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National Vocational Qualifications

National Vocational Qualification

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification.

What is an NVQ?

It is a 'competence-based' qualification: this means you learn practical, work-related tasks designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge to do a job effectively.

NVQs are based on national standards for various occupations. The standards say what a competent person in a job could be expected to do. As you progress through the course, you compare your skills and knowledge with these standards as you learn, so you can see what you need to do to meet them.

Taking an NVQ could be appropriate if you already have skills and want to improve them, or if you are starting from scratch.

NVQs are at levels 1 to 5 on the National Qualifications Framework. The framework shows how different types of qualifications compare, in terms of the demands they place on learners.

What do the levels mean?

Level
1	- basic knowledge and skills - ability to apply learning with guidance or supervision - may be linked to job competence
2	- good knowledge and understanding of a subject - ability to perform variety of tasks with some guidance or supervision - appropriate for many job roles
3	- ability to gain or apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding, at a detailed level - appropriate if you plan to go to university, work independently, or (in some cases) supervise and train others in their field of work

Can I take an NVQ?

NVQs are available to adults and young people alike. You can take NVQs if:

you are employed
you are studying at college and have a part-time job or access to a work placement

You can also take an NVQ qualification at level 2 or 3 as part of an Apprenticeship. In some cases you can also do an NVQ if you are at school.

How will I be assessed?

NVQs are assessed on practical assignments and a portfolio of evidence. Normally, a qualified assessor will observe you and question you about the real work you carry out in the workplace (or a realistic working environment). They will test your knowledge and understanding as well as your actual performance.

Your assessor will 'sign-off' individual units within the NVQ when you have reached the required standard.

Grades

You are assessed as being either 'competent' or 'not yet competent'.

What's Next?

Completing an NVQ can lead to further training at the next NVQ level. You could go all the way to a level 5 NVQ and/or professional qualifications, usually in a related area.

If you've studied an NVQ at level 3, you could also go on to a higher education course in a related vocational area, such as a:

Higher National Certificate
Higher National Diploma
Foundation Degree
other vocational specialism

How long are the courses?

Within reason, there is no maximum time limit to complete an NVQ; it is designed to be taken at a pace that suits your needs. However, many learners take about one year to complete an NVQ at level 1 and 2, and around two years for an NVQ at level 3.