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 other level 1 qualifications while you are at school - such as NVQ Level 1 in Customer Service
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NVQ 2
NVQs can be taken by employees of any age as assessment is in the workplace using real life work examples to build up a portfolio of evidence.
They can also be taken as part of a
Retail Financial Services (General Insurance route) Apprenticeship. This a new 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.
The programme includes
- NVQ Level 2 in Retail Financial Services
- Technical certificate - one unit of CII Level 3 Certificate in Insurance
- Key skills - Application of number at Level 1 and Communication skills at Level 2
- Employment rights and responsibilities
For more information on the Retail Financial Services Apprenticeship framework visit
www.fssc.org.uk The framework also has a route for those in Retail Banking.
For more information on Apprenticeships generally visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
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NVQ 3
NVQ level 3 in Retail Financial Services build on the level 2 work. They can also be taken as part of a
Retail Financial Services (General Insurance route) Advanced Apprenticeship.
The Programme is a mix of on the job training and study with regular assessment and monitoring visits.
The programme includes
- NVQ Level 3 in Retail Financial Services
- Technical certificate - CII Level 3 Certificate in Insurance
- Key skills - Application of number and Communication skills at Level 2
- Employment rights and responsibilities
For more information on the Retail Financial Services Advanced Apprenticeship framework visit
www.fssc.org.uk. The framework also has a route for those in Retail Banking
For more information on Apprenticeships generally visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
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Professional qualifications Level 5
You can continue gaining qualifications while you are working - by part time study (perhaps with day release) or by distance learning.
The CII Diploma in Insurance builds on the Certificate work.
The IRM Certificate in Risk Management can be taken either as a stand-alone course, or as an introduction to the IRM Diploma, over 6-9 months.
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Professional qualifications Level 6
The Applied Diploma in Risk and insurance Management from the IFS builds on technical knowledge and includes wider management training.
The CII Diploma and Advanced Diplomas in Insurance increases understanding of insurance practice, in terms of technical subject matter and overall management skills.
The IRM International Diploma in Risk Management leads to the professional grade of Associate of the Institute of Risk Management (AIRM). Further Accredited professional development then leads to the designation of Fellow (FIRM).
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
Masters Degree
A wide range of Masters degrees is available in general business and finance. Use Graduate Prospects
www.prospects.ac.uk and
www.findamasters.com to find local courses
or the more specific MSc in
Applied Actuarial Science (University of Kent)