National Qualifications Framework

National Qualifications Framework in the UAE

Many developed countries have adopted raising the efficiency of the workforce as a basic step in achieving a knowledge economy and raising productivity represented by all learning pathways. By establishing and adopting a system of qualifications that are a way to enable individuals to develop their skills on better job opportunities in the field of work. In this context, the UAE's vision and general strategy insured the importance of a skilled and educated workforce in promoting social and economic development.

In August 2010, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, issued Federal Decree No. 1 of 2010 that operates and regulates the National Qualifications Authority. The decree specified (16) goals and specializations, including setting a comprehensive and unified national strategy for qualifications that are considered a national reference for the Qualifications Framework.

The National Framework is a means to achieve a harmonious and consistent classification of qualifications, as it consists of several levels, in which each level represents the learning outcome that the learner must achieve successfully, in order to obtain a specific qualification recognized at that specific level.

The National Qualification Authority is working to develop all policies that concern the National Qualifications Framework in the Emirates in accordance with relevant international best practices.

What Is QF Department?

The main function of the Qualifications Framework Department is to supervise the activation and implementation of QFEmirates framework, policies and procedures. The Department is responsible for achieving some of the objectives and specializations of NQA related to vocational, technical and professional education through international alignment and international and local partnerships . The department is responsible for providing criteria and requirements for the recognition of foreign vocational, technical and professional qualifications. Also, providing policies and procedures for Recognition of Prior Learning.