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.
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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 other level 1 qualifications while you are at school - such as NVQ Level 1 in Customer Service.
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Vocational qualifications Level 2
Vocational qualifications at level 2 such as the OCR Award in
Administration will give you a good foundation in office and business practice that will help you find employment in a human resources department.
Alternative Level 2 qualifications include:
- City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Business Administration
- BTEC First Diploma in Business www.edexcel.co.uk
- EDI www.ediplc.com Certificates in Audio transcription and Text Production
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NVQ 3
NVQs can be taken by employees of any age as assessment is in the workplace.
NVQ level 3 in
Personnel Support has optional units depending on your career interest and employment. These include Operating recruitment procedures, Employee relations and Supporting the delivery of learning and development procedures.
It may also form part of a
Personnel (Support) Advanced Apprenticeship. This a structured training programme for young people in employment.
The Programme is a mix of on the job training and study with regular assessment and monitoring visits.
Apart from the NVQ 3, the programme includes
- Key skills - Application of number at level 2, IT, Working with others and Problem solving at Level 3 and Communication skills at Level 4
- Additional qualifications in management or training and development or the CIPD Certificate in Personnel Practice
For more information on the Personnel Support Advanced Apprenticeship framework visit
www.ento.org.uk.
For more information on Apprenticeships generally visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
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NVQ level 4
You can continue gaining qualifications while you are working by progressing to NVQ Level 4
Personnel Management. At this level you will probably be supervising colleagues.
At this stage optional units are grouped into four job areas:
- Resourcing and retention
- Employee relations
- Learning and development
- Health and Safety
NVQ level 4 can apply for Associate member of CIPD
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NVQ level 5
NVQ level 5 in Personnel Strategy is for more senior and experienced employees who have an overview of their organisation and responsibility for strategic issues.
This level gives exemption from some of the CIPD professional qualifications.