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 A* - C
Make sure your GCSEs include good passes in English and Maths. A vocational GCSE such as Applied ICT could be useful.
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OCR level 3
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NVQ level 4
There is some NVQ level 4 content in the Higher ApprenticeshipThere is some NVQ level 4 content in the Higher Apprenticeship
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Foundation degree
A (fast track)
Higher Apprenticeship while in employment includes a Foundation Degree which can lead on to a full honours degree.
Higher Apprenticeships give you specialist skills and help you develop:
- Work Skills, relevant to IT careers
- Key Skills such as communication and problem solving
- General Skills such as reasoning and professionalism
You could study for a Foundation Degree (FdSc) in subjects such as
Network Computing,
Computing and Information Systems or
Business Information Technology
Use the course searches at
www.ucas.ac.uk and
www.findfoundationdegree.co.uk for courses
The Open University also offers a Foundation degree in
Information and Communications Technologies www.open.ac.ukYou can usually move on to an honours degree in a related subject.
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Honours degree
A degree in an IT based subject such as
Computing or
Computer Science can be combined with a second subject such as business studies or management to give some commercial background.
Some BEng courses involving Electronics and Computer Engineering may be relevant.
Check the UCAS website for opportunities in the South East
www.ucas.ac.ukYou could take an Open University OU degree if you want to work and study at the same time
www.open.ac.uk
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NVQ level 3
An Information Technology and Electronic Services
Advanced Apprenticeship (Administration and Professional) at Level 3 will develop your technical and managerial skills and help you move on to a Higher Apprenticeship.
It provides a combination of on- and off-the-job education and training (usually on day release).
Advanced Apprentices work towards:
- An NVQ at Level 3
- Key Skills in Communications and Application of Number (Level 2)
- a Level 3 Technical certificate
For more information on the IT User NVQ (ITQ) visit
www.e-skills.com/apprenticeships or
www.e-skills.com/itq