An award is a record that the learner has achieved the standards of knowledge, skill and competence required.  The learner receives documentary confirmation of this record by means of a certificate or statement of results.

There are four award-types on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

• http://www.fess.ie/templates/ja_edenite/images/bullet.gif) 18px 7px no-repeat;"> Major
• http://www.fess.ie/templates/ja_edenite/images/bullet.gif) 18px 7px no-repeat;"> Minor
• http://www.fess.ie/templates/ja_edenite/images/bullet.gif) 18px 7px no-repeat;"> Special Purpose
• http://www.fess.ie/templates/ja_edenite/images/bullet.gif) 18px 7px no-repeat;"> Supplemental

Standards for QQI awards at NFQ Level 1 - Level 6 are determined and published by QQI in documents called award specifications:

• http://www.fess.ie/templates/ja_edenite/images/bullet.gif) 18px 7px no-repeat;"> A Certificate Specification outlines the standards required for a major award
• http://www.fess.ie/templates/ja_edenite/images/bullet.gif) 18px 7px no-repeat;">A Component Specification outlines the standards required for a minor award
• http://www.fess.ie/templates/ja_edenite/images/bullet.gif) 18px 7px no-repeat;">A Specific Purpose Specification outlines the standards required for a special purpose award
• http://www.fess.ie/templates/ja_edenite/images/bullet.gif) 18px 7px no-repeat;">A Supplemental Specification outlines the standards required for a supplemental award