NVQS are work based qualifications where the learner is required to demonstrate competency in their chosen role or career path. As a learner you will be assessed by a portfolio (which contains evidence of the work you’ve done) and by observation where an assessor watches you work.
Qualifications are available in a range of levels from level 1 (basic) to level 7 (senior management).
Award
Awards are the ‘shortest’ or ‘smallest’ qualifications offered and will have the fewest number of modules to complete. An award will give you brief coverage of specific subject areas.
Certificate
Certificate qualifications are the next step up from Awards and will provide the learner with a fundamental understanding of the particular subject matter.
Diploma
A diploma course requires more in-depth study compared to a certificate course. Most of the diploma courses are professional and job-based and offer training to prepare the candidate for a similar job or professional role.
The primary difference between a diploma and a certificate is the scope of the programme and the duration of the course.
NVQ Level 1 equivalent – 3/4 GCSE grades D-G
NVQ Level 2 equivalent – 4-5 GCSE grades A*-C
NVQ Level 3 equivalent – 2 A Levels
NVQ Level 4 equivalent – Higher Education Certificate/BTEC
NVQ Level 5 equivalent – Higher Education Diploma/Foundation Degree
NVQ Level 6 equivalent – Undergraduate Degree/Degree Apprenticeship
NVQ Level 7 equivalent – Master’s Degree/PGCE
You cannot fail an NVQ. You are either classed as competent or not yet competent, which means you would need to provide additional evidence over a period of time.
If you’re a CITB registered company, you should be eligible for funding which could help cover the cost of qualifications and training:
https://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/grants-funding/skills-and-training-fund/
Targets are set to help you achieve your course in a timely manor:
NVQ level 2- 3-8 weeks
Level 3 12-16 weeks
Level 4 16- 20 weeks
Level 6 16-24 weeks
Level 7 16-24 weeks
On completion of your qualification, your portfolio will be assessed and certificate will be applied for. Once we have received this from the awarding body, your certificate will be posted to you via recorded delivery.
Some elements of your NVQ can be completed from home but you will need to be working to produce product evidence and be observed in order for your competency to be assessed in a work setting.
Need help with reading and writing? Our assessors are here to help and can spend extra time with those who need more support. We can also use audio recordings within your portfolio to reduce the amount of paperwork required.
Contact us for more information.
