Qualifications Explained

Courses are usually one of 4 types:

General academic courses - . Examples of qualifications available in general academic subjects include GCSEs, AS and A level courses.
Vocational courses - subjects related to areas of work and groups of jobs such as health and social care or business. Examples of qualifications available in vocational subjects include BTEC, vocational GCSEs and vocational A levels.
A mixture of vocational and general – for example, the new 14-19 Diplomas (on offer currently in some pilot areas only). These courses mix broad vocational learning with functional skills in English, maths and IT. You can also ‘add in’ other more traditional qualifications such as GCSEs and A/S or A levels.
Occupational courses - subjects where you learn about the skills needed to do a specific job such as bricklaying or childcare. Examples of qualifications available in specific occupational areas include NVQs and City and Guilds.

The National Qualifications Framework

The National Qualifications Framework shows how the main types of qualifications relate to each other and encourages lifelong learning. It will help you to see how the range of opportunities and pathways open to your teenager, in school and beyond, fit together.

Level	Level Indicators	Examples of Qualifications at this Level
Entry Level	Builds a basic level of knowledge, understanding and skills.	Entry 1, Entry 2 and Entry 3, in a range of areas including National Curriculum subjects, life skills, basic skills, and skills for working life.
Level 1	Basic knowledge, understanding and skills, and the ability to apply learning to activities that relate to everyday situations.	All GCSE grades D-G, ASDAN Level 1 certificates, basic and key skills, Foundation Diplomas, Vocationally Related Qualifications at Level 1 for example: BTEC Introductory,City and Guilds Certificates, National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 1.
Level 2	Building knowledge and/or skills in relation to subject or sector areas; gaining ability to apply learning to a varied range of tasks.	All GCSE grades A*-C, Higher Diplomas, basic and key skills, VRQ Level 2 for example: City & Guilds Progression Awards, NVQ Level 2, graded examinations in Dance, Speech and Drama.
Level 3	Learning at this level involves obtaining in-depth knowledge, understanding and skills, and a higher level of application. Appropriate for people who want to go to university, or to further training or employment.	All GCE AS and A levels, Advanced Extension Awards, key skills, Advanced and Advanced Progression Diplomas, VRQ Level 3 for example: Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, NVQ Level 3, music grades 6, 7 and 8.
Level 4-8	Specialist learning involving high level of knowledge in specific occupational role or study. Appropriate for people working or wishing to progress to specialised technical and professional roles, and/or managing and developing others.	Certificates and Diplomas of Higher Education, Bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate qualifications, professional qualifications, Foundation degrees, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, key skills Levels 4, NVQ Levels 4 and 5, teaching qualifications stages 1, 2 and 3.

For more information about qualifications, go to:

The Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA) website

The qualifications section of the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) website.