ABET has been called several names with subtly different meanings.

• AET: Adult Education and Training. This term is often used interchangeably with that of ABET and is mostly used overseas.
• FET: Further Education and Training. Most often used n the context of vocational training. The term used mostly nowadays is TVET
• TVET: Technical and Vocational Education and Training. This name took over from that of FET.
• CET: Continuing Education and Training. This refers mainly to higher education training.

NQF stands for the National Qualifications Framework and was introduced by the government in 1995. As SAQA (the South African Qualifications Authority) explains, the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a collection of principles and rules for registering learner achievement records in order to enable national recognition of acquired skills and knowledge, resulting in an integrated system that promotes lifelong learning. The NQF and their school equivalents are as follows

• NQF Level 1: Grade 9 certificate or equivalent (also equates with ABET Level 4)
• NQF Level 2: Grade 10 certificate or equivalent
• NQF Level 3: Grade 11 certificate or equivalent
• NQF Level 4: Grade 12 certificate or equivalent
• NQF Level 5: Higher Certificate
• NQF Level 6: Diploma
• NQF Level 7: Bachelor's Degree
• NQF Level 8: Honours Degree
• NQF Level 9: Master's Degree
• NQF Level 10: Doctorate Degree

ABET has four levels. Unlike the NQF levels they reflect a more basic schooling level.

• ABET Level 1: Grade 3
• ABET Level 2: Grade 5
• ABET Level 3: Grade 7
• ABET Level 4: Grade 9 (or NQF level 1)