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.
IT would be helpful or a vocational GCSE such as Applied Information and Communication Technology
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A/AS levels
Applied A levels in Information and Communication Technology, Engineering or Business would give a broad introduction to vocational areas.
Maths A level would also be very useful
Some employers will take on students with good A levels at 18 and will provide training
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BTEC Professional
The BTEC Professional Development Certificate in Networking is suitable for those who are in, or plan to enter, employment as a network professional.
There is no time limit on completion up to the registration period of five years (which is renewable).
Candidates may take parts of a qualification for separate accreditation and certification
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HNC/HND
The BTEC Higher National Certificate in
Computing offers a progression route for learners who are employed in the IT and computing sectors.
The HNC includes relevant core units (such as systems analysis) and specialist units such as Information Systems and Networking Technology.
Look at the UCAS site for a database of HNC/D opportunities
www.ucas.ac.ukLearners with an HNC/D in computing and a number of years of post HNC/D experience in the IT or computing industry are able to apply for
Associate Membership of the British Computer Society.
You may be able to go straight into the second or third year of an honours degree course (depending on the match of content).
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Honours degree
Relevant BSc courses include subjects such as
Information Systems with Network Technology and
Business Information TechnologySome universities offer IT based courses combined with Business or sandwich courses where you can get practical business experience.
Search for relevant degree courses on
www.ucas.ac.ukIf you want to work and study at the same time, the Open University offers degrees in a range of IT subjects such as
Information and Communications Technologies www.open.ac.uk