CIQG Member Spotlight: Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is at the forefront of ensuring the quality, integrity, and reputation of Ireland's further and higher education system. Established in November 2012, QQI emerged through the amalgamation of various bodies, with Dr. Padraig Walsh leading the organization as its CEO.

At the core of QQI's responsibilities is the maintenance of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), a systematic structure that interrelates different qualification levels. This framework serves as a vital tool in aligning and recognizing the diverse qualifications offered in Ireland. Simultaneously, QQI curates the Irish Register of Qualifications, a comprehensive database encompassing all qualifications within the NFQ.

One of QQI's pivotal roles is to recognize awarding bodies and incorporate their qualifications into the NFQ. By doing so, QQI ensures a standardized and nationally recognized system that facilitates learners' access, transfer, and progression opportunities within the education and training landscape.

The agency also plays a crucial role in monitoring education providers, ensuring they provide learners with the necessary pathways for growth and development. QQI is committed to advising on the recognition of foreign qualifications in Ireland and enhancing the recognition of Irish qualifications abroad, thereby fostering international collaboration and acknowledgment.

Central to QQI's mission is the commitment to guaranteeing that learners achieve qualifications that are not only valued within the nation but also hold significance on the international stage. The organization achieves this by providing trusted information on the qualifications included in the NFQ, thereby instilling confidence in learners, educators, and employers alike.

QQI operates with a set of core values that underscore its approach to education and training. The agency places a high value on partnerships for mutual benefit, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility. By fostering a consultative, collaborative, and inclusive environment with a diverse set of partners and providers, QQI aims to ensure the continuous improvement of the quality of education and training in Ireland. Through these principles, QQI strives to uphold and enhance the overall educational landscape, promoting confidence, integrity, and excellence.