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 Vocational GCSE such as Applied Science alongside more general GCSEs. Maths and English will be important.
You may get the chance to take a Young Apprenticeship working towards NVQ level 1 while you are still at school.You may get the chance to take a Young Apprenticeship working towards NVQ level 1 while you are still at school.
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NVQ Level 2
NVQs at level 2 can be taken in a wide range of construction areas such as
General Construction Operations while working. This involves on-site assessment by an approved
OSAT (On Site Assessment and Training) provider. Approved providers in the South East are listed at
www.citb-constructionskills.co.ukThis will help you get a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card which will make it easier to get new employment
You can also achieve NVQ level 2 and other qualifications by taking a Construction Craft Apprenticeship.
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NVQ level 3
NVQs at level 3 can be taken in a construction area relevant to Construction Management such as
Construction Site Supervision while working. This involves on-site assessment by an approved
OSAT (On Site Assessment and Training) provider. Approved providers offering level 3 in the South East are listed at
www.citb-constructionskills.co.uk This will help you get a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card which will make it easier to get new employment.
You can also achieve NVQ level 3, key skills and other qualifications by taking a
Construction Craft Advanced Apprenticeship.
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Foundation degree
You could study for a Foundation Degree full-time, or part-time or by distance learning if you have a job in a related area.
A Foundation Degree course will give you specialist construction skills and help you develop:
- Work Skills, relevant to construction management
- Key Skills such as communication and problem solving
- General Skills such as reasoning and professionalism
Look on the Foundation Degree Forward site
www.fdf.ac.uk/courses/Construction.php for FdSc courses in
Construction Management.
If you want to progress further you can top up a Foundation degree to a CIOB accredited honours degree course by transferring into the second or third year – ask individual higher education institutions about their entry requirements.
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Honours degree
Relevant BSc (Hons) degree courses in the South East include
Construction Management and
Project and Construction Management.
These courses include legal and commercial aspects and management skills
Some courses include a work placement year to gain practical experience, but if you are a part-time student working in the construction industry, you may be exempt.
Accredited Chartered Institute of Building courses open up professional
Membership of the CIOB.
Search for relevant degree courses on
www.ucas.ac.uk