About the Ontario Qualifications Framework (OQF)

About the Ontario Qualifications Framework (OQF)

Ontario Qualifications Framework (PDF)
More Information About OQF

• The Ontario Qualifications Framework (OQF) outlines the “knowledge and skills (learning outcomes) which each credential or qualification (e.g., certificate, diploma, bachelor, masters, or doctoral degree) is intended to achieve.”
• The Ontario Qualifications Framework includes all non-religious postsecondary certificate, diploma and degree programs offered under the auspices of the Province of Ontario, including apprenticeship certificates, the qualifications awarded by private career colleges, the qualifications awarded by public colleges, and degrees offered by public universities and institutions authorized to award degrees by a consent of the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario.
• In alignment with the Framework for Programs of Instruction and Minister’s Binding Policy Directive - Framework for Programs of Instruction, Ontario colleges require Credential Validation Service (CVS) Validation for the following credentials:
  • Ontario College Certificate - including Apprenticeship (OCC)
  • Ontario College Diploma (OCD)
  • Ontario College Advanced Diploma (OCAD)
  • Ontario College Graduate Certificate (OCGC)
• Ontario Colleges require the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB) to provide consent for the following credentials: 
  • Bachelor's Degree 
  • Honours Bachelor's Degree 
  • Masters Degree
• Colleges seeking new program validation must align with an existing MTCU code where possible. If a single MTCU code does not represent the proposed new program, alignment to two codes is permitted. When two codes are used, a new MTCU code is created by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES).

Program Hour Ranges

Qualification Descriptions

• The qualification categories distinguish between levels of knowledge based on a continuum ranging from the mastery of particular, established bodies of knowledge and skills to levels at the frontiers of knowledge where new knowledge is created and established assumptions and methods are challenged.
• Each qualification may be seen as a reference point along that continuum.
• The descriptions of each qualification outline its purpose, typical admission requirements and typical duration.
• The OQF document (see PDF linked above) includes information about the following descriptors for each credential: 
  • Overall program design and outcome emphasis 
  • Preparation for employment and further study 
  • Typical duration
  • Admission requirements
  • Provider
  • Qualification awarded
  • Depth and breadth of knowledge 
  • Conceptual and methodological awareness / research and scholarship 
  • Communication skills 
  • Application of knowledge
  • Professional capacity / autonomy
  •  Awareness of limits of knowledge