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Qualifications and Levels Explained |
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How Different Qualifications Compare
The frameworks group together qualifications that place similar demands on you as a learner. However, within any one level, qualifications can cover a wide mix of subjects, and take different amounts of time to complete. The Frameworks can also help you see how one type of qualification can lead on to other, higher levels of qualifications.
National Qualifications Framework
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) sets out the level at which a qualification can be recognised in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Only qualifications that have been accredited by the three regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland can be included in the NQF. This ensures that all qualifications within the framework are of high quality, and meet the needs of learners and employers.
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NQF level |
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Examples of qualifications |
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What they give you |
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7 and
above |
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Masters/ Doctoral Degrees
Post Graduate Certificates and Diplomas
Specialist Awards
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- Specialist, high level knowledge of an area of work or study to enable you to use your own ideas and research in response to complex problems and situations |
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6 |
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Batchelor Degrees (and with Honours)
Graduate Certificates and Diplomas
Professional Graduate Certificate in Education
BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards
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- Specialist, high level knowledge of an area of work or study to enable you to use your own ideas and research in response to complex problems |
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5 |
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HNC’s and HND’s
NVQ’s
BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards Foundation Degrees |
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- Ability to increase the depth of knowledge and understanding of an area of work or study, so you can respond to complex problems and solutions
- Involves high levels of work expertise and competence in managing and training others
- Appropriate for people working at a higher grade technicians, professionals or managers |
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4 |
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NVQ’s Level 4
BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Award |
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Specialist learning, involving detailed analysis of a high
level of information and knowledge in an area of work
or study.
- Appropriate for people working in technical and professional jobs and/ or managing and developing others |
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3 |
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A Levels
Advanced Extension Awards
International Baccalaureate
Key Skills Level 3
NVQ Level 3
BTEC Diplomas, Certificates and Awards
BTEC Nationals OCR Nationals |
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- Ability to gain or apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding at a detailed level.
- Appropriate if you plan to go to University, work independently or (in some cases) supervise/ train others in their field of work |
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2 |
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GCSE’s grades A* - C
BTEC First Diploma and Certificates
OCR Nationals
Key Skills Level 2
NVQ’s Level 2 Skills for Life |
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- Good knowledge and understanding of a subject
- Ability to perform a variety of tasks with some guidance or supervision
- Appropriate for many job roles |
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1 |
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GCSE’s grades D – G
BTEC Introductory diploma and Certificates
OCR Nationals
Key Skills Level 1
NVQ’s Level 1 Skills for Life |
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- Basic Knowledge and skills
- Ability to apply learning with guidance or supervision
- May be linked to job competence |
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Entry |
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Entry level certificates
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Skills for Life Functional Skills at entry level (English, Maths and ICT) |
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- Basic knowledge and skills
- Ability to apply learning in everyday situations
- Not geared towards specific occupations |
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