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
Maths and English are especially important, and you could also consider Applied ICT or Business
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
City & Guilds level 3
An Advanced Apprenticeship involves study of a technical certificate to Level 3.
City & Guilds offer
e-Quals such as the
Advanced Diploma for IT Practitioners Software Development Check out
www.e-quals.co.uk for more information
OCR
www.ocr.org.uk and Edexcel
www.edexcel.com
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
NVQ level 3
An Information Technology and Electronic Services
Advanced Apprenticeship in IT Services & Development provides a combination of on- and off-the-job education and training (usually on day release).
Advanced Apprentices work towards
- NVQ IT Professional at Level 3
- Key Skills in Communications and Application of Number (Level 2)
- a Level 3 Technical certificate
You can find out which Apprenticeships are available in your area by visiting your local Connexions or LSC websites.
The national LSC apprenticeship site is
www.apprenticeships.org.ukThere is more information about IT Apprenticeships at
www.e-skills.com/Apprenticeships
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
HNC/HND
Higher National Certificates, such as the BTEC HNC in
Computing (Software Development) can be taken part time – a mixture of employer release and study in your own time.
The course includes specialist units in areas such as programming and management. Learners with post HNC experience in the IT or computing industry can apply for
Associate Membership of the BCSFor further details search the UCAS courses database at
www.ucas.ac.ukand
www.edexcel.com for information on HND/HNCs
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
Postgraduate Diploma
The Open University’s
Diploma in Software Development is accredited by the British Computer Society.
It can be taken while you are working but you must have studied to at least HNC/HND level.
www.open.ac.uk