An Introduction To The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

Abstract

1995 saw the introduction of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It offered standards for characterising qualifications according to the features and results of education for every qualification. The primary objectives of the AQF were to enable student mobility between educational sectors and the labour market and to provide nationally consistent recognition of qualifications.
2011 saw the release of an updated AQF after a two-year review period, and 2013 saw the release of a second edition. A ten-level structure came into existence and brought the AQF closer to conformity with global standards. The updated AQF placed more emphasis on learning descriptor volume in addition to knowledge and skill descriptors and how they were applied across the ten qualification levels in progressively more complex ways. 
Australia’s international education standing is largely attributed to the AQF, which continues to be a crucial component of the country’s framework for quality assurance in training and education. Australia’s skill requirements have changed since the last revision due to innovations in international qualification frameworks and shifts in the nature of work. Along with pertinent regulatory frameworks, practices in education and training have also changed.