Frequently Asked Questions by centres for the new generation of automotive NVQs, SVQs & VRQs (4101)

To search this page, click Edit (top menu), select Find from the drop-down list and type in any desired keywords.

Questions

1) Are learners that have completed the 4100 Progression Award and now want to complete the new (4101) associated NVQ at the same level exempt from the underpinning knowledge tests?

2) If a learner has completed a 4000 series N/SVQ units 01, 02 & 03 can they be given exemption from taking 4101 N/SVQ units G1, G2 & G3?

3) If a learner has completed a 4100 progression award and now wants to undertake a framework 4 apprenticeship will the progression award be accepted as a technical certificate or will they have to complete a new 4101 certificate?

4) Can the practical tasks from the 4100 progression award be used for the 4101 certificate or diploma?

5) Can the N/SVQ practical assessments be used as practical evidence for the Certificate or Diploma (VRQ)?

6) What are the practical tasks/assignments that are required for the certificate or diploma (VRQ)?

7) Does the GOLA test cover all the essential knowledge requirements?

8)  Do we have to use the City & Guilds recording forms?

9) A learner has gathered lots of evidence toward their N/SVQ on the old style documentation. Can this be used in their new 4101 portfolio?

10) We would like to offer a Level 1 Certificate in Motorcycle Maintenance but can't see one listed?

11) Is there an order for collecting evidence e.g. does the learner have to collect practical evidence before they can take the on-line knowledge test?

12) Where can I find information on careers for learners in the automotive service and repair sector?

13) Is there a recommended order for delivering the units in the maintenance and repair pathways?

14) Why is the content of the Routine Maintenance unit (MR01) so extensive?

15) What Automotive qualifications are suitable for 14 to 16 year olds?

16) I have been using the units that were available at the time of the launch events, are these still current.

17) The Level 2 Body Repair unit BP05/V44 refers to a welded rear panel as a non-structural panel. Is this correct as it is usually considered to be a structural panel?

Answers

1) Yes. If a learner has completed a pathway in 4100 e.g. Light Vehicle and wants to complete the 4101 Light Vehicle N/SVQ then provided their unit choice is compatible they will be exempt from the N/SVQ GOLA tests. However this will only be a pass grade as the tests are built around different test specifications. Claiming these tests is a manual process. Please send a completed form S for the relevant GOLA components and send an e-mail to the transport team explaining the situation to:

automotive@cityandguilds.com

You may, however, want your learners to take the new GOLA tests as a further check of their underpinning knowledge. If you do, then schedule the tests in the normal way and results will be automatic once a minimum of a pass has been obtained.

2) Yes. If a candidate has completed the 4000 series units 01, 02 & 03 they can claim 4101 N/SVQ units G1, G2 & G3. There is no GOLA test required for these units. Claim via the walled garden or form 'S'. Evidence of completion of 4000 series units 01, 02 & 03 must be included in the learner's portfolio. The assessor should however ensure that they ask additional questions where necessary, for example in the health and safety unit, where a learner is moving from level 2 to 3 and the risks may be different.

3) We have agreed with Automotive Skills that a mix of current (4101) and previous generation qualifications (4000 to 4007 and 4100) is acceptable for completion of a framework whether this is framework 3 or 4. The mix must obviously be for the same occupation and correct level. If in doubt about acceptability it would be wise to check with Automotive Skills.

4) Yes. These are perfectly acceptable to use individually or merged together but you must ensure that you have covered all the performance criteria and scope of the 4101 related to the tasks. These tasks can be obtained from our website.

5) Yes. When a learner has been assessed as competent in a practical task this be used as practical evidence for the certificate or diploma (VRQ)

6) These are specified in the VRQ column of the evidence requirements for each unit and are based on the same tasks as in the N/SVQ however in most units there are less tasks to complete and they can be assessed in an off the job centre workshop.

7) Whilst the GOLA test samples across the syllabus no guarantee can be given that the learner has covered all the knowledge required. The assessor should therefore ask further questions sampling across the essential knowledge to satisfy themselves of the learners competence. This should be recorded in the portfolio.

8) No but you must include in your records the details required by them. You can request a word version of any of the forms, if you would like to customise them, by e-mailing a request to automotive@cityandguilds.com

9) Yes it is perfectly acceptable. If you think any additional information is required then this can be written on the sheet.

10) The Level 1 Certificate in Vehicle maintenance is not vehicle specific and thus can suit motorcycle, Commercial and Light vehicle. The practical part will be entirely for the type of vehicle being worked on e.g. motorcycle but the knowledge will include some understanding of the principles of the working of other vehicle types. The GOLA test is mostly principles based.

11) No there is no specific order but your should advise the learner on planning for both types of evidence.

12) City and Guilds has a dedicated learner website for the automotive learner www.cityandguilds.com/perform . There are also links to other sites offering information.

13) It is advisable to deliver the remove and replace units first as this will build up to the majority of the content in the routine maintenance unit. The knowledge requirements of the routine maintenance unit is extensive and this test should be taken last. 

14) The National Occupational Standard specifies that a person carrying out a service should have a comprehensive knowledge of the vehicle in general, as well as knowledge related directly to servicing. However, in delivering the knowledge for the level 2 remove and replace units, the majority of the knowledge content of the maintenance unit will be covered.

15) All 4101 level 1 & 2 Certificates and Diplomas (VRQs) are accredited for this age range as is our 3901 Entry Level 3 Award in Automotive Vehicle Maintenance.

16) We stated at the launch events we would be updating the units in line with comments received during these events and would republish initially during September 2005 and on going as better working practices emerge. There were changes made which affected some units more than others. We recommend that you download the latest versions and visit the website regularly to check the latest updates by clicking on the link at the bottom of the first page of www.cityandguilds.com/automotive and compare with your working documents which you may not need to change.

17) This definition is specified in the National Occupational Standard as produced by Automotive Skills and the industry and our qualifications must follow. This is a level 2 task regardless of it being structural or non-structural. For an N/SVQ this must be adhered to but for the certificate or diploma (VRQ) other suitable panels combining the requisite skills are acceptable.