Platform architecture

The QCP uses a centralised virtual architecture in which each participating country, sector or local authority is allocated a dedicated and sovereign Virtual Space. This ensures that national data remains under the full control of the contributing authority at all times.

ACQF QCP  data model

Full technical specifications are available on the Technical Documentation Portal.

Key technical documents

• QCP Architecture Report – the technological blueprint of the platform, including system design and infrastructure.
• QCP Baseline Analysis Report – Stakeholders’ Needs – findings from the consultation phase that shaped the platform’s design.
• Concept Note on the QCP Steering Group – background on the governance and coordination structures of the platform.
• ACQF QCP data model documentation – the full data model specification, including field definitions and controlled vocabularies.

Responsibilities of data-providing authorities

Participating authorities are responsible for ensuring that the data they publish to the QCP is authoritative, accurate and maintained at source. In practical terms, this includes:

• Maintaining a national or sectoral source of qualifications data, even if this is a simple structured dataset rather than a fully developed database.
• Mapping national data fields to the ACQF QCP data model, including the use of agreed controlled vocabularies where required.
• Preparing data for exchange in the JSON serialisation of the ACQF exchange model, which is the supported machine-readable format for automated publication.
• Ensuring that identifiers, references to levels, thematic areas and languages follow the conventions defined by the exchange model.
• Addressing validation errors and warnings reported by the platform and republishing corrected datasets as needed.

The QCP does not impose specific technologies, database products or programming languages at national level. Transformation and export processes may range from simple scripts converting spreadsheet or PDF-derived data to JSON, to fully automated system-to-system integrations.

Data standards and exchange format

All qualifications data shared with 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.

Exchange format

• JSON-based exchange format – designed for bulk transfer and automation.
• Mandatory and optional fields – covering core qualification information as defined by the ACQF QCP data model.
• Controlled vocabularies – expressed as reference codes and identifiers to ensure comparability across countries.

Classification systems

• ISCED-F 2013 – international standard classification for fields of education and training.
• ISCED 2011 – for education levels.
• ESCO – European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations classification, used for linking qualifications to occupations and skills.
• ACQF levels – where the national qualifications framework has been formally referenced to the ACQF.

Validation

Validation is performed automatically by the platform before any data is accepted. Datasets that fail validation are not published. Detailed validation reports are provided to support corrective action, and data providers can resubmit corrected datasets at any time. This process applies equally to manually uploaded files and API-based submissions.

Full validation rules and field specifications: data.acqf-qcp.africa

Curator Portal access

National qualifications authorities and authorised institutions manage their data through the QCP Curator Portal. Users are organised into roles within a dedicated national Virtual Space.

User roles

• Virtual Space Administrator – full system management, user account creation, and authority to publish data to the public portal.
• Qualifications Curator – creates, edits and updates qualification records; can import data via Excel or JSON or use manual entry forms.

Access the Curator Portal: curate-acc.acqf-qcp.africa (login required)

Tip: To learn more about using the Curator Portal, including step-by-step guidance on data entry and data mapping, explore Modules 3, 4 and 5 of the QCP Online Course, or consult the Training and Capacity Development section.

Data mapping support

Before uploading data to the QCP, national teams need to map their existing qualifications data fields to the ACQF QCP  data model. This process – known as data mapping – establishes clear relationships between your national data structure and the QCP’s common format.

Download the data mapping template: ACQF QCP Data Collection Template (Excel)

Data quality guidelines

To ensure high-quality qualifications data, national authorities should aim for:

• Completeness – provide all mandatory fields; include optional fields where data is available.
• Accuracy – verify information against official sources before entry.
• Consistency – use the same formats and controlled vocabularies throughout.
• Currency – update records when information changes and review data regularly.

Getting support

The QCP support team provides ongoing technical assistance throughout the lifecycle of participation in the platform. Support is coordinated centrally to ensure consistent responses and alignment with platform standards.

The support team can help with:

• Guidance on data formats and the ACQF QCP data model.
• Assistance with platform integration and API usage.
• Interpreting automated validation results and resolving errors.
• Advice on quality assurance and manual verification processes.
• Using the Curator Portal and managing your Virtual Space.

Email: support@acqf-qcp.africa

For country-specific questions or to arrange a dedicated session for your national team, contact the support team directly.

Tip: For training materials, webinars and step-by-step guidance, visit the Training and Capacity Development section or the QCP Online Course.