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 D - G
All secondary schools offer GCSEs which are assessed by coursework and external examinations.
You could take a GCSE such as Applied Business alongside more general subjects
Maths and English are both important.
You may get the chance to take a Young Apprenticeship while still at school.
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
NVQ 2
NVQs can be taken by employees of any age as assessment is in the workplace. They can also be taken as part of an Apprenticeship.
The
Apprenticeship in Business and Administration is a structured training programme for young people in employment.
The programme includes
- NVQ Level 2 in Business and Administration
- Technical certificate at Level 2 - such as City & Guilds or EDI Certificates in Business and Administration or the City & Guilds/ILEX Certificate for Legal Secretaries
- You may be able to take IT qualifications (CLAiT)
- Key skills - Application of number at Level 1 and Communication skills at Level 2
Jobs once qualified at Level 2 include:
- Administration Assistant
- Clerical Assistant
- Data Entry Clerk
- Filing/Records Clerk
- Junior Secretary
- Office Clerk
For more information on the Apprenticeship framework visit
www.cfa.uk.com (the Council for Administration).
For more information on Apprenticeships generally visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
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NVQ 3
The
Business and Administration Advanced Apprenticeship is also work based, and builds on the Level 2 work.
The programme includes
- NVQ Level 3 in Business and Administration
- Technical certificate at Level 3 - such as City & Guilds or EDI Certificates in Business and Administration or the City & Guilds/ILEX Certificate for Legal Secretaries
- Key skills - Application of number and Communication skills at Level 2
Jobs once qualified at Level 3 include:
- Administration Officer
- Administration Team Leader
- Database Clerk
- Office Supervisor
- Personal Assistant (PA)
- Secretary
For more information on the Advanced Apprenticeship framework visit
www.cfa.uk.com (the Council for Administration)
For more information on Apprenticeships generally visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
NVQ level 4
You can continue gaining qualifications through the NVQ route. An NVQ Level 4 in Business and Administration is for those with responsibility for colleagues and resource management.
Assessment is continuous through written reports, observation in the workplace, and employer statements.
Further training can take place through Continuing Professional Development, and you could also consider studying for a degree by distance learning so you can continue working.
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
Honours degree
The Open University
www.open.ac.uk offers distance learning honours degree courses in Business Studies or an Open Degree to fit around work and home commitments.