S.L. 607.1 Art. 4Functions and powers of the Commission.

(1) In accordance with its functions under article 65(g) of the Act to promote and maintain the Malta Qualifications

Framework and establish the policies and criteria on which the Malta Qualifications Framework shall be based, and in accordance with its functions under article 66(g) of the Act to maintain and publish a register of qualifications classified within the Malta Qualifications Framework, the Commission shall be the competent authority responsible for all aspects of the Malta Qualifications Framework and shall have such functions and powers as assigned to it by these regulations. Without prejudice to the powers of the Minister as provided by the Act, the Commission shall also have such functions and powers as may be required for the proper performance of any and all of its functions.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-regulation (1), the Commission shall have the following functions:

(a) to establish and maintain the criteria and mechanisms for classifying national qualifications within the Malta Qualifications Framework;

(b) to establish the minimum amount of credits required for a national qualification to be classified within the Malta Qualifications Framework;

(c) to ensure that national qualifications classified within the Malta Qualifications Framework are well-documented and include learning outcomes and information about assessment procedures;

(d) to adopt the Malta Qualifications Framework in such a way as to change, add or delete qualifications or level descriptors to reflect the principles of the European Qualifications Framework and of the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area;

(e) to maintain and classify sectoral qualifications within the Malta Qualifications Framework;

(f) to provide guidance and support to persons, schools and further and higher education providers operating with the Malta Qualifications Framework;

(g) to establish and maintain a register of persons awarded partial or full qualifications classified at one of the eight levels of the Malta Qualifications Framework; and

(h) to advise the Minister about the state, operation, needs and prospects of the Malta Qualifications Framework.

(3) Following a submission by schools or providers to have the national qualifications awarded by them classified within the Malta Qualifications Framework, the Commission may assign other recognised public or private entities to undertake the exercise of referencing of qualifications to the Malta Qualifications Framework: Provided that the level-rating process, requirements, conditions, limitations and exclusions carried out by entities other than the Commission shall be the same as those established by the Commission:

Provided further that the decision regarding the referencing of such qualifications shall in every case lie with the Commission.