Qualification Levels
There are eight qualification levels and an entry level in the National Qualification Framework.
The levels shown opposite illustrate the qualification from the National Qualification Framework and the corresponding framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
In addition to the qualifications illustrated there is a wide variety of other vocational qualifications e.g. in IT there are qualifications offered by Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco which can be used to complement qualifcations from the framework.
In many cases it is possible to get in-work training in such qualifications.
Entry Level
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
GCSE grades A* - C
All secondary schools offer GCSEs which are assessed by coursework and external examinations.
You could take a vocational GCSE such as Business alongside more general subjects.
Maths and English are both very important.
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A/AS levels
Aim for a range of A/AS levels to keep your career options open, and perhaps consider vocational subjects such as Accounting or Business which would help you develop your commercial awareness.
One year Access to Higher Education courses give adults without formal qualifications the chance to go into higher education.
You will need to check entry requirements with local colleges and universities.
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Honours Degree
Organisations recruiting graduates for training will usually accept any degree subject, but maths, accountancy, business studies, economics and finance are particularly appropriate.
There are a large number of degree courses in these subjects in the South East.
Some are combined with a second subjects or may include an extended work placement.
Check
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses and contact individual universities for their entry requirements.
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Professional qualifications level 7
Completion of all the professional qualifications and appropriate length of experience with an employer qualifies you to the equivalent level as an MBA (Level 7)
At this stage (for example with CIMA) you become an Associate.
Qualified accountants are expected to continue their Professional Development and keep up to date.
Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters Degrees are offered in the South East in subjects such as
- Financial and Business Management
- Capital Markets, Regulation and Compliance
- Finance and Financial Information Systems
- Business Economics, Finance and Banking
Use Graduate Prospects
www.prospects.ac.uk and
www.findamasters.com to find local courses.
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Professional qualifications level 6
Most trainees find employment with companies that will provide the necessary practical experience and support.
Study can be through part time classes or by distance learning and self study. The Open University also offers a Certificate course
www.open.ac.uk If your degree is recognised/accredited by the professional accountancy body you may eligible for exemption from some of the papers in, for example, the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting