the mistakes that usually surface later as delivery confusion, learner mismatch, or certificate problems.
- Treating qualification titles as enough, without verifying the NQF level and the governing sub-framework.
- Assuming all occupational programmes behave like traditional classroom certificates.
- Building provider systems around loose programme names instead of structured qualification data.
- Finding the framework mismatch only when preparing certificates, evidence, or external reporting.
The 10-level qualification ladder
Use this table as a provider-side reference point when checking where a programme sits and which framework language should guide its records.
| Level | Classification | Sub-framework |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Certificate | GFETQSF |
| 2 | Elementary Certificate | GFETQSF |
| 3 | Intermediate Certificate | GFETQSF |
| 4 | National Certificate | GFETQSF / OQSF |
| 5 | Higher Certificate / Occupational Certificate | HEQSF / OQSF |
| 6 | Diploma / Advanced Certificate | HEQSF / OQSF |
| 7 | Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma | HEQSF / OQSF |
| 8 | Honours / Postgraduate Diploma | HEQSF / OQSF |
| 9 | Master's Degree | HEQSF |
| 10 | Doctoral Degree | HEQSF |
Check your current path
Match your current level to likely learnership routes.
NQF Career Path Mapper
Select your current level, province, and field.
Matches
Select your current level to see likely routes.
The three sub-frameworks behind the levels
Levels alone are not enough. Providers also need to understand which sub-framework and governance model applies.
GFETQSF
The General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Sub-Framework, largely associated with school and foundational vocational outcomes.
HEQSF
The Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework, which covers higher certificates, diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate progression.
OQSF
The Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework, governed by the QCTO for occupational and trade-aligned programmes with practical and workplace components.
Frequently asked questions
Continue the qualification path
Once the level is clear, the next step is understanding the qualification record and the authority behind it.
Find institutions
Browse verified institutions once you know which qualification levels and provider pathways you need to compare.
Qualifications hub
Return to the qualifications authority hub for the full framework view.
QCTO qualifications
See how occupational qualifications are structured beyond the framework level.
SAQA authority
Understand how qualification registration and SAQA IDs connect to the framework.
Learnerships
Use the learnership hub to connect framework levels to provider delivery and workplace evidence.