What are NVQs will tell you how and why you should consider taking NVQs. It also tells you what qualifications are equivalent to NVQs. NVQ's are vocitional courses which are good for people who are practical, hands-on learners as they are mainly assessed in the work-place and have a number of different assessment methods. Want to find out more about taking an NVQ/QCF, training or Apprenticeship with Pathway Group? Call us today on: 0121 707 0550 or e-mail: info@pathwaygroup.co.uk

1. What are NVQ’s really all about?
What they are, why you need them & what are the academic equivalents?

2. Want to further your qualifications and
career but not sure about going down
the traditional academic route ?
Are you a practical or visual learner?
Do you like hands on work?
Then, doing an NVQ
may be the right option for you!

3. What are NVQ’s?*
NVQ’s are nationally recognised qualifications that give
you academic qualifications in conjunction with working.
NVQ’s offer you the chance to improve your
career whatever your age & they are especially good
for people who enjoy practical, hands on learning,
outside of the traditional academic environment.

4. How They Work*
NVQ’s are made up of individual units. There are a
series of mandatory units & depending on the sector
there may also be some additional optional units.
As NVQ’s are vocational training most assessment will
normally take place on-site, where you are working.
The Assessor will agree with the candidate before the
assessment what is the best assessment method and
they will work from there.

5. Methods of Assessment:
Questions, Questions
The Assessor will ask questions relating
to the written evidence that a candidate
has provided. This is done to make sure
that the candidate has a thorough
personal knowledge of the subject.
The Assessor may ask additional
questions to which require knowledge of
the subject but aren’t a specific learning
topic in the coursework. This makes sure
that you have a good understanding
beyond minimum requirements
Two topics may be mixed to make sure
that the candidate has an understanding
of both and if they relate, how they do.

6. Methods of Assessment:
Having a Discussion
The Assessor records a discussion
between themselves and the candidate
about assessable areas. The Assessor
will as questions about the work that
the candidate has recently completed
that has been submitted for
assessment.
Work Based Assessments
The Assessor or a witness observes you
as you work. You may also need to
provide supporting evidence such as
working diaries, emails and job and
inspection sheets to back this up.

7. Methods of Assessment:
Including Your Prior Experience
(Accreditation of Previous
Learning: APL)
If a candidate has evidence from
activities that they have taken place in
the past, it may be possible to use as
evidence for the NVQ if it is current and
relevant.
Types of evidence would be certificates,
records of courses attended or
employers’ references. These will help
show that you have additional
knowledge which may help you pass the
NVQ quicker.

8. Level Requirements to Pass Equivalents
Level 1 Demonstrates a basic knowledge and skills to carry
out everyday activities in the work place under
supervision.
· GCSEs graded D-G
· NVQs at Level 1
· Key Skills/Functional Skills Level 1
· Skills for Life
· Foundation Diploma
· BTEC Awards, Certificates & Diplomas at Level 1
· OCR Nationals
· Foundation Learning Tier Pathways
Level 2 Demonstrates a good knowledge/understanding of
an area of work and the skills to carry out a variety
of tasks with some guidance.
· GCSEs graded A*-C
· NVQs at Level 2
· Level 2 VQs
· Key Skills Level 2
· Skills for Life
· Higher Diploma
· BTEC Awards, Certificates & Diplomas at Level 2
· Functional Skills Level 2
Level 3 Demonstrates a range of expert knowledge, skills
and understanding that helps them to work
independently.
They may also supervise and train others.
· AS/A-Levels
· Advanced Extension Awards
· International Baccalaureate
· Key Skills Level 3
· NVQs at Level 3
· Cambridge International Awards
· Advanced & Progression Diploma
· BTEC Awards, Certificates & Diplomas at Level 3
· BTEC Nationals & OCR Nationals
Level 4 Demonstrates specialist technical skill or hold a
professional role that involves analysing large
amounts of data. You may manage and develop
others.
· BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates & Awards
· Certificates of Higher Education
Level 5 Demonstrates specialist technical skill or hold a
professional role that involves analysing large
amounts of data. You may manage and develop
others.
· HNCs and HNDs
· BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates & Awards
· Diplomas of Higher Education & Further Education,
Foundation Degrees & Higher National
Diplomas
Level 6 Demonstrates specialist technical skill or hold a
professional role that involves analysing large
amounts of data. You may manage and develop
others.
· BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates &
Awards
· Bachelor Degrees, Graduate Certificates & Diplomas
Level 7 Demonstrates operational and strategic
management within a middle/senior management
role.
· Advanced Professional Awards, Certificates &
Diplomas
· Masters Degrees, Postgraduate Certificates &
Diplomas
Level 8 Demonstrates operational and strategic
management within a middle/senior management
role.
· Award, Certificate & Diploma in Strategic Direction
· Doctorates
NVQ’s &
Their Academic
Equivalents

9. Want More Information?
Want more information on NVQ’s for yourself or your staff?
Thinking of taking on an Apprentice?
Or want to run an Apprenticeship course?
Pathway group is a training provider that specialises in offering
skills training that is specific to your area of expertise.
To find out more contact us today:
E-mail: info@pathwaygroup.co.uk
Or call: 0121 707 0550