Qualifications can cross boundaries - a rough guide to comparing qualifications in the UK and Ireland

Thinking of working or studying in Ireland or the UK? - you may be interested in the answer to one or more of these questions

• What do they call their nearest qualification to mine?
• Will my qualification get me into college or a job?
• Will I get some recognition for the qualifications I have?
• What kind of job or course can I apply for with my current qualification?

Recruiting people from another country in Ireland and the UK? - you may be interested in the answer to these questions

• How do I know what a qualification from another country means in terms of level?
• Which national qualification should I compare this qualification to?
• Who do I go to for more detailed advice about the content and level of qualifications?

This leaflet helps you explore these questions.

How to use this leaflet:

This leaflet provides information that allows you to look at the ways qualifications are organised in Ireland and the UK. On one side of the table you will find the main stages of education or employment - you can find where you are in these stages. The next column shows the qualifications framework for your country. To the right of this you can see the nearest levels and similar kinds of qualifications that are used in the other countries. This makes it possible to draw broad comparisons between qualifications and their levels, rather than direct equivalences, for each country.

Qualifications are different in different countries. However, they are remarkably similar in what they tell someone about the person who has achieved them, for example that he or she is ready for a college/higher education course, or for a first skilled job. This is because there are some clear stages people move through in education, training and work that are common to most countries. Primary education is followed by secondary education and initial entry into employment and/or further and higher education or training. Some people move on to more skilled employment. Some choose to go into higher education and many take part in specialist training in their work place. People graduating from a higher education institution may enter employment and those who complete professional or postgraduate education may also enter employment.

The table gives an indication of how you can compare qualifications across national boundaries. Examples of major qualifications at each level are provided. For more detail of the qualifications in another country, you will need to consult the website given at the head of each column. All these frameworks of qualifications change from time to time and you need to check these websites for the latest versions. Entry requirements for jobs and courses often vary within a country. This means you will need to check specific requirements with the employer or institution for the job or course that you are interested in. This leaflet will provide you with some information to help you begin this process, for example, by telling you what similar qualifications to yours, or qualifications you are interested in studying, are broadly comparable to in other countries.