Frameworks at CAQA LLND
The national and international frameworks behind our assessments, training and resources.
At CAQA LLND, our programs, training, and assessments are built on nationally and internationally recognised frameworks. These guide the development of Language, Literacy, Numeracy, Digital (LLND), and Employability Skills for learners and workers across Australia.
Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF)
The ACSF provides a common language for describing performance in Learning, Reading, Writing, Oral Communication and Numeracy. It uses five performance levels and considers support, context, text complexity and task complexity.
Why it matters
- Supports benchmarking and learner spiky profiles
- Maps the core-skill demands of courses, units and workplace tasks
- Informs teaching, progress monitoring, funding and referral decisions where applicable
At CAQA LLND
We use ACSF indicators and performance variables to map authentic tasks and describe evidence. An AQF level is not converted automatically into an ACSF level, and a short screening activity does not establish a learner’s ACSF level.
Digital Literacy Skills Framework (DLSF)
The Australian Government publishes the DLSF as a tool for benchmarking and developing foundational digital literacy, used alongside the ACSF up to and including Level 3. Government material also continues to describe the underlying 2020 framework as a draft; we record the version and purpose whenever it is used.
Why it matters
- Prepares learners for digital work environments
- Supports inclusive, equitable training
At CAQA LLND
Integrated into digital courses, e-learning, and workplace training.
Core Skills for Work (CSfW)
CSfW covers non-technical skills across three clusters:
- Navigate the World of Work
- Interact with Others
- Get the Work Done
Why it matters
- Builds job-readiness
- Supports real-world workplace training
At CAQA LLND
Embedded across all programs and used in scenario-based assessments.
Language proficiency and international reference points
- CEFR describes language proficiency from A1 to C2. It is not a direct conversion table for ACSF, AQF, IELTS, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT.
- Admission English tests provide evidence for the purpose and validity period accepted by the provider; they do not replace a course-specific LLND and digital-literacy review.
- PIAAC describes adult literacy, numeracy and adaptive problem-solving at population and assessment-program level.
- International frameworks must be used for their intended purpose, version and context.
Additional Frameworks Supporting LLND and Digital Capability
At CAQA LLND, digital and professional skill requirements change quickly. To support this, we also consider a broader set of internationally and nationally recognised frameworks that complement the ACSF, DLSF, and CSfW. These frameworks guide the design of our advanced digital capability training, workforce programs, and strategic consulting services.
Digital capability mapped to DigComp and SFIA
DigComp: Digital Competence Framework for Citizens
What it is :
Developed by the European Commission, DigComp 3.0 was released in November 2025. It describes digital competence across five areas, 21 competences and eight proficiency levels:
- Information and data literacy
- Safety
- Communication and collaboration
- Problem solving
- Digital content creation
Why it matters :
DigComp serves as a global benchmark for digital skills development. At CAQA LLND, we use it to enrich the design of our digital literacy programs, particularly in areas like online collaboration, digital communication, and cyber safety.
Application in CAQA LLND :
- Enhancing digital modules beyond basic use (e.g. critical thinking, secure technology use)
- Supporting adults and older learners to confidently navigate the digital world
- Offering deeper integration into advanced digital skills programs
Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA)
What it is :
The SFIA is a globally recognised framework that describes skills needed in the digital and ICT sectors across seven levels of responsibility.
Why it matters :
SFIA is used extensively across industries to define roles, manage capability, and guide digital workforce development. It ensures alignment with employer expectations and future workforce needs.
Application in CAQA LLND :
- Supporting employers in aligning digital skills training to workforce needs
- Embedding SFIA levels into digital upskilling and professional development services
- Designing pathways for learners progressing into IT, business analysis, or digital leadership roles
Qualification level is not a foundation-skill score
The AQF describes qualification outcomes, knowledge, skills, application and autonomy. ACSF and DLSF describe different dimensions of performance. Two courses at the same AQF level can have different reading, numeracy, oral communication and digital demands.
CAQA LLND+ therefore maps the actual training product, delivery mode, assessment conditions and authentic tasks before selecting evidence activities.
Australian Digital Capability Framework (ADCF)
What it is :
Developed for the Australian context, ADCF defines the capabilities individuals need to be effective in a digital society. While it hasn’t been recently updated, it remains a useful tool for strategic alignment.
Why it matters :
ADCF can support an understanding of digital capability in education, government services and workforce development, but CAQA identifies its source, currency and limitations rather than treating it as a current regulatory requirement.
Application in CAQA LLND :
- Informing digital upskilling strategy for community education and government-funded projects
- Supporting inclusive access to digital training for priority learners
- Referenced in consultancy projects to ensure Australian context compliance
Why Frameworks Matter
They give RTOs, employers, government and learners the same way of describing a skill level.
Our Commitment
We use these frameworks to set levels, design assessments and report progress.
Need help aligning your programs? Contact us for a framework consultation today
Talk to us about mapping your programs to these frameworks.