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Find answers to common questions about the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), its services, qualifications, certification, and the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF).
GENERAL & STRUCTURAL
The KNQA was established in 2015 under the KNQF Act (Cap 214) to coordinate,
harmonize, and standardize education and training levels across Kenya. Its core
responsibilities include:
• Maintaining the National Qualifications Database (NQD).
• Setting standards for levels, credit transfers, and exemptions.
• Regulating the registration, accreditation, alignment, and validation of
qualifications.
• Facilitating Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and international recognition of
Kenyan qualifications.
The framework categorizes qualifications into 10 distinct levels spanning basic education, TVET, university, and skills pathways:
KNQF Level | Qualification Name | Minimum Entry Requirement | Minimum Duration / Volume |
Level 1 | Primary Certificate | Birth Certificate | 6 Years |
Level 2 | Secondary Certificate / NVC I / GTT III / NSC III | Level 1 Qualification | 6 Years (Except NVC/GTT/NSC) |
Level 3 | National Vocational Certificate II / GTT II / NSC II | KCPE (Level 1) or KCSE Grade E | 3 Months (30–59 Credits) |
Level 4 | Artisan Certificate / NVC III / GTT I / NSC I | KCSE Grade E or Level 3 | 6 Months (60–119 Credits) |
Level 5 | Craft Certificate / NVC IV / CPA I / Master Crafts Person III | KCSE Grade D or Level 4 | 1 Year (120–239 Credits) |
Level 6 | National Diploma / CPA II / Master Crafts Person II | KCSE Grade C- or Level 5 | 2 Years (240–479 Credits) |
Level 7 | Bachelor’s Degree / Higher National Diploma (HND) / CPA III | KCSE Grade C+ or Level 6 | 4 Years (480 Credits) |
Level 8 | Post Graduate Diploma / Professional Bachelor’s Degree | Level 7 Qualification | 1 Year (120 Credits) |
Level 9 | Master’s Degree | Level 8 Qualification | 2 Years (240 Credits) |
Level 10 | Doctorate Degree (PhD) | Level 9 Qualification | 3 Years (360 Credits) |
QUALIFICATIONS & ALIGNMENT
The Higher National Diploma (HND) is aligned at KNQF Level 7 within the Technical and Vocational (TVET) Pathway, making its learning outcomes comparable to a 4-year general university Bachelor’s degree for work performance. However:
- Academic Progression: Direct entry into a Master's degree depends on specific university admission guidelines (as regulated by the CUE). HND holders may be required to complete additional theoretical credits before joining a Master's program.
No.
- Honorary Degrees: Lack defined learning outcomes, credit units, or formal assessments; they are conferred as honors and cannot be registered as qualifications on the KNQF.
- Professorship: Is an academic rank conferred by a university, not a qualification with level descriptors or units, and thus cannot be accredited as a KNQF qualification.
CREDIT ACCUMULATION & TRANSFER SYSTEM (KCATS)
KCATS is a framework designed to allow learners to move vertically, horizontally, or diagonally across qualifications and institutions by accumulating and transferring academic credits. Key rules include:
- Credit Limit: A maximum of 49% of total credit requirements for an award can be transferred.
- Exclusions: Credits cannot be transferred for core project work, industrial attachments, teaching practice, or research/theses.
- Age Limit: Credits earned more than 4 years prior to the transfer application date are ineligible.
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)
RPL is a process that assesses and certifies knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired through work experience, informal training, or life experience against national standards.
- Target Beneficiaries: Informal sector workers, non-formal learners, out-of-school youth, refugees, migrants, and employees seeking formal certification.
- Outcomes: Candidates receive either full certification, partial certification, or a referral for skills gap training.
NQD PORTAL
KNQD is a central database managed by KNQA that archives verified information regarding Qualification Awarding Institutions (QAIs), accredited qualifications, and individual student achievement records. It allows employers, institutions, and individuals to quickly verify the authenticity of certificates and eliminate fake credentials.
QUALIFICATIONS ALIGNMENT AND VALIDATION (QAV) PORTAL
Submitting a qualification for alignment and validation into the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF) is completed online through the KNQA Qualifications Alignment and Validation (QAV) Portal (qa.knqa.go.ke).
Document Requirements
All submitted documents must be clear scanned copies and properly certified before uploading:
- Academic Certificates & Transcripts: Clear copies of all certificates and official academic transcripts for the qualification being submitted, as well as prior prerequisite qualifications.
- Document Certification:
- Kenyan Citizens: Certified by an Advocate and Commissioner for Oaths or the issuing institution.
- Foreign Applicants: Certified by an Advocate and Notary Public or the issuing institution.
- Identification Documents:
- Kenyan Citizens: Certified copy of National Identity Card or Passport (showing a clear photograph) certified by an Advocate and Commissioner for Oaths.
- Foreign Citizens: Certified copies of Passport, Work Permit, or Visa certified by an Advocate and Notary Public.
- English Translation (if applicable): Non-English certificates and academic transcripts must be translated into English by a certified language translator, bearing the official stamp/letterhead of the translator.
- Proof of Research/Project (Postgraduate Degrees): A complete signed signature page (in English) as proof of thesis/research work for Master’s or PhD qualifications.
- Proof of Name Change (if applicable): An official affidavit or deed poll if the name on academic credentials differs from identity documents.
Step-by-Step Application Instructions
- Create an Account on the QAV Portal:
- Visit knqa.go.ke and click Register.
- Select Individual (Applicant) Account and register using the personal details of the qualification owner.
- Account Activation & Profile Setup:
- Log in using your credentials and complete your personal profile details (contact information, citizenship, and national ID/passport number).
- Add Academic Qualifications:
- Navigate to Upload Qualification(s).
- Fill in the qualification metadata (Institution Name, Awarding Body, Level/Program Title, Start and Completion Dates).
- Upload Certified Attachments:
- Attach the corresponding certified certificate, transcripts, identification, and research signature page (where applicable) in the designated upload slots.
- Review and Verification Declaration:
- Review all details for accuracy. Check the legal declaration confirming that all uploaded documents are authentic and legally certified.
- Submit & Pay Assessment Fees:
- Submit the application. Pay the required evaluation and alignment fee via the payment gateway integrated on the portal.
- Tracking & Evaluation:
- Track the processing status via your portal dashboard as KNQA evaluators align the qualification against KNQF level descriptors.
Still have questions about KNQA services?
For any inquiries about KNQA services, qualifications, certification, or the Alignment and Validation of Qualifications process, please contact us during official working hours. Our team will be happy to assist you.
