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 GCSE such as Leisure and Tourism or Physical Education alongside more general subjects.
Maths, English and Science are all important.
You may get the chance to take some sports qualifications while still at school
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
NVQ 2
The
Active Leisure and Learning Apprenticeship is a structured training programme for young people in employment in the leisure industry.
The Programme is on the job training with a mix of self-study materials, industry workshops (day release), regular assessment and monitoring visits.
There are several different pathways.
The
Exercise and fitness pathway includes:
- NVQ Level 2 in Instructing exercise and fitness
- Technical certificates at Level 2 such as 1st4Sport Certificate in Industry and organisational awareness for the active leisure and learning industry, the NCFE Certificate in Sports coaching and City & Guilds Diploma in Sport and Leisure. There will also be the chance to take specialist qualifications in your chosen sport
- Key skills level 1 in Communication and Application of number
For more information on the Active Leisure and Learning Apprenticeship visit
www.skillsactive.com For more information on Apprenticeships generally visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
NVQ 3
The
Active Leisure and Learning Advanced Apprenticeship builds on the level 2 work.
The Programme is also on the job training with a mix of self-study materials, industry workshops (day release), regular assessment and monitoring visits.
The
Exercise and fitness pathwayincludes:
- NVQ Level 3 in Instructing physical activity and exercise
- Technical certificates at Level 3 such as Active IQ or 1st4Sport Certificates in Industry and Organisational awareness for the active leisure and learning industry and OCR Certificate in Advanced fitness instructing and other more specialised qualifications such as CYQ Award in Sports Conditioning
- Key skills level 2 in Communication and Application of number
For more information on the Active Leisure and Learning Advanced Apprenticeship visit
www.skillsactive.com For more information on Advanced Apprenticeships generally visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
Foundation degree
You could progress from your Level 3 studies to a Foundation Degree which can sometimes be taken part time to fit round work commitments
A Foundation Degree course will put you on the road to management and will give you specialist skills and help you develop:
- Work Skills
- Key Skills such as communication and problem solving
- General Skills such as reasoning and professionalism
Use the course searches at
www.ucas.ac.uk and
www.findfoundationdegree.co.uk to find courses offered in the South East such as:
- Exercise Science
- Personal Training and Sports Performance
- Sport and Fitness
- Sports studies (Sports Exercise and Fitness pathway)
- Heath and Fitness Personal Training
If you want to progress further you can top up a Foundation degree to an honours degree course by transferring into the second or third year of a related course – ask individual Higher Education Institutions about their entry requirements.
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
Honours degree
A range of degrees in Sport and Exercise Science is on offer in the South East. Several are combined with other subjects such as computer science or Marketing to broaden career possibilities.
Local courses include:
- Sports studies and psychology
- Sport and exercise psychology
- Sports Science
- Applied Sport Science
Most courses are three years full time, though some include a foundation year.
Check
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses.
With further postgraduate experience, you can apply to BASES
www.bases.org.uk to become an
Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist.