Qualifications

Performance Measures/NI Entitlement Framework Qualifications Accreditation Number (NIEFQAN) File

All qualifications that have been approved for use in schools in Northern Ireland will appear in the NIEFQAN file. The NIEFQAN file shows details of GCSE Guided Learning Hours (GLHs) size equivalences for level 1 and level 2 qualifications, and A-level Guided Learning Hours (GLHs) size equivalences for qualifications at level 3.

The system is designed to enable schools to report their performance. The information on GLHs/size equivalency applies only to the allocation of school performance points.

It is not intended for use in relation to the equivalency of qualifications for employment and/or further/higher education purposes.

Qualifications which are available for teaching this year (2025/26) but which will be closed to new learners next academic year (2026/27) will not be listed on the updated NIEFQAN file. These qualifications will still be available for teaching up until their certification end date.  It may be the case that some schools are in the midst of completing these qualifications and will be certificating later in the year or indeed the next year. Systems will be in place to allow schools to enter results for qualifications up until the certification end date of the qualification.

NIEFQAN File

The NIEFQAN File is hosted by CCEA Regulation on the Department’s behalf.  It can be accessed by school examination officers within the CCEA Central Login area at: https://ccea.org.uk/learning-resources/ccea-central-login

All school examination officers with existing access to the CCEA Central Login Area should automatically have access to the NIEFQAN File within the NIEFQAN App.  The examination officer within the centre has permission to grant additional members of school staff access to the Central Login area and to the NIEFQAN App.  Any school experiencing access issues relating to the NIEFQAN App should contact CCEA at ccearegulation@ccea.org.uk 

DE Circular 2026/01 sets out the process and criteria which are applied to approve qualifications for delivery by Post-primary schools in Northern Ireland. It also provides details on how the NIEFQAN file should be used.

• Qualification Approval Request Form (Large Size Qualification)
• Decision Making Process

Joint Council for Qualifications - JCQCIC

JCQCIC is the organisation representing the awarding bodies offering the majority of qualifications on offer in the UK. It helps the awarding bodies to create common standards and guidance on issues such as access arrangements and special consideration. Further details can be found at:

• Joint council for qualifications