The key elements of the NSQF provide:

• National principles for recognizing skill proficiency and competencies at different levels leading to international equivalency

• Multiple entry and exit between vocational education, skill training, general education, technical education and job markets

• Progression pathways defined within skill qualification framework

• Opportunities to promote lifelong learning and skill development

• Partnership with industry/employers

• A transparent, accountable and credible mechanism for skill development across various sectors

• Increased potential for recognition of prior learning. The qualification framework is beneficial to schools, vocational education and training providers, higher education institutes, accrediting authorities as well as industry and its representative bodies, unions, professional associations and licensing authorities. The biggest beneficiaries of such a framework are the learners who can judge the relative value of a qualification at a particular level on the framework and make informed decisions about their career progression paths.