Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

QQI is an independent state agency responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training services in Ireland and beyond. QQI has a broad range of functions relating to the external quality assurance of further and higher education and training in Ireland; the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ); and the awarding of the International Education Mark (IEM). QQI validates programmes (ex-ante programme accreditation) for independent providers in further education (public and private providers) and higher education (mainly private providers) and sets standards and makes awards on the NFQ in respect of those validated programmes. In the area of qualifications, QQI maintains the ten-level NFQ and any associated recognition. QQI is the NARIC centre for Ireland (NARIC Ireland) and provides recognition advice on foreign qualifications.