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As a result the content on this site may not reflect current Government policy.
All statutory guidance and legislation published on this site continues to reflect the current legal position unless indicated otherwise.
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The qualifications system

All qualifications fit into a national framework. It has nine levels. Entry level is at the bottom and level 8 is at the top. Every level includes different types of qualification. Some are subject-based. Some are work-related. Some are job-related.

The levels show how hard a qualification is - the higher the level, the harder the qualification. Most employers ask first-time job applicants for level 2 qualifications, and the demand for people with qualifications at level 3 and above is increasing. Most university courses require level 3 qualifications. They often require a grade C or above in GCSE English and mathematics too.

Find out more about the qualification levels below.

Entry Level qualifications

These are basic qualifications. They build confidence and help people use their learning in everyday situations. They can lead on to level 1 qualifications, work-based training, supported employment and independent living.

Level 1 qualifications

These are basic qualifications. They build understanding of a subject, industry or area of work. They help people use this learning in everyday situations and routine tasks. They can lead on to level 2 qualifications, an Apprenticeship and a job with training. They include:

  • L1 functional skills
  • L1 personal and social development qualifications
  • The Foundation Diploma
  • L1 Vocational Qualifications - NVQ, BTEC Introductory Certificates, OCR Nationals
  • GCSEs achieved at grades D-G

Level 2 qualifications

These qualifications give people good knowledge, understanding and skills in a subject, industry or area of work. They help them use their learning in a variety of tasks. They can lead on to level 3 qualifications, an Advanced Apprenticeship, a job with training and, for some, semi-skilled jobs. They include:

  • L2 functional skills
  • The Higher Diploma
  • L2 Vocational Qualifications - NVQ, BTEC First, OCR Nationals
  • GCSEs achieved at grades A*-C

Most employers use this level as their minimum entry requirement.

Level 3 qualifications

These qualifications give people detailed knowledge, understanding and skills in a subject, industry or area of work. They help them apply their learning with little support. They can lead on to qualifications at levels 4 to 6, a job with training and, for some, technical, skilled and supervisory jobs. They include:

  • A/AS Levels
  • The Advanced and Progression Diplomas
  • L3 Vocational Qualifications - NVQ, BTEC Nationals, OCR Nationals
  • The International Baccalaureate
  • Cambridge Pre-U

Universities require most applicants to be qualified to this level. Employers will increasingly look for applicants who are qualified to at least this level.

Qualifications at Levels 4 to 8

These are higher level, specialist and professional qualifications. They develop very high level knowledge, understanding and skills in a subject, industry or area of work. They involve independent application of learning. They can lead on to a higher level professional or specialist role in a subject, industry or area of work. They include:

  • NVQs at Levels 4 and 5
  • Higher National Certificates and Diplomas
  • Foundation and honours degrees
  • Postgraduate qualifications
  • Professional qualifications such as Associate, Certified or Chartered Professional

What next?

Key stage 4 options

Tool kit

Hot tip

Your teenager can use this framework to see how they can move up the levels and do different types of qualifications as they progress through learning and work.

Quote

"Education and training will prepare every young person to make a success of their life."
Christopher Banks, Chairman, Learning and Skills Council