The Credit MatrixThe Credit Matrix

Introduction

The Credit Matrix and

Qualifications

How the Credit Matrix will work

Trials and Projects

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Developments Elsewhere

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Introduction

The credit matrix aims to:

• make the qualifications system easier to understand

• make it easier to design more flexible qualifications that combine new and different mixes of knowledge and skills

• provide a common and uniform approach to describing qualifications and recording achievement in them

• support the development of pathways between qualifications

• help ensure learning already successfully achieved does not need to be repeated

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How the credit matrix will work

Figure 1 shows points and levels applied to core and elective units in the Certificate IV in Information Technology (a vocational education and training qualification).

A learner who successfully completes this certificate could have:

• 32 points at level 2• 26 points at level 3 and • 40 points at level 4

(depending on the electives they choose)

Figure 1

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FIGURE 1: CERTIFICATE IV IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LEVEL AND POINTS OF EACH UNIT

Core units Level Points

Connect hardware peripherals 2 2

Install and optimise system software 2 1

Connect internal hardware components 2 2

Run standard diagnostic tests 2 1

Operate computing packages 2 10

Identify components of multimedia 2 5

Create user & technical documentation 2 3

Apply occupational health & safety procedures 2 3

Participate in a team and individually to achieve organisational goals 2 3

Use advanced features of computer applications 3 8

Operate computer hardware 3 8

Create code for applications 4 40

Elective units* Level Points

Access the internet 2 2

Administer network peripherals 2 3

Operate system software 2 8

Provide network systems administration 2 3

Create web pages with multimedia 3 10

Customise packaged software applications for clients 3 10

Develop macros and templates for clients using standard products 3 12

* Students choose 22 points from levels 2 or 3

The levels of the units in the certificate on the previous page were determined by comparing each unit’s outcomes against the credit matrix level descriptors.

Summary level descriptors will look like this: FIGURE 2: CREDIT MATRIX DETAILED LEVEL DESCRIPTORS LEVEL 2 – 4

LEVEL 4 Successful completion of a unit at this level would mean that a learner would be able to carry out tasks and activities that involve theoretical and/or technical or abstract knowledge and skills, with significant depth in one or more areas. Skill and judgement are needed in interpreting and/or adapting guidelines or procedures for a range of different situations and circumstances. Skills in organising self and/or others are also needed.

LEVEL 3 Successful completion of a unit at this level would mean that a learner would be able to carry out tasks and activities that involve a combination of theoretical and/or technical and factual knowledge and skills. Judgement is required in varying guidelines or procedures to deal effectively with any unusual or unexpected aspects that may arise. Some skills in organising self and/or others are also needed.

LEVEL 2 Successful completion of a unit at this level would mean that a learner would be able to carry out tasks and activities that involve a range of knowledge and skills. These will include some basic theoretical and/or technical knowledge and skills. Limited judgement is required, such as making an appropriate selection from a range of given rules, guidelines or procedures.

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FIGURE 3: CERTIFICATE IV IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CREDIT PROFILE

Points

0

10

20

30

40

50

Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

Elective Units

Core units

Full implementation of the credit matrix will result in materials about qualifications (such as course brochures and websites) showing the level and points of each unit within qualifications.

A learner’s statement of attainment and statement of results will also show the level and points of each unit.

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The Credit Matrix and QualificationsThe Credit Matrix does not change qualifications.

The AQF describes whole qualifications.

The credit matrix describes the individual components of qualifications

Australian Qualifications Framework Credit Matrix

• Qualifications are defined by the type and sector of accreditation

• There are specific guidelines for each type of qualification

• The framework deals with qualifications

• Units, modules and subjects (units) are defined by their level (of complexity) and points (amount of learning)

• The one set of level descriptors, and the points system, apply to all units

• The matrix deals with units

FIGURE 4: MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE AQF AND THE CREDIT MATRIX

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Trials: Gippsland Education Precinct focus groups

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Trials are being held with a number of focus groups to test the credit matrix prototype. These groups have involved students, teachers, parents, careers counsellors and TAFE/Higher Ed administrators.

For further information on current projects visit the credit matrix website www.vqa.vic.gov.au and follow the links.

Developments ElsewhereA summary of developments overseas

Where What No. of Levels

Application Progress

New Zealand

NZ Register of Quality Assured Qualifications

10 All qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework

All qualifications will be on the register by 2006

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Credit and Accumulation Transfer System

9 Higher, vocational and further education qualifications

The system is now in place

Scotland Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework

12 School, vocational and higher education qualifications

Most qualifications now have levels and points

South Africa

National Qualifications Framework

8 Higher, further and general education

The system is now in place

Wales Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales

8 School, vocational and higher education qualifications

Credit rating of units is underway

Note: All the systems in the figure use 1 point = 10 hours average learning time.

FIGURE 5: INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON OF CREDIT-BASED SYSTEMS

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VQA

Address: Level 2 33 St Andrews PlaceEast Melbourne VIC 3002

Telephone: (03) 9637 2806Fax: (03) 9637 2422Web: www.vqa.vic.gov.au

Contact:

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