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 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 such as Geography. Maths and English are 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.
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.
NCFE www.ncfe.org.uk offers a Level 2 Certificate in
Logistics.
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BTEC National
The BTEC National Certificate in Logistics is targeted at those who want to work in the logistics industry or those who are employed in a variety of types of selling, stock control or merchandising
You will learn through a combination of 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 and Award in Logistics include core units such as Supply chain organisation, ICT in logistics and Customer service.
Specialist units such as Stock management and Transport planning will help you develop a range of technical and commercial skills for the sector.
The BTEC National in Business is a suitable alternative if you want to keep your options open.
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BTEC Professional Diploma
The Level 4 BTEC Professional Diploma in
Logistics can be studied full or part time to fit around job and other commitments. There is strong emphasis on practical skills and sector knowledge and understanding.
Management in logistics and transport is a mandatory core unit and specialist units include Supply chain management and Retail logistics.
See
www.edexcel.com for more information.
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Diploma
The Institute of Logistics
www.ciltuk.org.uk offers a modular Level 5
Professional Diploma in Logistics and Transport.
This programme is suitable for employees in supply chain, passenger transport or transport planning and develops management skills.
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Professional qualifications
The Institute of Logistics
www.ciltuk.org.uk offers a Level 6
Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transport.
This is aimed at middle managers wanting to move to a strategic level.