Course levels vary depending on the nature of the subject, level of prior knowledge and experience required, assessment(s) and accrediting body specifications.
- The course title and overview will state whether it is an Ofqual approved qualification or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course.
- The majority of our current online training courses and programmes are CPD accredited.
- The aims, objectives and learning outcomes are aligned to Ofqual approved qualifications.
Read below about the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and similar qualifications.
What is a National Vocational Qualification?
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) were work-based awards in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that are achieved through assessment and training. The regulatory framework supporting NVQs was withdrawn in 2015 and replaced by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
Although the term "NVQ" may be used in RQF qualifications if they "are based on recognised occupational standards, work-based and/or simulated work-based assessment and where they confer occupational competence".
To achieve an NVQ, candidates had to prove that they had the ability (competence) to carry out their job to the required standard. NVQs were based on National Occupational Standards that described the "competencies" expected in any given job role. Typically, candidates worked towards an NVQ that reflected their role in a paid or voluntary position. For example, someone working in an admin office role may take an NVQ in Business and Administration.
There were five levels of NVQ, ranging from Level 1, which focuses on necessary work activities, to Level 5 for senior management.
In Scotland, the approximately equivalent qualification is the Scottish Vocational Qualification.
NVQ Levels
NVQs are competence-based qualifications. The five levels of NVQ are defined as having the following competencies:
- Level 1 – Competence, which involves the application of knowledge and skills in the performance of a range of varied work activities, most of which may be routine and predictable.
- Level 2 – Competence, which involves the application of knowledge and skills in a significant range of varied work activities, performed in a variety of contexts. Some of the activities are complex or non-routine, and there is some individual responsibility or autonomy. Collaboration with others, perhaps through membership of a workgroup or team, may often be a requirement.
- Level 3 – Competence, which involves the application of knowledge and skills in a broad range of varied work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts and most of which are complex and non-routine. There is considerable responsibility and autonomy, and control or guidance of others is often required.
- Level 4 – Competence, which involves the application of knowledge and skills in a broad range of complex, technical, or professional work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts and with a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy. Responsibility for the work of others and the allocation of resources is often present.
- Level 5 – Competence, which involves the application of skills and a significant range of fundamental principles and sophisticated techniques across a broad and often unpredictable variety of contexts. Very substantial personal autonomy and usually a considerable responsibility for the work of others and the allocation of considerable resources feature strongly, as do individual accountabilities for analysis and diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation.
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