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 FETAC was superseded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) in November 2012.

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.

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.

1. Major Awards ( provided on completion of course)
2. Minor Award ( partial completion)
3. Special Purpose Awards ( specific to a purpose)
4. 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.

What are the courses QQI provides?

QQI offers academics and vocational courses in the following streams:

1. Hospitality
2. Housing Advocacy
3. Nursing
4. Accounting and Finance
5. Arts
6. Community Care
7. Access to Employment
8. Activities of Living Patient Care
9. 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.

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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