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 A*-C
All secondary schools offer GCSEs which are assessed by coursework and external examinations.
Good grades in Maths, English and Science are important.
You could take Vocational GCSEs depending on your choice for post 16 study
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NVQ 3
When you are 18 you can apply for entry into the police force, and then work your way up as a probationer and then a serving officer.
NVQs are national qualifications that provide evidence of competence in different policing roles. They are assessed at work.
The NVQ Level 3 Policing covers basic policing duties and is suitable for Probationary constables as well as more experienced officers.
The Level 3 NVQ in Police Supervisory Management is for police officers who have completed their probationary period and want to progress to Police Sergeant with responsibility for supervising other staff.
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NVQ 4
Level 4 qualifications in Policing reflect increasing management responsibilities.
NVQ Level 4 Policing is for more experienced officers who have several years’ service with the police.
Police Operational Management is primarily aimed at those operating at Inspector rank with responsibility for managing police activities and teams.
Police Organisational Management is primarily aimed at those operating at Superintendent level, with senior management responsibility for police activities and teams.
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NVQ level 5
Level 5 NVQs are aimed at those operating at very senior and experienced ranks.
Police Operational Management at Level 5 is for Chief Inspectors and above in operational roles, and for Senior Investigation Officers - although individual units can be taken for self development.
The Level 5 NVQ in Police Strategic Management is for those with responsibility for managing resources and teams and for strategic decisions on policing activities across an area.