NVQ's

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. It is a 'competence-based' qualification: this means you learn practical, work-related tasks designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge to do a job effectively.

NVQs are based on national standards for various occupations. The standards say what a competent person in a job could be expected to do. As you progress through the course, you compare your skills and knowledge with these standards as you learn, so you can see what you need to do to meet them.

Taking an NVQ could be appropriate if you already have skills and want to improve them, or if you are starting from scratch.

Which levels can you take NVQs at?

NVQs can be at levels 1 to 5 on the National Qualifications Framework and the Qualifications and Credit Framework. The frameworks show how different types of qualifications compare, in terms of the demands they place on learners.

Who can take an NVQ?

NVQs are available to adults and young people alike. You can take NVQs if:

You are employed

You are studying at college and have a part-time job or access to a work placement

You can also take an NVQ qualification at level 2 or 3 as part of an Apprenticeship.

Subjects available

There are lots of different NVQs to choose from. We offer NVQ Assessment and Training in:

Business and Administration

Team Leading

Management

Customer Service

Warehousing

Health and Social Care

Catering

Construction

Manufacturing, Production and Engineering

How are you assessed?

NVQs are assessed on practical assignments and a portfolio of evidence. Normally, a qualified assessor will observe you and question you about the real work you carry out in the workplace (or a realistic working environment). They will test your knowledge and understanding as well as your actual performance.

Your assessor will 'sign-off' individual units within the NVQ when you have reached the required standard.

What Next?

Completing an NVQ can lead to further training at the next NVQ level. You could go all the way to a level 5 NVQ and/or professional qualifications, usually in a related area.

If you've studied an NVQ at level 3, you could also go on to a Higher Education course in a related vocational area, such as a:

Higher National Certificate

Higher National Diploma

Foundation Degree

Other vocational specialism