GLOSSARY
Accredited Unit
An accredited unit is a single component of a qualification, or a stand-alone unit, that has been accredited by the same process as for a whole AQF qualification. In Australia an accredited unit may be called a ‘module’, ‘subject’, ‘unit of competency’ or ‘unit’.
Australian Bureau of Statistics Classification of Qualifications (ABSCQ)
The ABSCQ is a classification used to describe post-secondary educational qualifications. It contains separate classifications for Level of Attainment and Field of Study. ABSCQ was used from 1991 to 2001, when it was replaced by ASCED.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
The AQF is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. It incorporates the qualifications from each education and training sector into a single comprehensive national qualifications framework. The AQF was first introduced in 1995 to underpin the national system of qualifications in Australia encompassing higher education, vocational education and training and schools.
Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED)
The ASCED is a national standard classification which includes all sectors of the Australian education system; that is, schools, Vocational Education and Training and Higher education. From 2001 ASCED replaced a number of classifications used in administrative and statistical systems, including the ABSCQ. The ASCED comprises two classifications: Level of education and Field of education. See the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED), 2001 (cat. no. 1272.0).
Completed – School level education
For the purposes of the standard variable 'Highest year of school completed’, 'completed' is defined as:
- For years up to and including Year 11, the term 'completed' means to attend the full year of school enabling the student to progress to the next year of school.
- For Year 12 ‘completed’ refers to successful completion of Year 12 and attainment of a certificate or statement of results.
Completed – Non-school education
For non-school qualifications, ‘completed’ refers to successfully passing the required assessment(s) or examination(s) - i.e. when final results are received.
Field of education
Field of education is defined as the subject matter of an educational activity. It is categorised according to the
Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED), 2001 (cat. no. 1272.0) Field of education classification.
Formal learning
Refers to any study being undertaken that will lead to a recognised qualification, issued by a relevant approved body, stating that a person has achieved learning outcomes or competencies. This includes primary and secondary level education.
Informal learning
Informal learning is not institutionalised and typically is not structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support. It is unstructured, but the participants typically have the intention to learn.
International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED)
ISCED was developed by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to facilitate comparisons of education statistics and indicators within and between countries. It was originally endorsed at the General Conference of UNESCO in 1978. The current version (ISCED 1997) was officially adopted in November 1997. In 2011, a revision to ISCED was formally adopted by UNESCO Member States. The product of extensive international and regional consultations among education and statistical experts, ISCED 2011 takes into account significant changes in education systems worldwide since the last ISCED revision in 1997.
During the ISCED 2011 review, UNESCO Member States agreed that the fields of education should be examined in a separate process. A review took place in 2012 with the view to establishing an independent but related classification called the ISCED Fields of Education and Training. A panel of experts led by the UIS has developed a draft classification. A global consultation on the draft took place in early 2013. A revised proposal is being presented to the 37th session of the UNESCO General Conference in November 2013 for adoption
Level of education
Level of education is defined as a function of the quality and quantity of learning involved in an educational activity. It is categorised according to the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED), 2001 (cat. no. 1272.0) Level of education classification.
Non-formal learning
Refers to any structured learning undertaken through an institution, that does not lead to a recognised qualification.
Non-school qualification
A Non-school qualification is the result of an accredited complete program of learning that leads to formal certification that a graduate has achieved learning outcomes as described in the AQF. Non-school qualifications are awarded for educational attainments other than those of pre-primary, primary or secondary education. They include qualifications at the Post Graduate Degree Level, Master Degree Level, Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate Level, Bachelor Degree Level, Advanced Diploma and Diploma Level, and Certificates I, II, III and IV levels. Non-school qualifications may be attained concurrently with school qualifications. Statements of attainment awarded for partial completion of a course of study at a particular level are excluded.
Qualification
Formal certification, issued by a relevant approved body, in recognition that a person has achieved learning outcomes or competencies relevant to identified individual, professional, industry or community needs. Statements of attainment awarded for partial completion of a course of study at a particular level are excluded.
Record of Results
A record of results is a record of all learning leading to an AQF qualification or an accredited unit in which a student is enrolled and is issued by an authorised issuing organisation. In Australia this may be called a ‘transcript of results’, ‘academic transcript’, ‘record of achievement’ or ‘statement of results’.
Register of Australian Tertiary Education (RATE)
The RATE was established in 1990 to provide a framework and set of principles for course classification, length and names of qualifications covering Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions and universities but did not register award courses. Where institutions were not empowered to accredit their own courses, statutory bodies in each State and territory did so. RATE was replaced by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) in 1995.
School study
School study is participation in primary or secondary level education, regardless of the institution or location where the study is or was undertaken. It therefore includes such study undertaken in a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) or other institution.
Statement of Attainment
A statement of attainment is awarded when one or more units of competency from a nationally endorsed training package have been achieved but do not meet a full AQF qualification.
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