Are FETAC and QQI the same?
In this article, we will be providing deep insight into what is the difference between QQI and FETAC. QQI stands for Quality and Qualifications Ireland. Moreover, it is the ultimate awarding body currently active in Ireland. Also, it is a merger of FETAC, HETAC, important Irish Universities, and the National qualification authority of Ireland.
When did FETAC change to QQI?
The Further Education and Training Awards Council, or FETAC, was a legislative organization in Ireland that awarded qualifications for further education. It was founded on June 11, 2001, under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999. On November 6, 2012, FETAC was dissolved and its powers were transferred to Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
Difference between FETAC and QQI:
Often, people are confused between QQI and FETAC. Earlier, FETAC which stands for Further Education and Awards Training Council was in running and responsible for awarding at different levels. But, later on, it was dissolved and QQI came into existence. Anyone looking for quality-assured further education has been searching for FETAC courses for almost 10 years. The Further Education and Training Awards Council, or FETAC, was founded on June 1, 2001. FETAC was superseded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) in November 2012.
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What does QQI do? Roles and responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of QQI are diverse. It is not only an awarding organization but also performs the following functions:
- Developing Awards and standards
- Education and Training programs validation
- Reviewing work of education and training providing companies
- Maintenance of National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)
- Quality Assurance Check and development
- Facilitate Qualifications Recognition
The National Framework of Qualification has 10 educational levels comprising awards and certifications for all the levels. However, the awarding bodies for different levels are different. That is to say,
- SEC- State Examinations Commission is responsible for providing junior certificates and other major, minor and special purpose awards for level 3 to level 5 respectively.
- Institutes of Technology operate from levels 6-10 and provide awards for degrees like post-graduation and doctoral etc.
- Universities are responsible to work at levels 7-10 and awarding a bachelor’s degree, post-graduation, and doctoral.
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IEM
Another new feature of QQI is the ability for providers to apply an International Education Mark (IEM). This award will be given to educational and training providers (including English language training) who have proved compliance with a legislative code of practice while providing education and training to international students.
QQI in brief
QQI is a state-run organization that was founded in 2012. The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC), the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC), the Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB), and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland have performed similar responsibilities earlier (NQAI).
Benefits of a QQI qualification
There are several reasons to consider taking courses that lead to a QQI certification. Employers recognize QQI qualifications as a sign of a person’s degree of learning and skill development. Internationally, QQI awards are regarded as valuable and transferable. Because all QQI credentials are tied to the NFQ, they can provide admission to further education and training, up to and including doctoral level (level 10 on the NFQ). Individuals and organizations who plan to invest both time and money in a training course should consider earning a certificate at the same time.
Quality Assurance
In the domain of quality assurance, QQI is in charge of assessing the efficacy of quality assurance in Irish providers of further and higher education and training. Universities, institutes of technology, Education and Training Boards, and private further and higher education and training providers are included (availing of QQI awards).
Levels of NFQ:
NFQ levels indicate how an award is used for training, education, and employment. Also, NFQ has a ten-level system. This is designed to give academic and vocational qualifications the value according to the level.
Awards in NFQ for QQI courses:
Briefly, there are 4 awards in this structure.
- Major Awards ( provided on completion of course)
- Minor Award ( partial completion)
- Special Purpose Awards ( specific to a purpose)
- Supplement Awards ( awarded on learning something additional or extra)
The system concerning these awards is the Common Award System, commonly known as CAS. Now, each level in NFQ corresponds to a credit score, which in turn renders major and minor awards.
The credit score demands exclusively qualifying both the basic and exclusive modules for gaining the major awards and increasing the credit score.
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What are the courses QQI provides?
QQI offers academics and vocational courses in the following streams:
- Hospitality
- Housing Advocacy
- Nursing
- Accounting and Finance
- Arts
- Community Care
- Access to Employment
- Activities of Living Patient Care
- Administration
Are the QQI courses worth doing?
Briefly, the answer is Yes. The QQI offers a variety of courses that you can practice and make your career in. Moreover, the certification and awards given by QQI are having value across the globe. Also, it offers part-time, online courses that one can easily register in. Also, there are assessments at the end of courses involving the project, learner records, and skill demonstration. Thus, these courses aim at the holistic development of budding learners.
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Conclusion:
In the nutshell, QQI courses can give a direction to your mind and life. The number of courses and the strategic assessment model cannot be compromised. Also, the awards offered to help you seek admissions and eligibility for higher education.
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Now, if you have enrolled in any of the QQI courses and are having a confused state of mind, on how to do projects and assignments, then we are here to help you. You can contact our expert writers who provide you with the best of the solutions and that too free of plagiarism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the real difference between FETAC and QQI in Ireland?
FETAC used to award certificates before QQI took over in 2012. QQI now manages all ten levels of Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications. If you’re doing a QQI Level 5 or 6 course, your award is from QQI, not FETAC. You can always check your qualification level or get assignment help at Ireland Assignment Help.
2. Are QQI and FETAC certificates equally recognised by employers?
Yes, both are valid. Older FETAC awards still hold value and are accepted for jobs and further study in Ireland. QQI simply continues that standard under a new name.
3. Can someone still put FETAC on their CV?
Yeah, 100%. Loads of people in HSE or community care jobs have FETAC certs, and they’re still recognised. Employers know it’s the same thing, just under a new name. Nobody bins your cert ‘cause it’s older.
4. Can someone in Ireland help me complete my QQI Level 5 assignment?
Yes, of course. Many Irish students seek help for QQI Level 5 assignments, especially in childcare, healthcare, and SNA courses. You can safely hire writers at Write My Assignment Ireland to complete your work on time.
5. If I sign up for a QQI Level 5 now, is it basically the old FETAC?
Yeah, pretty much the same. A QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support is now equal to what FETAC Level 5 used to be. The only difference is the name on your certificate. Same value, same NFQ level.
6. Do I need to pay someone to update a FETAC cert into QQI?
No, don’t waste your money. FETAC awards are still valid under NFQ. If an employer asks, you just explain it’s the old body. QQI themselves confirm they’re still good.
7. What if I’m not sure how to start my QQI assignment?
Start by reviewing your module brief and marking criteria. Each task is tied to learning outcomes. If you’re stuck, you can get expert guidance to do it on your behalf through Do My Assignment Ireland.
8. Do FETAC and QQI hold the same weight for jobs?
Absolutely. Whether your cert says FETAC or QQI, HSE, Age Action, or even universities, look at the level, not the name. Employers care more that you did a Level 5 or Level 6, not what logos are on it.
9. Can someone rewrite my old FETAC assignment in QQI format?
Yes, it’s possible. If you have an old assignment, a professional can adapt it to meet QQI Level 5 or 6 standards. You can request rewriting or updating help from Assignment Editing Services Ireland.
10. Can I get AI-free help for QQI or FETAC assignments in Ireland?
Absolutely. Many students now ask for human-written, AI-free help to stay Turnitin-safe. You can connect with Irish-based writers who provide original, plagiarism-free content through AI Free Assignment Help in Ireland.
11. Is there any chance FETAC qualifications won’t be recognised in the future?
Nope, none. They’re tied into the NFQ, which is legally backed. It’s like when we switched punts to euros – the old money was still worth something, just updated. Same idea with FETAC moving into QQI.

