Educational levels in the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

Descriptors defining levels in the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

Level	Knowledge	Skills	Competence	Example
Level 1	Basic general knowledge	basic skills required to carry out simple tasks	work or study under direct supervision in a structured context	(UK) RQF entry level 3.[1]
Level 2	Basic factual knowledge of a field of work or study	basic cognitive and practical skills required to use relevant information in order to carry out tasks and to solve routine problems using simple rules and tools	work or study under supervision with some autonomy	(UK) GCSE Grades D-G, RQF Level 1, Scottish Intermediate 1;[1] (Finland) Lower secondary school
Level 3	Knowledge of facts, principles, processes and general concepts, in a field of work or study	a range of cognitive and practical skills required to accomplish tasks and solve problems by selecting and applying basic methods, tools, materials and information	take responsibility for completion of tasks in work or study; adapt own behaviour to circumstances in solving problems	(UK) GCSE Grades A*-C, RQF level 2, Scottish Intermediate 2.[1]
Level 4	Factual and theoretical knowledge in broad contexts within a field of work or study	a range of cognitive and practical skills required to generate solutions to specific problems in a field of work or study	exercise self-management within the guidelines of work or study contexts that are usually predictable, but are subject to change; supervise the routine work of others, taking some responsibility for the evaluation and improvement of work or study activities	(UK) A-level, RQF level 3, Scottish Higher;[1] Abitur, Matura, vocational school, Voorbereidend wetenschappelijk onderwijs
Level 5[Note 1]	Comprehensive, specialised, factual and theoretical knowledge within a field of work or study and an awareness of the boundaries of that knowledge	a comprehensive range of cognitive and practical skills required to develop creative solutions to abstract problems	exercise management and supervision in contexts of work or study activities where there is unpredictable change; review and develop performance of self and others	(UK) HNC, HND, Foundation Degree, RQF levels 3 & 4, Certificate of Higher Education, Diploma of Higher Education, Scottish Advanced Higher.[1]
Level 6[Note 2]	Advanced knowledge of a field of work or study, involving a critical understanding of theories and principles	advanced skills, demonstrating mastery and innovation, required to solve complex and unpredictable problems in a specialised field of work or study	manage complex technical or professional activities or projects, taking responsibility for decision-making in unpredictable work or study contexts; take responsibility for managing professional development of individuals and groups	(UK) Bachelor's degree with honours, Bachelor's Degree without honours, RQF level 6, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma;[1] (Germany) Vocational university German State-certified Engineer, Business Manager and Designer (Fachhochschule) Bachelor, German Fachwirt / Fachkaufmann, German Operative Professional, German Meister
Level 7[Note 3]	Highly specialised knowledge, some of which is at the forefront of knowledge in a field of work or study, as the basis for original thinking and/or research Critical awareness of knowledge issues in a field and at the interface between different fields	specialised problem-solving skills required in research and/or innovation in order to develop new knowledge and procedures and to integrate knowledge from different fields	manage and transform work or study contexts that are complex, unpredictable and require new strategic approaches; take responsibility for contributing to professional knowledge and practice and/or for reviewing the strategic performance of teams	(UK) Master's degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, RQF level 7;[1] (Germany) Vocational university (Fachhochschule) Master's, Geprüfter Betriebswirt (IHK) (Certified Business Administrator).[2]
Level 8[Note 4]	Knowledge at the most advanced frontier of a field of work or study and at the interface between fields	the most advanced and specialised skills and techniques, including synthesis and evaluation, required to solve critical problems in research and/or innovation and to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice	demonstrate substantial authority, innovation, autonomy, scholarly and professional integrity and sustained commitment to the development of new ideas or processes at the forefront of work or study contexts including research	Doctorate, PhD, Professional Doctorate, RQF level 8.[1]