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 D - G
All secondary schools offer GCSEs which are assessed by coursework and external examinations.
You could take a Vocational GCSE such as Applied Business or ICT alongside more general GCSEs.
Maths and English are both important.
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BTEC First Diploma
The one year Level 2 BTEC First Diploma in Retail introduces the wider retail sector, and covers the different vocational areas that are open to them once they complete their qualification.
The First Diploma in Business includes topics such as Business communication and Financial Control.
Those already employed in the retail sector can study on a part-time basis and apply the industry knowledge and expertise they have gained in the workplace.
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BTEC National
BTEC Nationals are full time (and sometimes part time) courses that combine classroom lessons, practical classes, assignments and projects. Your work will be assessed by your teachers/lecturers through coursework, a portfolio and some external tests.
The BTEC National Award in Retail is a one year course (full time) targeted at those who want to work in the retail sector at a supervisory level.
The BTEC Award includes core units such as Business principles and Customer service. Specialist units such as Supply and stock management will help you develop a range of technical and commercial skills for the sector.
The BTEC National Diploma in Business is a two year course that gives a broad introduction to the commercial world and would allow you to keep your options open.
An alternative Level 3 qualification is the CIPS Certificate in Purchasing and Supply.
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HNC/HND
HNDs take two years full time and help develop management and leadership skills as well as the technical aspects of business.
www.ucas.ac.uk has a short list of retail HND courses such as
Retail management.
There is a wider range of more general business courses including
Business and
Business and finance.
Mature students with relevant experience and a sound educational background may be accepted too - check entry qualifications with each institution.
You can generally top up an HND into an related honours degree.
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Honours degree
You could take a one year ‘Top up’ course to reach honours degree standard in
Retail Management or
Business.
Check
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses.