AQF Implementation Handbook

The AQF Handbook provides a detailed guide for the implementation of the Australian Qualifications Framework. It should be read in conjunction with documents issued by accrediting bodies.

The reproduction and distribution of the handbook is permitted for educational use on condition that no charge is made and the source is acknowledged.

The current version is the 4th edition, published in 2007. The Handbook is free to download in its entirety or in parts - please follow the links below. The PDFs available below have been updated to include revisions made in January 2009.

Current Version - 4th edition, 2007

The 4th edition of the AQF Implementation Handbook 2007 replaces the 3rd edition 2002.

The fourth edition of the AQF Implementation Handbook (2007) incorporates:

revised issuance policy incorporating employability skills in Training Packages (2009)
updated references to the AQTF 2007
a new definition of a Statement of Attainment and protocols for certification (2007)
revised AQF guidelines for the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma (2005)
AQF guidelines for three new qualifications: the Vocational Graduate Certificate: the Vocational Graduate Diploma (2005) and the Associate Degree (2004)
revised AQF guidelines for the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (2004)
expanded national guidelines on cross-sector linkages to include the schools sector (2004)
national principles and operational guidelines for recognition of prior learning (RPL) (2004).

handbook.pdf	Whole document

han1_12.pdf	Overview, Guideline structure, Summary tables of characteristics, distinguishing features;

han13_14.pdf	Guidelines for the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education

han15_35.pdf	Guidelines for Certificates I - IV

han37_50.pdf	Guidelines for Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree

han51_72.pdf	Guidelines for Bachelor Degree, Graduate Certificate, Vocational Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Vocational Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree, Doctoral Degree Please note also that, in respect of the Doctoral Degree Guideline (see pages 71-72), the Council of Deans and Directors of Graduate Studies (DDOGS) has developed a Framework of Best Practice in Australian Doctorate Programs which also provides valuable guidance for universities in monitoring their programs: http://www.ddogs.edu.au/files?folder_id=2123770849

han73_80.pdf	Issuing a Qualification and a Statement of Attainment

han81_99.pdf	Monitoring the Framework; sets of national guidelines on credit transfer and on RPL; VET sector references

Revisions to the Handbook - January 16, 2009

Section: Issuing a qualification

4. Protocol defining the form of the qualifications (Page 75)
5. Suggested form: Qualifications (Page 76)

Changes have been made in these sections of the issuance policy to incorporate information regarding employability skills in Training Packages.

2009 revisions pp75-76.

Previous editions of the AQF Implementation Handbook

AQF Implementation Handbook Third Edition

AQF Implementation Handbook Second Edition

AQF Implementation Handbook First Edition

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