Every new qualification and unit on the QCF has a credit value, showing how long it takes to complete. One credit is equivalent to 10 hours. This can include time spent learning in a variety of ways – not necessarily being taught by someone.

There are three different types of qualification, worth different numbers of credits. Larger qualifications will take longer to complete than smaller ones.


Award

An award is the smallest type of qualification on the QCF. It is worth between one and 12 credits. This means it takes between 10 and 120 hours to complete.


Certificate

A certificate is worth between 13 and 36 credits. It takes between 130 and 360 hours to complete.


Diploma

A diploma is worth 37 credits or more, so takes at least 370 hours to complete.