NVQs are nationally recognized qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that are achieved through on-the-job training and assessment. NVQs are made up of units and assessments are typically done in the workplace through questions from assessors, discussions, and observations of work being done. NVQs are available at different levels that correspond to other qualifications such as GCSEs and A-Levels and demonstrate varying degrees of skills and knowledge.

1. What are NVQs?
Pathway Groupputting you first

2. What are NVQ’s all about?
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!
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 and they are especially good for people who enjoy practical,
hands on learning outside of the traditional academic environment.
NVQ’s are made up of individual units. There are a series of mandatory units and
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.
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.
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.
1.

3. 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.
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.
NVQ’s: The Levels, Meanings & Equivalents:
Level Requirement 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
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4. 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
3.

5. Level 8 Demonstrates operational and
strategic management within
a middle/senior management
role.
• Award, Certificate & Diploma
in Strategic Direction
• Doctorates
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
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