What Qualifications & Levels Should I Take To Progress My Career?

What qualifications & levels should I take to progress my career?

Nowadays there are so many different routes to employment and up-skill that I can get really confusing.

As a training provider we have to know what they all mean and what is best suited to you so here is our guide to help you

understand what qualifications you should be achieving for your personal progression.

• LevelAn indication of the relative demand, complexity and/or depth of achievement, and/or the autonomy of the learner in demonstrating that achievement

• QualificationAn award made to a learner for the achievement of the specified combination of credits, or credits and exemptions, required for that award

The difference between Levels & Qualifications

• Entry LevelSubject-based qualifications for candidates who are currently working below the level required to obtain a GCSE grade G

• Functional Skills Functional Skills are skills that are seem as essential to be competent in a job. This cover English, Maths and where appropriate, ICT. Functional Skills operates at Level 2 and 3

Levels & Qualifications & What They Really Mean


• GCSEThe General Certificate of Secondary Education is an academic qualification awarded in a specific subject. They are studied between the ages of 14 and 16 years and are assessed by formal exams

• O-Level/CSE These are equivalent to GCSE Grade. They were replaced by the name GCSE in 1988

• A-levelsAS- and A-levels are the traditional qualifications offered by schools and colleges for 16-19 year olds. They focus on academic subjects, although some are work-related. AS-levels can be taken as stand-alone qualifications or as the first part of an A-level course

• BTECBTECs are vocational qualifications. They provide a more practical, real-world approach to learning and skills development alongside a key theoretical background


• Foundation DegreeA Foundation Degree is the equivalent of the first two years of an honours degree, may be studied full or part time, and consist of academic study integrated with relevant work-based learning undertaken with an employer

• National Qualifications Framework (NQF)Devised to recognise the academic levels of qualifications at the higher levels of the framework


• NVQNational Vocational Qualifications recognises the skills and knowledge a person needs to do a job. The standards for NVQs are set by the Sector Skills Council for the industry

• Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)QCF awards credits for the achievement of units which build up to qualifications: Award, Certificate and Diploma


• Traineeships Unpaid work placement for young people aged 16-24 (up to 25 if have a LLDD) who don't yet have the qualifications and/or work experience to obtain an Apprenticeship. Work placement will last between 6 weeks and 5 months with employer involvement a key element. Companies can take on Trainees as Apprentices after the period but if they can’t then they must give an exit interview and provide a reference


• Apprenticeship A job where you earn and learn at the same time. You will work for an organisation but you will undertake study and training at the same time and be expected to complete functional skills (if required). NVQ, Technical Certificate and a functional skills certificate

• Technical Certificate A Technical Certificate provides the proof of technical understanding required to do the specific job whereas NVQ’s prove soft-employment skills such as customer service.


• Higher Level Apprenticeship Designed for people who have finished A-Level but are looking for a more vocational route to further education/training

• Pre-Employment Training Provides training and support to individuals who want to (return to) work with sector focus. Specific training on CV writing, communication, team working, attitude to work, motivation and confidence building. Opportunity for work experience where available


• OfqualRegulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland. It does not regulate higher education qualifications such as a Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree or a Doctorate

• QAAThe Quality Assurance Agency is the regulator for higher education qualifications from level four to level eight

• Edexcel/WJEC/AQA/OCR/ CCEA Awarding Bodies

The People Behind the Qualifications

What We Provide

• Apprenticeships • Traineeships • NVQs/QCFs• Work Programme• Study Programme• Short Course Qualifications • E-learning • Pre-employment Training • Employability Training

Want More Information?

Call: 0121 707 0550

E-mail: [email protected]: www.pathwaygroup.co.uk

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