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Qualification Guide

Confused by qualifications? Use this guide to find out what qualifications are available in the Heart of the South West.

Types of qualification

  • GCSE
  • A Level
  • A/S Level
  • BTEC
  • TechBac
  • T Level
  • NVQ
  • Functional Skills
  • Core Skills
  • Essential Skills
  • Traineeships
  • ILM
  • IEQ

With so many qualification levels and descriptions it can sometimes feel challenging. As a starting point we have put together an overview of the levels and types of courses that you can choose from.

Please note: this is not a full list and qualifications available may change.

There are 9 qualification levels

Entry Level

Each entry level qualification is available at three sub-levels – 1, 2 and 3. Entry level 3 is the most difficult.

If you’ve no prior experience and you don’t feel confident about your abilities, then this level could be a good place to start.

  • entry level award
  • entry level certificate (ELC)
  • entry level diploma
  • entry level English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
  • entry level functional skills

Level 1

If you’re just starting out or are new to the subject area, this could be a good place to start.

  • first certificate
  • GCSE – grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G
  • level 1 award
  • level 1 certificate
  • level 1 diploma
  • level 1 ESOL
  • level 1 essential skills
  • level 1 functional skills
  • level 1 national vocational qualification (NVQ)

Level 2

You will need to have previous experience of the subject.

  • GCSE – grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C
  • intermediate apprenticeship
  • level 2 award
  • level 2 certificate
  • level 2 diploma
  • level 2 ESOL
  • level 2 functional skills
  • level 2 national certificate
  • level 2 national diploma
  • level 2 NVQO level – grade A, B or C

Level 3

You will cover more complex work.

  • A level
  • access to higher education diploma
  • advanced apprenticeship
  • applied general
  • AS level
  • international Baccalaureate diploma
  • level 3 award
  • level 3 certificate
  • level 3 diploma
  • level 3 national certificate
  • level 3 national diploma
  • level 3 NVQ

Level 4

 

  • certificate of higher education (CertHE)
  • higher apprenticeship
  • higher national certificate (HNC)
  • level 4 award
  • level 4 certificate
  • level 4 diploma
  • level 4 NVQ

Level 5

 

  • diploma of higher education (DipHE)
  • foundation degree
  • higher national diploma (HND)
  • level 5 award
  • level 5 certificate
  • level 5 diploma
  • level 5 NVQ

Level 6

 

  • degree apprenticeship
  • degree with honours – for example bachelor of the arts (BA) hons, bachelor of science (BSc) hons
  • graduate certificate
  • graduate diploma
  • level 6 award
  • level 6 certificate
  • level 6 diploma
  • level 6 NVQ
  • ordinary degree without honours

Level 7

 

  • integrated master’s degree, for example master of engineering (MEng)
  • level 7 award
  • level 7 certificate
  • level 7 diploma
  • level 7 NVQ
  • master’s degree, for example master of arts (MA), master of science (MSc)
  • postgraduate certificate
  • postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE)
  • postgraduate diploma

Level 8

 

  • doctorate, for example doctor of philosophy (PhD or DPhil)
  • level 8 award
  • level 8 certificate
  • level 8 diploma

Please note: for progression onto higher lever courses you may have to prove existing knowledge, or have completed previous qualification levels to be eligible for the course.

Qualifications across the world

If you are entering the country and need to find your equivalent qualifications UK Naric can help you with a statement of comparability

“This service is for you if you need to evidence the level of your overseas qualification for employment, study, professional registration or another reason.”

Note: this is a payable service.

www.naric.org.uk/Qualifications/SOC

Resources

Below is a table which outlines all current qualifications that are being taken by students in education.

current qualifications

How do qualifications compare?

How do qualifications compare

More information

National Careers Service Skills Health Check City and Guild NVQ levels Learn Direct Qualification Guide National Careers Service Guide to degree level qualifications How qualifications are changing CSE Explanation of results O levels explained