THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF QUALIFICATIONS

Description of Academic Pathway

Qualifications with an academic purpose have a general disciplinary direction that may, or may not, directly link to a particular occupation, profession or technological field. The emphasis of the learning is on knowledge (and the application of knowledge) and skills through research in a predominantly theoretical environment

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Description of Technical Pathway

Qualifications with a technological purpose have both a theoretical and a practical focus, allowing graduates to fulfil roles that require a balance between knowledge of the disciplinary area or field and the skills for the practical application of the knowledge within a working environment. Theoretical knowledge typically constitutes more than half of the learning that leads to the qualification.

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Description of Technical and Vocational Pathway

Qualifications with a technical and vocational purpose are closely linked to specific occupations or trades. Technical and vocational education and training prepares people for work and upskills the workforce. Technical and vocational qualifications provide practical `hands-on’ skills which typically constitute more than half of the learning that leads to the qualification. Some or most of the learning may take place in the workplace or a simulated work environment.

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Description of RPL

The process of assessing a learner’s application for OQF Credit on the grounds of learning that was previously acquired through formal, informal and/or non-formal learning.reflecting the importance of RPL in Oman.

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Description of Higher Education (Post-School)

The Higher Education (Post-School) Band at OQF Levels 5 to 10 includes qualifications relevant to:

• Academic education
• Technological education
• Professional education
• Technical and vocational education and training beyond school

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Description of Level 10

The learner who achieves this level of performance will be able to discover, develop and communicate new knowledge, skills and fulfil research leadership roles in a climate of change. The learner demonstrates a comprehensive level of skills that are appropriate to the forefront of their subject, discipline, occupation or profession. They are able to contribute to the scholarship of their field. They show the ability to encourage autonomy and manage good practice of others

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Description of Professional Qualification 5

To provide deep comprehensive knowledge and skills in a professional context to be able to:

• Be at the forefront of developments within the professional field
• Have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the relationship with other professional areas
• Conduct research within the profession and communicate the results effectively to peers and the community
• Hold strategic management positions within the professional area

To prepare for employment in a strategic role and to encourage the exchange of knowledge within the professional area

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Description of Doctorate

To provide leaners with advanced knowledge and the skills to:

• Work with a deep and comprehensive body of knowledge at the forefront of the field of study
• Undertake original research at an advanced level
• Create, interpret and apply new knowledge
• Work at a strategic level autonomously or as part of a team
• Make informed judgements and/or decisions on complex issues
• Communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Incorporate a range of media into information communication technology, as appropriate

Take responsibility for their own learning and professional development

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Description of Doctor of Technology

To provide a broad range of knowledge and skills with some theoretical elements to be able to:

• Apply the skills in a professional context to complete well-defined complex tasks
• Communicate orally and in writing at a significant level
• Work individually or as part of a team

To provide knowledge and skills for entry to employment in a professional occupation and to prepare for further study in a professional discipline

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Description of [New Technical & Vocational Qualifications may be developed]

New types of qualifications that may be developed in the future.

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Description of Level 9

The learner who achieves this level of performance will demonstrate specialist knowledge in a field and the skills required for research or other advanced professional practice in order to fulfil senior professional and leadership roles in specialised fields. The learner demonstrates a composite level of skills appropriate to senior levels in their occupation and/or discipline.

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Description of Professional Qualification 4

To provide highly specialised technical and theoretical knowledge and skills in a professional context to be able to:

• Have knowledge of other related professional areas
• Understand and address critical and/or controversial issues in the profession
• Contribute to knowledge, skills and research in a profession
• Fulfil a senior management role within the professional area

To prepare for senior employment in a management role in a professional discipline and to enable engagement in further study in a professional field or discipline

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Description of Master’s Post-Graduate Diploma

To provide learners with:

• Knowledge and understanding of the outcomes of recent research in the field of study
• Critical awareness of current problems
• Knowledge of theories and developments in a field of study and the skills to apply them
• Knowledge of new insights at the forefront of the field of study

Learners will have the ability to:

• Act independently, creatively and conduct independent enquiry
• Critically evaluate recent research
• Apply relevant concepts, principles and research techniques creatively and investigate problems and develop solutions
• Incorporate media into information communication technology, as appropriate
• Lead teams to effectively address and resolve complex issues

Take responsibility for their learning and future development

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Description of Master of Technology

To provide a broad range of knowledge and skills with some theoretical elements to be able to:

• Apply the skills in a professional context to complete well-defined complex tasks
• Communicate orally and in writing at a significant level
• Work individually or as part of a team

To provide knowledge and skills for entry to employment in a professional occupation and to prepare for further study in a professional discipline

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Description of [New Technical & Vocational Qualifications may be developed]

New types of qualifications that may be developed in the future.

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Description of Level 8

To provide a balance of breadth and depth of knowledge in one or two technological fields.

To provide learners with:

• Comprehensive, detailed knowledge of the technological field
• Knowledge of the links to related technologies in other technologies and professional areas
• Knowledge of the way in which new technological knowledge is developed
• Knowledge of relevant Omani laws, regulations and conventions and the differences between these and appropriate jurisdictions abroad
• Awareness of current research in the technological field of study

Learners will have the ability to:

• Systematically gather, analyse and interpret relevant qualitative and quantitative data from a range of sources
• Identify and use the most appropriate information communication technology effectively
• Take responsibility for their own learning
• Make sound judgements and decisions on complex issues
• Take initiative to analyse and resolve problems creatively
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally and develop persuasive arguments

Apply highly advanced levels of understanding of the values and ethics of their technological field

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Description of Professional Qualification 3

To provide advanced technical and theoretical knowledge and skills in a professional context to be able to:

• Apply the principles within the legal and regulatory frameworks of the profession
• Communicate effectively and synthesise information/li>
• Conduct research and independent evaluations to reach conclusions
• Fulfil a management role within the professional area

To prepare for employment in a management role in a professional discipline and to enable engagement in further study in a professional field or discipline

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Description of Bachelor’s Degree

To provide a balance of breadth and depth of knowledge in a field of study and advanced specialised knowledge in at least one area.

To provide learners with:

• Comprehensive, detailed knowledge of the field of study
• Knowledge of the links to related knowledge in other disciplines and professional areas
• Knowledge of the way in which new knowledge is developed
• Knowledge of relevant Omani laws, regulations and conventions and the differences between these and appropriate jurisdictions abroad
• Awareness of current research in the field of study

Learners will have the ability to:

• Systematically gather, analyse and interpret relevant qualitative and quantitative data from a range of sources
• Identify and use information communication technology effectively
• Take responsibility for their own learning
• Make sound judgements and decisions on complex issues
• Take initiative to analyse and resolve problems creatively
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally and develop persuasive arguments

Apply highly advanced levels of understanding of the values and ethics of their discipline

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Description of Bachelor of Technology

To provide a balance of breadth and depth of knowledge in one or two technological fields.

To provide learners with:

• Comprehensive, detailed knowledge of the technological field
• Knowledge of the links to related technologies in other technologies and professional areas
• Knowledge of the way in which new technological knowledge is developed
• Knowledge of relevant Omani laws, regulations and conventions and the differences between these and appropriate jurisdictions abroad
• Awareness of current research in the technological field of study

Learners will have the ability to:

• Systematically gather, analyse and interpret relevant qualitative and quantitative data from a range of sources
• Identify and use the most appropriate information communication technology effectively
• Take responsibility for their own learning<
• Make sound judgements and decisions on complex issues
• Take initiative to analyse and resolve problems creatively
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally and develop persuasive arguments

Apply highly advanced levels of understanding of the values and ethics of their technological field

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Description of [New Technical & Vocational Qualifications may be developed]

New types of qualifications that may be developed in the future.

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Description of Level 7

To provide a broad knowledge and understanding of a field of study and specialised knowledge in at least one area:

To provide learners with:

• In-depth knowledge of major specialisation(s), including the key issues and how to address them
• Knowledge and skills to address the key issues in the specialisation(s)
• Knowledge of the way in which new knowledge is developed within the field of study
• Knowledge and understanding of the relationships between the field of study and related areas of knowledge
• Knowledge of the main research methods used in the field of study

Learners will have the ability to:

• Interpret information and address issues inside and outside of the original learning context
• Apply principal methods of investigation to new problems
• Take into account the provisional nature of knowledge in analysing, interpreting and resolving problems
• Communicate effectively to diverse audiences
• Use information communication technology effectively
• Use own initiatives to undertake further learning to develop new skills
• Manage tasks individually or collaboratively within teams Take a leadership role and work within a team

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Description of Professional Qualification 2

To provide significant specialised technical and theoretical knowledge and skills in a professional context to be able to:

• Apply the principles within the profession
• Apply specialized skills to solve complex problems
• Fulfil a professional role with guidance

To prepare for employment in a junior management role in a professional discipline and to enable engagement in further study in a professional field or discipline

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Description of Advanced Diploma

To provide a broad knowledge and understanding of a field of study and specialised knowledge in at least one area:

To provide learners with:

• In-depth knowledge of major specialisation(s), including the key issues and how to address them
• Knowledge and skills to address the key issues in the specialisation(s)
• Knowledge of the way in which new knowledge is developed within the field of study
• Knowledge and understanding of the relationships between the field of study and related areas of knowledge
• Knowledge of the main research methods used in the field of study

Learners will have the ability to:

• Interpret information and address issues inside and outside of the original learning context
• Apply principal methods of investigation to new problems
• Take into account the provisional nature of knowledge in analysing, interpreting and resolving problems
• Communicate effectively to diverse audiences
• Use information communication technology effectively
• Use own initiatives to undertake further learning to develop new skills
• Manage tasks individually or collaboratively within teams Take a leadership role and work within a team

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Description of Advanced Diploma of Technology

To provide a broad knowledge and understanding of a field of study and specialised knowledge in at least one area:

To provide learners with:

• In-depth knowledge of major specialisation(s) including the key issues and how to address them
• Knowledge and skills to address the key issues in the specialisation(s)
• Knowledge of the way in which new knowledge is developed within the technological field
• Knowledge and understanding of the relationships between the technological field of study and related areas of knowledge
• Knowledge of the main research methods used in the technological field of study

Learners will have the ability to:

• Interpret information and address issues inside and outside of the original technology
• Apply principal methods of investigation to new problems
• Take into account the provisional nature of knowledge in analysing, interpreting and resolving problems
• Communicate effectively to diverse audiences
• Use information communication technology effectively
• Use own initiative to undertake further learning to develop new skills
• Manage tasks individually or collaboratively within teams Take a leadership role and work within a team

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Description of [New Technical & Vocational Qualifications may be developed]

New types of qualifications that may be developed in the future.

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Description of Level 6

The learner who achieves this level of performance will demonstrate a substantial range of knowledge, skills and understanding of general principles in a subject area or discipline with some specialisation. The learner is able to fulfil generally autonomous roles in craft, technical and supervisory activities. The learner demonstrates some specialist skills required for their occupation and/or study

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Description of Professional Qualification 1

To provide specialised, technical and theoretical knowledge and skills in a professional context to be able to:

• Solve complex problems that occur in variable contexts
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Fulfil a professional role with guidance

To prepare for employment in a professional discipline and to enable engagement in further study in a professional field or discipline.

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Description of Diploma

This qualification covers significant knowledge and skills in the field of study with some specialisation.

To provide learners with:

• Significant bodies of information in the field of study, including the subjects within it
• Knowledge and skills in some areas of specialisation within the field of study
• Knowledge and understanding of major issues in the field of study and how these might be addressed
• The central underlying concepts, principles, theories and practices in the field of study
• Basic knowledge of the essential legal environment and regulatory frameworks related to the field of study
• An understanding of the limits of their knowledge and how this might influence their interpretations

Learners will have the ability to

• Apply their knowledge in a new context, including employment
• Use information communication technologies to access, analyse information and propose solutions to clearly defined problems
• Report relevant information to diverse audiences
• Identify and initiate responses to their learning needs Work independently and in groups

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Description of Diploma of Technology

This qualification covers significant knowledge and skills in the field of study with some specialisation.

To provide learners with:

• Significant bodies of technological information in the field of study, including the subjects within it
• Knowledge and skills in some areas of specialisation within the field of study
• Knowledge and understanding of major issues in the technological field of study and how these might be addressed
• The central underlying concepts, principles, theories and practices relating to the technology
• Basic knowledge of the essential legal environment and regulatory frameworks related to the technological field of study
• An understanding of the limits of their technological knowledge and how this might influence their interpretations

Learners will have the ability to:

• Apply their technological knowledge in a new context, including employment
• Use information communication technologies to access, analyse information and propose solutions to clearly defined problems
• Report relevant information, within their technological field, to diverse audiences
• Identify and initiate responses to their learning needs Work independently and in groups

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Description of Vocational Diploma/[New Technical Qualifications may be developed]

To provide technical and vocational skills and knowledge to enable employment in skilled occupations.

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Description of Level 5

The learner who achieves this level of performance will demonstrate a broad range of knowledge and skills with some theoretical elements required to undertake skilled roles or as the basis for further learning. The learner demonstrates a broad range of skills appropriate to employment or study and is able to apply these in appropriate situations.

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Description of Introductory Professional Qualification

To provide a broad range of knowledge and skills with some theoretical elements to be able to:

• Apply the skills in a professional context to complete well-defined complex tasks
• Communicate orally and in writing at a significant level
• Work individually or as part of a team with some responsibility for task management

To provide knowledge and skills for entry to employment in a professional occupation and to prepare for further study in a professional discipline

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Description of [New qualifications may be developed]

[New Technical Qualifications may be developed]

New types of qualifications that may be developed in the future.

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Description of [New qualifications may be developed]

[New Technical Qualifications may be developed]

New types of qualifications that may be developed in the future.

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Description of Certificate of Vocational Competency 3/[New Technical Qualifications may be developed]

To provide a broad range of skills, knowledge and competencies for specialised work in a particular field of occupation.

One-two years full-time study depending on entry qualification (after General Vocational Education Diploma or General Education Diploma (Grade 12) or Certificate of Vocational Competency 2).

The duration also varies by companies requirements and needs of practical training.

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Description of Level 4

The learner who achieves this level of performance will demonstrate general factual knowledge and practical skills appropriate as the basis of progress to further learning and/or to skilled occupations. The learner has a range of general interpersonal skills that are appropriate for employment or study.

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Description of General Education Diploma (Grade 12)/[New qualifications may be developed]

General Education Diploma (Grade 12)

To provide the knowledge and skills required to enable learners to:

• Further their study in academic, technological, professional or technical and vocational education
• Enter general employment opportunities (which require a qualification)

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New types of qualifications that may be developed in the future.

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Description of General Vocational Education Diploma/Certificate of Vocational Competency 2/[New Technical Qualifications may be developed]

General Vocational Education Diploma

To provide learners with specific practical skills and theoretical knowledge of pertinent scientific and technical information required for:

• Entry to skilled specialised occupations
• Entry to general employment opportunities
• Preparing learners for further study

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Certificate of Vocational Competency 2

To provide learners with specific practical skills and theoretical knowledge of pertinent scientific and technical information required for:

• Entry to skilled specialised occupations
• Entry to general employment opportunities
• Preparing learners for further study

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[New Technical Qualifications may be developed]

New types of qualifications that may be developed in the future.

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Description of Level 3

The learner who achieves this level of performance will demonstrate basic knowledge and skills, relevant to basic social competence and/or for entry level occupational roles requiring limited skills, in routine activities. The learner has a basic level of skills, which are appropriate for employment and for progress to further studies.

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Description of General Certificate of Basic Education (Grade 10)

To provide a general basic foundation of knowledge and skills in all fields of learning and disciplines, which enable learners to:

• Further their studies in general education
• Enter entry-level employment opportunities (which require a qualification)

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Description of General Vocational Education Certificate/Certificate of Vocational Competency 1/[New Technical Qualifications may be developed]

General Vocational Education Certificate

Provides specific practical skills for the workplace, in addition to some theoretical knowledge of technical information.

Certificate of Vocational Competency 1

Provides specific practical skills for the workplace, in addition to some theoretical knowledge of technical information.

[New Technical Qualifications may be developed]

New types of qualifications that may be developed in the future.

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Description of Level 2

The learner who achieves this level of performance will demonstrate elementary knowledge and skills that can form the basis of learning with strong support for the performance of simple tasks in controlled environments. The learner has an elementary awareness of skills that are appropriate to employment and for progress to further studies.

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Description of Completion of Cycle 1 (Grade 4)

To provide learners with simple knowledge and skills to enable them to:

• Enter closely supervised employment, which involves routine tasks
• Further their learning

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Description of [New Technical & Vocational Qualifications may be developed]

New types of qualifications that may be developed in the future.

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Description of Access

The Access Band at OQF Level 1 includes elementary education for adults with no formal qualifications.

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Description of Level 1

The learner who achieves this level of performance will demonstrate elementary knowledge and skills that can form the basis of learning with strong support for the performance of simple tasks in controlled environments. The learner has an elementary awareness of skills that are appropriate to employment and for progress to further studies.

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Description of Literacy 1

To provide learners with elementary knowledge and skills, to enable them to:

• Carry out simple tasks in controlled environments to improve their independence
• Further their learning

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Description of Schooling

The Schooling Band at OQF Levels 2 to 4 includes general (school) education consisting of two phases

Basic education (with two cycles):

• First cycle of four grades (Grades 1─ 4)
• Second cycle of six grades (Grades 5 ─10)

Post-basic education consisting of two grades (Grades 11─12)

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