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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OCR level 1
Level 1 qualifications introduce the world of business and commerce, and can sometimes be taken alongside GCSEs.
OCR
www.ocr.org.uk has a Certificate in
Administration which will help you develop your technical and personal skills to continue studying or start work.
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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 Applied Business alongside more general subjects.
Maths and English are both very important.
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Vocational qualifications Level 3
The new BTEC National Diploma in
Business course includes core units on general business principles as well as specialist units such as contract and business law. This is a broad business course that would allow you to keep your career options open.
BTEC National qualifications usually last two years full-time or three part-time. They include supervisory and management skills.
You will learn through a combination of classroom lessons, practical classes, assignments, projects and work placements/simulations. Your work will be assessed by your teachers/lecturers through coursework, a portfolio and some external tests.
Alternative broad based Level 3 vocational qualifications include:
These qualifications would be useful for finding employment in a Human resources department
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Professional qualifications level 6
The Certificate in Business Awareness and Advanced Professional Study (CBAAPS) is a transitional programme that enables you to make the transition to the CIPD Professional Development Scheme (PDS)
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Professional qualifications level 7
The CIPD
Professional Development Scheme covers four fields:
- Leadership and Management
- People Management and Development
- Specialist and Generalist Personnel and Development
- Applied Personnel and Development
Completion of all four fields and practical experience in human resources work leads to Graduate membership of the CIPD (MCIPD)
Alternative level 7 professional qualifications are the
ILM Executive Diploma in Management or a
Masters degree in Human Resource Management which is available at several universities in the South East.
Use Graduate Prospects
www.prospects.ac.uk and
www.findamasters.com to find local opportunities.
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Professional qualifications level 3
CIPD support level qualifications are modular and can be taken part time in a variety of subjects depending on the type of work in humans resources such as a personnel or employee relations assistant, administrator, adviser or officer: Those with experience in human resources may be able to fast-track
- Certificate in Personnel Practice (CPP) gives a broad foundation to HR practice generally
- Certificate in Recruitment and Selection (CRS) for those with responsibility for recruitment and selection
- Success in either of these leads to Associate Membership of the CIPD
Other CIPD certificates are:
- Certificate in Training Practice (CTP) covers the skills required by trainers
- Certificate in Employment Relations, Law and Practice (CERLAP)
- Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring (CCM) - about the skills needed to be an effective coach and mentor