About the Credit Matrix
What is the Credit Matrix?
The Credit Matrix provides a common way of describing and comparing learning across all courses/qualifications.
It is used to allocate a level (for the complexity of the learning outcomes) and points (for the volume of the learning) to units in courses/qualifications available to learners in Victoria.
Levels and points
Levels
A unit is given a level from Enabling (lowest) to 8 (highest) to show the complexity of the learning outcomes. Each level has a detailed and a summary descriptor based on:
- knowledge and skills
- application
- degree of independence.
Points
Units are given points, 1 point = 10 hours of ‘average designed learning time’. Learning time includes:
- attending lectures and tutorials, and doing structured training and online training
- applying and refining skills and knowledge
- planning learning, being mentored, doing private study or revision, being assessed and receiving feedback.
So far we have allocated points and levels to all senior secondary units, over 20,000 VET units, and are working with three universities to allocate points and levels to a number of units in specified qualifications.
What is the Credit Matrix? – VRQA (PPT - 2.3Mb)
Qualifications Navigator
Previously referred to as Credit Matrix Online, the Qualifications Navigator is a website which will include approved courses/qualifications and providers from all sectors. The web site is currently being developed and tested.
You will be able to:
- browse for courses/qualifications, units and training providers in Victoria
- my learning - build your own learning profile and see how the level and amount of learning you already have compares to a course/qualification you would like to do
- check against course/qualification requirements and see how much more learning you have to do
- see what other courses/qualifications your learning can directly contribute to.
The website has been trialled in secondary schools in Victoria. For more details read the Credit Matrix Senior Secondary Pilot findings (PDF - 310Kb).
Key benefits of the Credit Matrix
- Better information for learners; a common and uniform approach for accumulating credit in qualifications.
- Improved credit transfer arrangements.
- Easier tracking and planning of learning.
- Improved international recognition and portability of qualifications.
- Consistent and flexible entrance requirements for non-ENTER students.
- Better planning for employers and industry; a quick indication of the level and amount of learning in different qualifications held by job applicants.
- Better development of courses and design rules for qualifications.