Choosing the Right Qualifications
Qualifications in the UK are organised into the National Qualification Framework. This framework has different levels. Starting at Entry Level as a stepping stone, the framework has five further levels where your subject knowledge and skills will become more in-depth.
The Qualifications Framework
You can start on the level that is right for you, based on what you have achieved in the past, and then progress onto the next level to further enhance your career prospects.
Level Five
Honours Degree, Advanced professional qualifications
A wide range of employment or advanced study options.
Honours Degree, Advanced professional qualifications
A wide range of employment or advanced study options.
Level Four
Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma, Higher National Certificate, NVQ4, Other Level 4 vocational awards
Top up to an Honours Degree or enjoy a wide range of jobs
Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma, Higher National Certificate, NVQ4, Other Level 4 vocational awards
Top up to an Honours Degree or enjoy a wide range of jobs
Level Three
BTEC National Diploma or Certificate, NVQ3, Advanced or Progression Diploma, Other Level 3 vocational awards, AS and A levels, Advanced Apprenticeship
Progress into Higher Education or into a wide range of jobs
BTEC National Diploma or Certificate, NVQ3, Advanced or Progression Diploma, Other Level 3 vocational awards, AS and A levels, Advanced Apprenticeship
Progress into Higher Education or into a wide range of jobs
Level Two
BTEC First Diploma or Certificate, NVQ2, Higher Diploma, GCSEs grade A-C, Apprenticeship
Move onto Level 3 course, a job with training or an Advanced Apprenticeship
BTEC First Diploma or Certificate, NVQ2, Higher Diploma, GCSEs grade A-C, Apprenticeship
Move onto Level 3 course, a job with training or an Advanced Apprenticeship
Level One
BTEC Award, NVQ1, Foundation Diploma, GCSEs grade D-G
Move onto a Level 2 course or an Apprenticeship.
BTEC Award, NVQ1, Foundation Diploma, GCSEs grade D-G
Move onto a Level 2 course or an Apprenticeship.
Entry Level
BTEC Entry Level Certificate, Literacy or numeracy qualifications, other Entry Level qualifications.
You could move onto a Level 1 Course.
BTEC Entry Level Certificate, Literacy or numeracy qualifications, other Entry Level qualifications.
You could move onto a Level 1 Course.
