What is a qualifications database?

A qualifications database (QDB) is a trusted digital register of all the degrees, diplomas, certificates and other credentials that are officially awarded within a country. Think of it as a national library for qualifications – a reliable, open and authoritative source where any credential can be verified.

Well-maintained national databases are essential for trust in qualifications. A qualification that cannot be verified against an authoritative source is one whose value is difficult to assess. They are also the building blocks for international recognition: without accurate national records, cross-border comparison and recognition of qualifications would not be possible.

National qualifications databases and the QCP

National qualifications databases are the digital foundation of the QCP. They act as trusted registers at country level, and the QCP connects them into a single searchable continental platform.

The development of qualifications databases across Africa varies widely – from traditional paper-based listings to fully structured digital systems. The QCP is designed to accommodate this range. For countries without a fully developed national database, the QCP Curator Portal is a great starting point. It lets national authorities build and manage their qualifications register right on the platform, while also developing local capacity.

Countries with national qualifications databases

The following countries have established national qualifications databases and are sharing data with the QCP. Click the links below to explore each national database directly.

Each country's national qualifications authority manages the qualifications data for their country. You can access more information about each national system through the links below.

Links to national databases and authorities  

Botswana

• Botswana Qualifications Authority - NCQF Registered Qualifications

Kenya

• Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA)
• National qualifications database: Contact KNQA for access

Mauritius          

• Mauritius Qualifications Authority Registers

Rwanda

• Rwanda Education Board (REB)
• National qualifications framework information available through REB

South Africa

• South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
• National Qualifications Framework Database

Tanzania

• Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU)
• National Council for Technical Education (NACTE)

Zambia

• Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA)
• National qualifications database: Contact ZAQA for access

Zimbabwe

• Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE)
• National qualifications database: Contact ZIMCHE for access

Organisations providing data to the QCP

Qualifications data in the QCP comes from official national authorities. These organisations are responsible for maintaining accurate, up-to-date records and for deciding what data is shared with the platform. They retain full ownership of their data at all times.

Data providers typically include:

• National qualifications authorities (NQAs) – the primary custodians of national qualifications frameworks and data.
• Ministries of education, higher education and TVET – responsible for registers of qualifications at different levels.
• Quality assurance and accreditation agencies – responsible for verifying the accreditation status of awarding bodies and programmes.

How countries contribute data

Participating countries use the QCP Curator Portal to share qualifications data with the continental platform. National coordinators can:

• Enter qualifications data directly into the curator interface.
• Upload structured data files in the ACQF QCPdata modelformat.
• Review and approve qualifications before they appear on the public portal.
• Update existing qualifications as information changes.
• Manage access for other users in their country.

Data standards and quality

All qualifications data in the QCP follows the ACQF QCP  data model, which defines common data fields and standards for describing qualifications. This ensures consistency and enables comparison across different national systems.

National authorities are responsible for the accuracy and quality of their qualifications data. The QCP provides tools and guidance to support high-quality data, but each country maintains full control over its own information.

Full technical documentation on data standards: data.acqf-qcp.africa

Tip: To learn more about qualifications databases, data standards and how to connect your national system to the QCP, explore the Training and Capacity Development section or the QCP Online Course.

Is your country interested in joining?

Countries at any stage of qualifications database development are welcome to participate in the QCP. Technical support and training are available to help national teams get started.

Contact the ACQF Secretariat through the ACQF Network.

National qualifications authorities interested in contributing data can access training materials and technical support through the QCP Technical Cluster and capacity development programme.