QVSE Qualifications Explained
How QVSE qualifications are structured, assessed and certified.
Content recovered from the old site, where it was displaying as raw code. Please review units and credit values before publishing.
QVSE Qualifications Explained There are three sizes of QVSE qualification and these are based on credit size:
- Awards (1 to 12 credits)
- Certificates (13 to 36 credits)
- Diplomas (37 credits or more)
The Levels ranged from 1 to 8. Each level indicates the size of qualification and its difficulty. Qualifications on the NSQ have credits attached to them, and generally measured in guided learning hours (GLH) – ie how much contact time the average learner is expected to need in order to complete the unit or qualification. The title of a qualification indicates:
- qualification level (from lowest, Entry Level to Level 8 at the top)
- qualification size (either award/certificate/diploma based on the number of credits)
- content of the qualification
##### Award:- Description Entry Level Awards are designed for learners looking to take the first step in their vocational /Skill education. Learners undertaking these courses often have no formal qualifications but Entry Level qualifications can be used as an introduction to study at any given time in a person’s life or career, for example if someone is looking to change careers or area of study. Duration Usually within a year but this can vary depending on level and speed of learning. NSQ Our NSQ/QCF Level & Credit Value
Content recovered from the old site, where it was displaying as raw code. Please review units and credit values before publishing.
QVSE Qualifications Explained There are three sizes of QVSE qualification and these are based on credit size:
- Awards (1 to 12 credits)
- Certificates (13 to 36 credits)
- Diplomas (37 credits or more)
The Levels ranged from 1 to 8. Each level indicates the size of qualification and its difficulty. Qualifications on the NSQ have credits attached to them, and generally measured in guided learning hours (GLH) – ie how much contact time the average learner is expected to need in order to complete the unit or qualification. The title of a qualification indicates:
- qualification level (from lowest, Entry Level to Level 8 at the top)
- qualification size (either award/certificate/diploma based on the number of credits)
- content of the qualification
##### Award:- Description Entry Level Awards are designed for learners looking to take the first step in their vocational /Skill education. Learners undertaking these courses often have no formal qualifications but Entry Level qualifications can be used as an introduction to study at any given time in a person’s life or career, for example if someone is looking to change careers or area of study. Duration Usually within a year but this can vary depending on level and speed of learning. NSQ Our NSQ/QCF Level & Credit Value
Level 1
15
150
Level 2
30
300
Level 3
60
600
Level 4
120
1200
Level 5
120
240
2400
Level 6
120
360
3600
Level 7
150
180
1800 Level 1 Description National Vocational /Skill Qualifications (NV/SQs) are often designed in partnership with employers and Sector Skills Councils, meaning they are mostly studied and assessed in the workplace. NSQs are specifically designed for certain career paths and outline what is needed from a learner to progress in their chosen role. Level 1 NSQs deliver the basic knowledge and skills learners need to carry out routine work practices at a satisfactory level. A Level 1 NSQ is equivalent to 3 or 4 D-G GCSE grades. Duration This depends on the learner and the employer. Why choose this course? NSQs prepare learners not only for employment, but are tailored to the area and job role the learner hopes to achieve. It builds on the skills and knowledge they already have, as well as developing new skills. Progression A higher level training and employment. Level 2 Description National Vocational /Skill Qualifications (NV/SQs) are often designed in partnership with employers and Sector Skills Councils, meaning they are mostly studied and assessed in the workplace. NSQs are specifically designed for certain career paths and outline what is needed from a learner to progress in their chosen role. Level 2 NSQs build upon the skills and knowledge gained during a Level 1 NSQ and prepare learners to undertake a wider and more specialised range of activities and tasks in the workplace. A Level 2 NSQ is equivalent to 5 GCSEs (grade A*-C). Duration This depends on the learner speed of learning /ability and the employer. Why choose this course? NSQs prepare learners not only for employment, but are tailored to the area and job role the learner hopes to achieve. It builds on the skills and knowledge they already have, as well as developing new skills. Progression A Level 3 qualification, or employment. Level 3 Description National Vocational /Skill Qualifications (NV/SQs) are often designed in partnership with employers and Sector Skills Councils, meaning they are mostly studied and assessed in the workplace. NSQs are specifically designed for certain career paths and outline what is needed from a learner to progress in their chosen role. Level 3 NSQs further build upon the work-related skills in a Level 2 NSQ and showcase a learner’s ability to excel in a number of complicated, non-routine roles and tasks. Duration This depends on the learner and the employer. Why choose this course? NSQs prepare learners not only for employment, but are tailored to the area and job role the learner hopes to achieve. It builds on the skills and knowledge they already have, as well as developing new skills. Progression A Level 4 qualification, or employment. Level 4 Description National Vocational /Skill Qualifications (NV/SQs) are often designed in partnership with employers and Sector Skills Councils, meaning they are mostly studied and assessed in the workplace. NSQs are specifically designed for certain career paths and outline what is needed from a learner to progress in their chosen role. At Level 4, NSQs show that learners are able to work in a variety of complex and high-level roles autonomously. A Level 4 NSQ is equivalent to a OND or a HNC. Duration Usually 12-18 months but this can vary. Why choose this course? NSQs prepare learners not only for employment, but are tailored to the area and job role the learner hopes to achieve. It builds on the skills and knowledge they already have, as well as developing new skills. Progression Employment at a managerial level, or degree-level study. Level 5 Description National Vocational /Skill Qualifications (NV/SQs) are often designed in partnership with employers and sector skills councils, meaning they are mostly studied and assessed in the workplace. NSQs are specifically designed for certain career paths and outline what is needed from a learner to progress in their chosen role. At Level 5, NSQs show that learners are able to work in a variety of complex and high-level roles. The Learner should also have the ability to be responsible for the work of others and be able to work completely autonomously. A Level 5 NSQ is equivalent to a HND. Duration Usually 12-18 months but this can vary. Why choose this course? This qualification is perfect for learners looking to enhance their career options or develop further in their career. Progression Employment at a managerial level, or degree-level study. Level 6 and 7 Level six and seven follows similar route as above but requires more and in-depth demonstration of knowledge and understanding at a strategic management level. It is equivalent to a graduate /post graduate qualification
NSQ/QCF level and credit value
Qualification level
Credit value
Assigned notional hours
Award Level 1
10–12
100–120
Levels 2 to 7 were listed on the old site in a broken table that could not be read reliably. The authoritative figures are on the Approved Stages and Levels page, which covers Levels 1 to 6. Please confirm whether Level 7 is still offered.
Level 1
15
150
Level 2
30
300
Level 3
60
600
Level 4
120
1200
Level 5
120
240
2400
Level 6
120
360
3600
Level 7
150
180
1800 Level 1 Description National Vocational /Skill Qualifications (NV/SQs) are often designed in partnership with employers and Sector Skills Councils, meaning they are mostly studied and assessed in the workplace. NSQs are specifically designed for certain career paths and outline what is needed from a learner to progress in their chosen role. Level 1 NSQs deliver the basic knowledge and skills learners need to carry out routine work practices at a satisfactory level. A Level 1 NSQ is equivalent to 3 or 4 D-G GCSE grades. Duration This depends on the learner and the employer. Why choose this course? NSQs prepare learners not only for employment, but are tailored to the area and job role the learner hopes to achieve. It builds on the skills and knowledge they already have, as well as developing new skills. Progression A higher level training and employment. Level 2 Description National Vocational /Skill Qualifications (NV/SQs) are often designed in partnership with employers and Sector Skills Councils, meaning they are mostly studied and assessed in the workplace. NSQs are specifically designed for certain career paths and outline what is needed from a learner to progress in their chosen role. Level 2 NSQs build upon the skills and knowledge gained during a Level 1 NSQ and prepare learners to undertake a wider and more specialised range of activities and tasks in the workplace. A Level 2 NSQ is equivalent to 5 GCSEs (grade A*-C). Duration This depends on the learner speed of learning /ability and the employer. Why choose this course? NSQs prepare learners not only for employment, but are tailored to the area and job role the learner hopes to achieve. It builds on the skills and knowledge they already have, as well as developing new skills. Progression A Level 3 qualification, or employment. Level 3 Description National Vocational /Skill Qualifications (NV/SQs) are often designed in partnership with employers and Sector Skills Councils, meaning they are mostly studied and assessed in the workplace. NSQs are specifically designed for certain career paths and outline what is needed from a learner to progress in their chosen role. Level 3 NSQs further build upon the work-related skills in a Level 2 NSQ and showcase a learner’s ability to excel in a number of complicated, non-routine roles and tasks. Duration This depends on the learner and the employer. Why choose this course? NSQs prepare learners not only for employment, but are tailored to the area and job role the learner hopes to achieve. It builds on the skills and knowledge they already have, as well as developing new skills. Progression A Level 4 qualification, or employment. Level 4 Description National Vocational /Skill Qualifications (NV/SQs) are often designed in partnership with employers and Sector Skills Councils, meaning they are mostly studied and assessed in the workplace. NSQs are specifically designed for certain career paths and outline what is needed from a learner to progress in their chosen role. At Level 4, NSQs show that learners are able to work in a variety of complex and high-level roles autonomously. A Level 4 NSQ is equivalent to a OND or a HNC. Duration Usually 12-18 months but this can vary. Why choose this course? NSQs prepare learners not only for employment, but are tailored to the area and job role the learner hopes to achieve. It builds on the skills and knowledge they already have, as well as developing new skills. Progression Employment at a managerial level, or degree-level study. Level 5 Description National Vocational /Skill Qualifications (NV/SQs) are often designed in partnership with employers and sector skills councils, meaning they are mostly studied and assessed in the workplace. NSQs are specifically designed for certain career paths and outline what is needed from a learner to progress in their chosen role. At Level 5, NSQs show that learners are able to work in a variety of complex and high-level roles. The Learner should also have the ability to be responsible for the work of others and be able to work completely autonomously. A Level 5 NSQ is equivalent to a HND. Duration Usually 12-18 months but this can vary. Why choose this course? This qualification is perfect for learners looking to enhance their career options or develop further in their career. Progression Employment at a managerial level, or degree-level study. Level 6 and 7 Level six and seven follows similar route as above but requires more and in-depth demonstration of knowledge and understanding at a strategic management level. It is equivalent to a graduate /post graduate qualification