Qualifications

Which qualification to take is a very important decision. However, we know that it can also be very confusing. This section provides you with the A-Z of our qualifications and is designed to help you choose the right subject, level and type of qualification for you.

Types of qualification
We specialise in vocational qualifications and training, which means you can pursue your career goals through job-related training.  National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are our most popular qualifications as well as their international and Scottish equivalent, IVQs and SVQs.  We also provide Higher Level Qualifications (HLQs), apprenticeships and a whole lot more. 
Visit this section to find out exactly what we have to offer.

Levels
No matter your level of ability, we provide qualifications to individuals worldwide to cover any number of circumstances, from just starting out (entry level qualifications), to career progression (level 4 to level 7, the equivalent of a postgraduate qualification). Check out this section to find out where you fit in.

Qualification comparisons
A levels or a degree are not the right choices for everyone and the good news is that there's more than one way to the top.  However, if you're wondering what exactly an NVQ is equal to, our comparison chart compares our qualifications to other vocational qualifications as well as their academic equivalent.

Subjects
Now you know the type of qualifications we specialise in and the levels, this section will tell you if we’ve got one in the area you're interested in. Our subjects have been categorised into industry sectors from agriculture right through to travel and tourism. Take a look and find your qualification, or find out more about our core areas, and how you can use them.

Senior Awards
For those at the top of the tree, we offer a unique type of qualification.

Apprenticeships
If you’re aged between 16 and 24, you could benefit from an apprenticeship.

Engineering Council Examinations
Engineering is a great career. It’s challenging, it’s rewarding and there’s always a high demand for engineers, so the opportunities for skilled and qualified ones are limitless.
Find out how to get to the top of the profession with the Engineering Council Examinations.

The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)
Changes are on the horizon for the recognition of achievement in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, with the development of the QCF. This introduces the award of credit for both units and qualifications. In Wales, the QCF forms part of the larger Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW). Scotland has implemented their own Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). 

The QCF is now nearing the end of the 2nd phase of tests and trials, with it expected to begin replacing the National Qualification Framework (NQF) in August 2008. It aims to simplify the current system by being more inclusive, flexible and easier to understand - making it more responsive to learner and employer needs.
Find out more about the QCF changes