Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education (NQF 5) (2024)

FAQs

Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education (NQF 5)? ›

Overview. The IIE Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education (HCECCE) is an entry level/introductory qualification (at NQF Level 5) to the study of early childhood development (ECD) education from birth through to 4 years of age.

Level 5 is the equivalent to the second year of a Bachelor's Degree programme. It is also equivalent to a HND diploma. The Level 5 course also has 10 modules and 8 assignments, which also provide the student with 120 university credits upon completion.

The Higher Certificate provides access to a higher education for many experienced and skilled Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners and trainers who do not have a recognised qualification.

A Higher Certificate is a Level 6 qualification so entry level will vary from programme to programme depending on a range of factors. Typically to be eligible for a Higher Certificate in Ireland, a level 5/leaving certificate or equivalent qualification would be required for entry.

In some countries, NQF Level 6 typically represents a higher education qualification that is equivalent to a bachelor's degree. This level of qualification usually signifies a deeper understanding of a subject area, more advanced skills, and a higher level of critical thinking compared to lower NQF levels.

The NQF consist of 10 levels divided into three bands; Levels 1 to 4 equate to high school grades 9 to 12 or vocational training, 5 to 7 are college diplomas and technical qualifications, 7 to 10 are university degrees.

NQF Level 5 qualifications generally indicate a more in-depth understanding of a subject area, the ability to apply knowledge and skills in a practical context, and a higher level of independence and critical thinking compared to lower NQF levels.

How long will it take to complete this qualification? This qualification will take approximately 18-24 months to complete.

There are 3 levels of certification for Early Childhood Educators: Level 1 Early Childhood Educator (formerly Child Development Assistant) Level 2 Early Childhood Educator (formerly Child Development Worker) Level 3 Early Childhood Educator (formerly Child Development Supervisor)

For example, GCE A levels are at level 3 on the RQF, as are BTEC Level 3 National qualifications and the Level 3 Extended Project qualification. The level of the qualification is stated in the qualification title to ensure it's really clear for users of the qualification.

How many credits is a Level 5 certificate? ›

Level 5 certificate

A certificate is widely considered to be the next step up from an award. This is because, like an award, they take just 130 learning hours and 13 credits to complete. More in-depth certificates take around 370 learning hours to complete, upping the number of credits to 37.

As mentioned above, a higher certificate is a one-year degree that equips students with the basic knowledge and skills of a certain field. A Diploma, on the other hand, takes a little bit longer than a higher certificate but is shorter than a bachelor's degree.

Level 5 demonstrates knowledge of a subject which goes beyond the level taught at secondary education. Examples of Level 5 qualifications include: Foundation degree. Higher national diploma (HND) Diploma of higher education (DipHE)

NQF 7. Level 7 is a Bachelors Degree or Advanced Diploma. To receive this you would have to have completed a degree programme at a university or other higher learning institution.

NQF Level 5: Is achieved once students complete a Higher Certificate, Advanced National Vocational Certificate or an N4-6 National Qualifications. NQF Level 6: Is achieved once students complete a National Diploma or an Advanced Certificate.

NQF level 7 is a Bachelors Degree or Advanced Diploma. To receive this you would have to have completed a degree programme at a university or other higher learning institution.

Level 5 qualifications are: diploma of higher education ( DipHE ) foundation degree. higher national diploma ( HND )

NQF 7. Level 7 is a Bachelors Degree or Advanced Diploma. To receive this you would have to have completed a degree programme at a university or other higher learning institution.

Upon completion of the Systems Development Learnership (NQF Level 5), learners will be able to apply the principles of creating computer software by carrying out, under limited supervision, a task to demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, techniques and skills needed in one or more areas of software development ...

A National N Diploma is an NQF Level 6 qualification with a credit value of 360 credits.