1. The Credit Matrix The Credit Matrix Introduction The Credit Matrix and Qualifications How the Credit Matrix will work Trials and Projects Contact Us Developments Elsewhere Click on titles

2. 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 Back to start

3. 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 Click here

4. FIGURE 1: CERTIFICATE IV IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LEVEL AND POINTS OF EACH UNIT Core unitsLevelPoints Connect hardware peripherals22 Install and optimise system software21 Connect internal hardware components22 Run standard diagnostic tests21 Operate computing packages210 Identify components of multimedia25 Create user & technical documentation23 Apply occupational health & safety procedures23 Participate in a team and individually to achieve organisational goals23 Use advanced features of computer applications38 Operate computer hardware38 Create code for applications 440 Elective units*LevelPoints Access the internet22 Administer network peripherals23 Operate system software28 Provide network systems administration23 Create web pages with multimedia310 Customise packaged software applications for clients310 Develop macros and templates for clients using standard products312 * Students choose 22 points from levels 2 or 3

5. 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 4Successful 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 3Successful 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 2Successful 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. Back to previous

6. FIGURE 3: CERTIFICATE IV IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CREDIT PROFILE 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. Back to start

7. The Credit Matrix and Qualifications The Credit Matrix does not change qualifications. The AQF describes whole qualifications. The credit matrix describes the individual components of qualifications Australian Qualifications FrameworkCredit 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 Back to start

8. Trials: Gippsland Education Precinct focus groups Back to start 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.www.vqa.vic.gov.au

9. Developments Elsewhere A summary of developments overseas WhereWhatNo. of Levels ApplicationProgress New Zealand NZ Register of Quality Assured Qualifications 10All qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework All qualifications will be on the register by 2006 Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Credit and Accumulation Transfer System 9Higher, vocational and further education qualifications The system is now in place ScotlandScottish Credit & Qualifications Framework 12School, vocational and higher education qualifications Most qualifications now have levels and points South Africa National Qualifications Framework 8Higher, further and general education The system is now in place WalesCredit and Qualifications Framework for Wales 8School, 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 Back to start

10. VQA Address: Level 2 33 St Andrews Place East Melbourne VIC 3002 Telephone: (03) 9637 2806 Fax: (03) 9637 2422 Web: www.vqa.vic.gov.au www.vqa.vic.gov.au Contact: Back to start Back to web site