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Qualification Explained

No qualification

This means that the course doesn't come with any kind of qualification. You might do it for the experience or just to learn a skill

Certificate of attendance/completion/achievement (no assessment element)

This means you'll get a certificate at the end to prove you've completed the course. You won't have to do any exams, you'll just be given something to show you turned up and learnt something

Functional Skill

The Functional Skill qualification is awarded to people who have completed a course that shows them how to apply maths and/or English to real life situations. You will be assessed in order to achieve this

Basic skill

This essentially means you'll come away with a basic ability at literacy and numeracy. These qualifications and courses are often for adults who didn't reach a high enough level in these in school

Pre-apprenticeship at Level 1

Pre-apprenticeship courses are aimed at getting you ready to do an apprenticeship. If you hold one of these qualifications, it will help you take the next step when you're ready

NVQ Level 1 and relevant components

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification and will cover skills needed in a particular area of work. Level 1 NVQs teach the basics and will provide you with a starter to study more. They're equivalent to GCSEs grades D-G

SVQ Level 1 and relevant components

The same as an NVQ but for Scotland (stands for Scottish Vocational Qualification), the SVQ level one covers skills needed in a particular area of work. Level 1 SVQs teach the basics and will provide you with a starter to study more. They're equivalent to GCSEs grades D-G

Scottish National Qualification - Standard Grade

National Qualifications are based in Scotland and are taken by students in school and college, depending on the level. Like GCSEs in England, they cover a range of subjects and aim to prepare you for further education or work. This level is the first and most basic level of National you can do

Scottish National Qualification - Access 3

National qualifications are based in Scotland and are taken by students in school and college, depending on the level. Like GCSEs in England, they cover a range of subjects and aim to prepare you for further education or work. This level is the first and most next level up from the most basic level of National qualification you can do

Scottish National Qualification - Intermediate 1-2

National qualifications are based in Scotland and are taken by students in school and college, depending on the level. Like GCSEs in England, they cover a range of subjects and aim to prepare you for further education or work. This is the 'intermediate' level of National you can do

GCSE or equivalent

GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education and sit at levels 1 and 2 on the QCF. This means they give you a grounding in a subject that will prepare you for further education or work

Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma

Delivered by course providers in Wales, this qualification is at the same level as GCSEs and often chosen as an alternative

Vocational related qualification (VRQ)

This term encompasses any qualification that you can achieve that will be focused on preparing you for a specific workplace

Young Apprenticeship/Apprenticeship at Level 2

Intermediate apprenticeships are the equivalent to GCSEs grades A* to C. They are workplace-based qualifications where you learn by doing (and get paid too!) and only spend a short time in college

First Certificate/Diploma

These qualifications, though usually based in a college or school, prepare you for the workplace by teaching you relevant practical skills alongside theory. They are equivalent to GCSEs

NVQ Level 2 and relevant components

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification and will cover skills needed in a particular area of work. Level 2 NVQs will require you have some knowledge in the subject and will take basic skills a little further. They're equivalent to GCSEs grades A*-C

SVQ Level 2 and relevant components

The same as an NVQ but for Scotland (stands for Scottish Vocational Qualification), the SVQ Level 2 build on the basics and will provide you with a starter to study more. They're equivalent to GCSEs grades A*-C

Advanced Apprenticeship at Level 3

Advanced apprenticeships are the equivalent to A Levels. They are workplace-based qualifications where you learn by doing (and get paid too!) and only spend a short time in college

GCE AS Level or equivalent

These are academic qualifications aimed at giving you higher expertise in certain subjects, preparing you for work or for further education

GCE A Level or equivalent

These are academic qualifications aimed at giving you higher expertise in certain subjects, preparing you for work or for further education

International Baccalaureate Diploma

This qualification is recognised worldwide and is equivalent to GCSEs. It covers a range of subjects

National Certificate/Diploma

These qualifications, though usually based in a college or school, prepare you for the workplace by teaching you relevant practical skills alongside theory. They are equivalent to A Levels

NVQ Level 3 and relevant components

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification and will cover skills needed in a particular area of work. Level 3 NVQs will require you have some knowledge in the subject and will take your learning to a higher level. They're equivalent to A Levels

SVQ Level 3 and relevant components

The same as an NVQ but for Scotland (stands for Scottish Vocational Qualification), the SVQ level one covers skills needed in a particular area of work. They're equivalent to A Levels

Scottish National Qualification - Higher

National Qualifications are based in Scotland and are taken by students in school and college, depending on the level. Like GCSEs in England, they cover a range of subjects and aim to prepare you for further education or work. This is the 'higher' level of National qualification you can do

Scottish National Qualification - Advanced Higher

National Qualifications are based in Scotland and are taken by students in school and college, depending on the level. Like GCSEs in England, they cover a range of subjects and aim to prepare you for further education or work. This is the 'advanced higher' level of National qualification you can do

Access to Higher Education

This is a qualification aimed at preparing you for university if you don't have the traditional A Level/GCSE level of study. Usually focused on a specific subject it will get you ready to take a degree in that area on finishing

Foundation Art and Design

This qualification is aimed at getting you ready to take a degree in a creative subject. It is equivalent to a foundation degree

NVQ Level 4 and relevant components

NVQ Level 4 and relevant components

SVQ Level 4 and relevant components

The same as an NVQ but for Scotland (stands for Scottish Vocational Qualification), the SVQ level one covers skills needed in a particular area of work. Level 4 takes your learning to a much higher level. They're equivalent to undergraduate degrees

Higher Apprenticeship at Level 4

Higher apprenticeships are the equivalent to a foundation degree. They are workplace-based qualifications where you learn by doing (and get paid too!) and will only spend a short time in college

NVQ Level 5 and relevant components

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification and will cover skills needed in a particular area of work. Level 5 NVQs are usually for experienced managers in the workplace. They're equivalent to undergraduate degrees

SVQ Level 5 and relevant components

The same as an NVQ but for Scotland (stands for Scottish Vocational Qualification), the SVQ level one covers skills needed in a particular area of work. Level 5 SVQs take your learning to a much higher level - often for experienced managers. They're equivalent to undergraduate degrees

Nationally recognised qualification

This means the qualification you gain can be transferred to other locations in the UK and employers will be familiar with the level you've studied at

Professional or Industry Specific qualification

This term encompasses qualifications that you can use in the workplace of a particular industry. Usually awarded by professional and industry-based organisations, these qualifications will be familiar to employers in certain areas of work

Other External Awarded Qualification

This means the qualification is awarded by an external body. It may therefore include an assessed element

Course Provider Diploma/Certificate/Award (this must include an assessed element)

This means the qualification is awarded by the course provider but that you do get a real qualification at the end, it's just that they award it in-house. There will be an assessment to get this