| Entry |
Entry level qualifications recognise basic knowledge and
skills and the ability to apply learning in everyday situations
under direct guidance or supervision. Learning at this level
involves building basic knowledge and skills and is not geared
towards specific occupations. |
Qualifications are offered at entry 1, entry 2 and entry 3, in
a range of subjects |
| Level 1 |
Level 1 qualifications recognise basic knowledge and
skills and the ability to apply learning with guidance or
supervision. Learning at this level is about activities which
mostly relate to everyday situations, and may be linked to job
competence. |
NVQ 1; certificate in business administration; GCSEs grades
D–G; foundation certificate in health and safety in the
workplace |
| Level 2 |
Level 2 qualifications recognise the ability to gain a
good knowledge and understanding of a subject area of work or
study, and to perform varied tasks with some guidance or
supervision. Learning at this level involves building knowledge
and/or skills in relation to an area of work or a subject area and
is appropriate for many job roles. |
NVQ 2; GCSEs grades A*–C; certificate in coaching football;
diploma for IT practitioners |
| Level 3 |
Level 3 qualifications recognise the ability to gain, and
where relevant apply, a range of knowledge, skills and
understanding. Learning at this level involves obtaining detailed
knowledge and skills. It is appropriate for people wishing to go to
university, people working independently, or in some areas
supervising and training others in their field of work. |
Certificate for teaching assistants; NVQ 3; A-levels; advanced
extension awards; diploma in cleaning services supervision |
| Level 4 |
Level 4 qualifications recognise specialist learning and
involve detailed analysis of a high level of information and
knowledge in an area of work or study. Learning at this level is
appropriate for people working in technical and professional jobs,
and/or managing and developing others. Level 4 qualifications are
at a level equivalent to certificates of higher education. |
Higher professional diploma for IT practitioners; certificate
in early years practice |
| Level 5 |
Level 5 qualifications recognise the ability to increase
the depth of knowledge and understanding of an area of work or
study, to enable the formulation of solutions and responses to
complex problems and situations. Learning at this level involves
the demonstration of high levels of knowledge, a high level of work
expertise in job roles, and competence in managing and training
others. Qualifications at this level are appropriate for people
working as higher grade technicians, professionals or managers.
Level 5 qualifications are at a level equivalent to intermediate
higher education qualifications such as diplomas of higher
education, foundation and other degrees that do not typically
provide access to postgraduate programmes. |
Diploma in management; higher national certificate in
hospitality management |
| Level 6 |
Level 6 qualifications recognise a specialist high-level
knowledge of an area of work or study to enable the use of an
individual’s own ideas and research in response to complex problems
and situations. Learning at this level involves the achievement of
a high level of professional knowledge and is appropriate for
people working as knowledge-based professionals or in professional
management positions. Level 6 qualifications are at a level
equivalent to bachelors degrees with honours, graduate certificates
and graduate diplomas. |
Certificate in business awareness and advanced
professional study |
| Level 7 |
Level 7 qualifications recognise highly developed and
complex levels of knowledge which enable the development of
in-depth and original responses to complicated and unpredictable
problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the
demonstration of high-level specialist professional knowledge and
is appropriate for senior professionals and managers. Level 7
qualifications are at a level equivalent to masters degrees,
postgraduate certificates and postgraduate diplomas. |
Executive diploma in management |
| Level 8 |
Level 8 qualifications recognise leading experts or
practitioners in a particular field. Learning at this level
involves the development of new and creative approaches that extend
or redefine existing knowledge or professional practice. |
Specialist awards |