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 Business which would help you develop your commercial awareness.
A level Mathematics is essential for actuarial careers.
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, as well as degree subjects with a high maths content such as engineering.
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.
Specific degrees related to insurance and actuary include:
- Actuarial mathematics and statistics
- Business and Insurance
- Economics with Actuarial sciences
Check
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses and contact individual universities for their entry requirements.
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Masters degree
A wide range of Masters degrees are 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
Applied Actuarial Science (University of Kent)
The CII and Cass Business School offer a full or part time (day release) MSc in
Insurance and Risk Management.Those with the Advanced Diploma in Insurance can fast-track and complete the qualification in less time.
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Professional qualifications level 6
Most graduate trainees find employment with companies that will provide the necessary practical experience and support. The initial training scheme may last for up to two years followed by training in a chosen specialist area of risk.
Study is usually through part time classes or by distance learning and self study.
The most usual route for those working in insurance is to gain the CII Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Insurance which increase understanding of insurance practice - technical subject matter as well as overall management skills.
Lloyd's of London trainees have to pass the Lloyd's Introductory Test
Trainee Actuaries work towards professional qualifications awarded by the Institute of Actuaries to eventually qualify as a Fellow
Once qualified you are expected to continue with Professional Development and keep up to date