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
BTEC Introductory
The BTEC Introductory Diploma
IT @ Work from Edexcel gives a broad introduction to the IT sector and how IT is used in real world situations
It is also suitable for those aged 19+ who want to return to learning or prepare for employment
For more information visit
www.edexcel.comAn alternative is the
Award/Certificate in Digital Applications for IT Users (AiDA/CiDA), a paperless qualification offered by some schools and colleges that focuses on the practical application of technology.
For more information visit
www.edexcel.com
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
BTEC First
The
BTEC First Diploma for ICT Practitioners has core and specialist units covering the knowledge, understanding and competency needed for employment within the IT sector. It also includes key skills.
For more information visit
www.edexcel.com An alternative is the
Diploma in Digital Applications for IT Users(DiDA) equivalent to four GCSEs. This is a paperless qualification offered by some schools and colleges that focuses on the practical application of technology
For more information visit
www.edexcel.com
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
BTEC National
BTEC National Certificates and Diplomas are vocational qualifications for employment as an IT practitioner or progression on to higher education vocational qualifications.
They usually last two years full-time or three part-time. You will learn through a combination of classroom lessons, practical classes, assignments and project work.
Your work will be assessed by your teachers/lecturers through coursework, a portfolio and some external tests.
The IT practitioners (General) qualification includes relevant core Units such as Systems analysis and Design, and compulsory Units on Business and IT
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
Foundation degree
You could study for a Foundation Degree (FdSc) in subjects such as
Network Computing,
Computing and Information Systems or
Business Information Technology. These are usually available full-time, or part-time if you have a job.
A Foundation Degree course will 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
Look on the Foundation Degree Forward site
www.fdf.ac.uk/courses/Computing.php for courses
The Open University also offers a foundation degree in Information and Communications Technologies
www.open.ac.ukA Foundation degree can be converted into a BSc degree by transferring into the second or third year of a related degree course – ask individual HEIs about their entry requirements.
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
Honours degree
BSc courses in Project Management or Systems Analysis 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.
Look at the UCAS web site for courses
www.ucas.ac.uk If 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.ukCourses related to software products that are used in business and industry - such as Cisco, Microsoft and Oracle – are often offered by local colleges