Qualification levels

The national framework

All qualifications fit into a national framework. It has nine levels. Entry level is at the bottom and level 8 is at the top. The higher the level, the harder the qualification. Every level has different types of qualifications - subject based, work-related and job-related. People often use the levels as shorthand to describe the qualifications needed for a particular job or course. Most employers ask first-time job applicants for level 2 qualifications. Most university courses require level 3 qualifications.

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Entry level qualifications

• Basic qualifications, usually part of a personalised programme. They build confidence and help you to use your learning in everyday situations. They include Entry level functional skills, vocational and personal and social development qualifications.
• With Entry level qualifications you can go on to study for level 1 qualifications, apply for work-based training or work towards supported employment and independent living.

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Level 1 qualifications

• Basic qualifications, usually part of a personalised programme. They build understanding of a subject, industry or area of work. They help you to use your learning in everyday situations and routine tasks.
• They include level 1 functional skills and personal and social development qualifications, the Foundation Diploma, level 1 vocational qualifications (e.g. NVQ, BTEC Introductory Certificates, OCR Nationals) and GCSEs achieved at grades D to G.
• With level 1 qualifications you can go on to study for level 2 qualifications and apply for an Apprenticeship or a job with training.

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Level 2 qualifications

• Qualifications that give you good knowledge, understanding and skills in a subject, industry or area of work. They help you to use your learning in a variety of tasks.
• They include level 2 functional skills qualifications, the Higher Diploma, level 2 vocational qualifications (e.g. NVQ, BTEC First, OCR Nationals) and GCSEs achieved at grades A* to C.
• With level 2 qualifications you can go on to study for level 3 qualifications or apply for an Advanced Apprenticeship or a job with training. For some people, they lead to semi-skilled jobs.
• Most employers use this level as their minimum entry requirement.

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Level 3 qualifications

• Qualifications that give you detailed knowledge, understanding and skills in a subject, industry or area of work and that help you to apply your learning with little support.
• They include A/AS levels, the Advanced and the Progression Diplomas, level 3 vocational qualifications (e.g. NVQ, BTEC Nationals, OCR Nationals), the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge Pre-U.
• With level 3 qualifications you can go on to study at a higher level. Universities expect most applicants to be qualified to this level. You could also apply for a job with training. Employers are increasingly looking for applicants who are qualified to at least this level. For some people, level 3 qualifications lead to technical, skilled and supervisory jobs.

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Qualifications at Levels 4 to 8

• These are higher level, specialist and professional qualifications. They develop very high knowledge, understanding and skills in a subject, industry or area of work and involve the independent application of learning.
• They include NVQs at levels 4 and 5, Higher National Diplomas and Certificates, Foundation degrees, Honours degrees, postgraduate qualifications and professional qualifications (eg Associate, Certified or Chartered Professional).
• They can help you to gain promotion and take on a higher level, professional or specialist role in a subject, industry or area of work.

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