CQF Alignment

📚 REGIONAL STANDARD

Understanding the Caribbean Qualifications Framework

The Caribbean Qualifications Framework (CQF) is the regional standard for qualifications across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It ensures that qualifications are comparable, transparent, and recognized throughout the region and internationally.

What CQF Provides:
✓ Transparency: Clear standards for what learners should know and be able to do
✓ Comparability: Qualifications can be compared across Caribbean institutions
✓ Portability: Credentials recognized regionally and internationally
✓ Quality Assurance: Programs meet established academic and professional standards
✓ Progression Pathways: Clear routes from one level to the next

Why It Matters:
CQF alignment ensures that your Horizon Bridge Academy credential is meaningful, respected, and valued by employers, professional bodies, and educational institutions across the Caribbean and beyond.

CQF Level 3 Standard:
Foundational knowledge and basic skills applicable in familiar contexts under supervision or guidance.

HBA Alignment:
✓ Knowledge: Foundational understanding of sector-specific principles and Caribbean business context
✓ Skills: Basic application of techniques and tools in familiar situations
✓ Competence: Ability to complete structured tasks with some autonomy
✓ Responsibility: Personal accountability for learning and work quality

Learning Outcomes:
Students demonstrate foundational knowledge, apply basic skills in Caribbean business contexts, and progress confidently to advanced study.

HBA Term 1 Programme:
Credential: Certificate in Caribbean Professional Foundations
Notional Learning Hours: 180 hours
Courses: 9 foundational courses
Duration: 4-6 weeks per course (self-paced)
Assessment: Portfolio-based assessments, practical case studies, reflective journals
Entry Requirements: Open enrollment (no prerequisites)
Progression: Direct entry to Term 2 (CQF Level 4-5)Sample Courses:
• Cook with Confidence: Caribbean Culinary Essentials
• Introduction to Value Addition in Agriculture
• Operational Excellence in Island Clinics
• Digital Marketing & E-commerce for Artisans

CQF Level 4-5 Standard:
Advanced knowledge and skills with ability to analyze, evaluate, and apply in complex contexts with limited supervision.

HBA Alignment:
✓ Knowledge: Advanced understanding of sector dynamics and international frameworks
✓ Skills: Analysis of complex scenarios and development of strategic solutions
✓ Competence: Ability to lead projects and teams with professional judgment
✓ Responsibility: Accountability for decisions and team outcomes

Learning Outcomes:
Students analyze complex business scenarios, develop strategic solutions for sector challenges, and demonstrate advanced professional competence.

HBA Term 2 Programme:
Credential: Diploma in Sector Specialist Leadership
Notional Learning Hours: 240 hours
Pillars: 7 specialist pillars
Duration: 8-10 weeks per masterclass
Assessment: Live case presentations, industry projects, peer-reviewed work
Entry Requirements: Term 1 completion OR 3+ years professional experience (RPL)
Progression: Direct entry to Term 3 (CQF Level 6)

Sample Pillars:
• Strategic Vision & Ethical Governance
• Financial Acumen & Resource Stewardship
• Innovation & Global Trade Facilitation
• Cultural Intelligence & Heritage as Advantage

CQF Level 6 Standard:
Mastery-level knowledge and skills with ability to synthesize, innovate, and lead in complex, unpredictable contexts.

HBA Alignment:
✓ Knowledge: Mastery-level understanding across multiple domains and institutional funding mechanisms
✓ Skills: Synthesis of complex information and creation of innovative solutions
✓ Competence: Development of bankable projects meeting DFI requirements
✓ Responsibility: Strategic leadership and transformational change management

Learning Outcomes:
Students synthesize complex information, create innovative solutions for Caribbean challenges, and develop investor-ready bankable projects.

HBA Term 3 Programme:
Credential: Advanced Professional Certificate
Notional Learning Hours: 600 hours
Tracks: 3 specialized fellowship tracks
Duration: 12-week intensive fellowship
Assessment: Externally examined capstone, live investor presentation, viva voce defense
Entry Requirements: Term 2 completion OR 5+ years senior leadership experience + application
Outcome: Investor-ready bankable project

Fellowship Tracks:
• Bankable Projects Masterclass: From Vision to DFI Capital
• Mastering Bankable Projects for Climate Resilience
• Strategic Planning for Private Health Ventures

Knowledge & Understanding Domain

Skills & Application Domain

Professional Capabilities Domain

CQF Level 3 (Term 1):
✓ Foundational knowledge of sector-specific principles and practices
✓ Understanding of Caribbean business environment and regional dynamics
✓ Basic financial and operational concepts
✓ Introduction to professional standards and ethics
✓ Awareness of Caribbean cultural and post-colonial contexts

CQF Level 3 (Term 1):
✓ Apply basic techniques and tools in familiar contexts
✓ Complete practical assignments independently
✓ Use standard business tools and software
✓ Communicate professionally in writing and verbally
✓ Conduct basic research and analysis

CQF Level 3 (Term 1):
✓ Professional work ethic and time management
✓ Basic problem-solving and critical thinking
✓ Collaborative learning and teamwork
✓ Cultural awareness and sensitivity
✓ Commitment to continuous learning

CQF Level 4-5 (Term 2):
✓ Advanced knowledge of sector dynamics and industry trends
✓ Understanding of regional and international frameworks (CARICOM, CSME, IFRS)
✓ Strategic management concepts and organizational behavior
✓ ESG and sustainability principles
✓ Caribbean economic development priorities

CQF Level 4-5 (Term 2):
✓ Analyze complex business scenarios and identify key issues
✓ Develop strategic solutions and implementation plans
✓ Lead projects and teams effectively
✓ Apply advanced technical skills in sector-specific contexts
✓ Conduct comprehensive market and feasibility analysis

CQF Level 4-5 (Term 2):
✓ Ethical decision-making and integrity
✓ Advanced critical thinking and analytical reasoning
✓ Stakeholder management and communication
✓ Cultural intelligence and cross-cultural competence
✓ Leadership and team management

CQF Level 6 (Term 3):
✓ Mastery-level knowledge across multiple domains
✓ Deep understanding of institutional funding mechanisms (DFIs, climate funds)
✓ Advanced financial modeling, valuation, and investment analysis
✓ Innovation and transformation frameworks
✓ Caribbean development challenges and opportunities

CQF Level 6 (Term 3):
✓ Synthesize information from multiple sources and disciplines
✓ Create innovative solutions for complex Caribbean challenges
✓ Develop bankable projects meeting DFI requirements
✓ Defend proposals before expert panels with confidence

CQF Level 6 (Term 3):
✓ Transformational leadership and strategic vision
✓ Executive presence and professional influence
✓ Legacy mindset and social responsibility
✓ Innovation and entrepreneurial thinking
✓ Systems thinking and complexity management

📝 ASSESSMENT STANDARDS

Assessment Methods Aligned with CQF

Our assessment framework is designed to evaluate competency at each CQF level, ensuring that graduates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and capabilities expected at their qualification level.

Assessment Principles

Validity:
Assessments measure what they claim to measure — actual professional competency at the appropriate CQF level in Caribbean contexts.

Reliability:
Consistent assessment standards across all cohorts, with clear marking criteria aligned to CQF descriptors and moderation processes.

Authenticity:
Real-world tasks that mirror actual professional work at each level — from basic applications (Level 3) to strategic leadership (Level 6).

Transparency:
Clear assessment criteria provided upfront with detailed rubrics mapped to CQF learning outcomes. Students know exactly what’s expected.

Fairness:
Multiple assessment methods accommodate different learning styles. Reasonable adjustments available for students with disabilities.

Assessment Methods by CQF Level:

CQF Level 3 (Term 1):
Portfolio assessments (40%), practical case studies (30%), reflective journals (15%), knowledge quizzes (15%)

CQF Level 4-5 (Term 2):
Live case presentations (30%), industry-focused projects (30%), peer-reviewed work (20%), strategic analysis reports (20%)CQF Level 6 (Term 3):
Comprehensive feasibility study – externally examined (40%), sophisticated financial model with DCF analysis (30%), live investor presentation to expert panel (20%), viva voce oral defense (10%)

✅ QUALITY ASSURANCE

CQF Quality Assurance Mechanisms

Horizon Bridge Academy maintains rigorous quality assurance to ensure assessments remain aligned with CQF standards and continue to measure competency effectively.

Quality Mechanisms

Internal Moderation:
✓ All assessments reviewed by Academic Director before release
✓ Sample marking reviewed for consistency with CQF descriptors
✓ Assessment criteria validated against CQF learning outcomes
✓ Regular calibration of marking standards

External Examination:
✓ Term 3 capstone projects examined by independent industry experts
✓ External examiners verify alignment with CQF Level 6 standards
✓ External benchmarking against international professional standards
✓ Input from 12 ICAEW specialist communities

Continuous Review:
✓ Annual assessment review for CQF alignment
✓ Student feedback on assessment fairness and relevance
✓ Graduate employer feedback on competency demonstration
✓ Updates based on CQF framework revisions

CQF Compliance Statement
“All Horizon Bridge Academy assessments are deliberately designed to measure competency at the appropriate CQF level, ensuring that graduates possess the knowledge, skills, and capabilities expected by employers, professional bodies, and educational institutions.”

CQF LEVEL 3

Term 1: 180 Hours

CQF Standard: 180 notional learning hours for Certificate level

HBA Programme:
✓ 9 foundational courses
✓ 40-60 hours per course
✓ Mix of guided learning, self-study, and assessment
✓ Typical completion: 4-6 weeks per course

What’s Included:
• Video lessons and content review
• Practical exercises and case studies
• Assessment preparation and completion
• Peer collaboration and discussion
• Reflective learning activities

CQF LEVEL 4-5

Term 2: 240 Hours

CQF Standard: 240 notional learning hours for Diploma level

HBA Programme:
✓ 7 specialist pillars
✓ 80-100 hours per masterclass
✓ Combination of self-paced and live learning
✓ Typical completion: 8-10 weeks per masterclass

What’s Included:
• Self-paced video content
• Live workshops and case discussions
• Industry project development
• Peer review and collaboration
• Assessment and portfolio development

CQF LEVEL 6

Term 3: 600 Hours

CQF Standard: 600 notional learning hours for Advanced Fellowship level

HBA Programme:
✓ 3 specialized fellowship tracks
✓ 600 hours over 12 weeks
✓ Intensive hybrid delivery
✓ Typical completion: 12-week intensive

What’s Included:
• Bi-weekly live masterminds
• 1:1 mentorship sessions
• Capstone project development
• External examination preparation
• Investor presentation and defense

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Beyond CQF: International Benchmarking

While aligned with Caribbean Qualifications Framework, Horizon Bridge Academy programmes are also benchmarked against international professional standards to ensure global competitiveness.

International Alignment:

ICAEW Professional Standards:
Our founder’s active membership in 12 ICAEW specialist communities ensures curriculum reflects current international accounting, governance, and professional standards.

ACCA Qualification Frameworks:
Programme content references Association of Chartered Certified Accountants qualification frameworks and international best practices.

Development Finance Institutions:
Term 3 Fellowship projects are designed to meet the requirements of CDB, IDB, Green Climate Fund, and other development finance institutions.

CARICOM & CSME:
Alignment with Caribbean Community frameworks, CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and regional economic integration priorities.

📊 QUALITY INDICATORS

CQF Quality Indicators

We track multiple quality indicators to ensure programmes meet CQF standards and deliver exceptional value.

Quality Metrics:

Learning Outcomes Achievement:
✓ Percentage of students achieving stated learning outcomes
✓ Competency demonstration rates at each CQF level
✓ Assessment pass rates aligned with CQF standards

Student Satisfaction:
✓ Student feedback on learning experience
✓ Perceived relevance to Caribbean context
✓ Confidence in skill application

Graduate Outcomes:
✓ Employment rates and career advancement
✓ Further study progression
✓ Employer satisfaction with graduate competencies
✓ Professional body recognition

External Validation:
✓ External examiner reports
✓ Professional body feedback
✓ Industry advisory input
✓ NAB accreditation status