About NVQs

Work-based National Vocational Qualifications

  1. What is a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)?
  2. Who are these qualifications suitable for?
  3. Are NVQs comparable to Academic Qualifications?
  4. How are they achieved?
  5. How are they achieved?
  6. When can I start an NVQ?
  7. Who are the assessment / verification team?
  8. How do the NVQ Levels work?

1.  What is a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)?

A National Vocational Qualification formally recognises someone’s competence; skills, knowledge and understanding in their work situation. Based on national occupational standards that are set by the industry concerned and describe the level and breadth of performance that is expected of anyone working in the industry.

2.  Who are these qualifications suitable for?

NVQs can be achieved when you are working in a role that provides opportunities for evidence of relevant competence against the occupational standard to be presented. You do not have to have previous qualifications, you do however have to be:

  • in paid or unpaid (voluntary) employment in a position which meets the assessment requirements of the qualification.
  • be able to demonstrate competence across a range of competencies in the workplace.

3.  Are NVQs comparable to Academic Qualifications?

Vocational and academic qualifications are different in terms of measuring knowledge and skills. It is better to think in terms of broad comparability rather than equivalency between vocational and academic qualifications.

4.  How are they achieved?

NVQs are achieved through assessment and training. Assessment is normally through on-the-job observation and questioning. Candidates produce evidence and link evidence to the national standards, which are compiled in a 'portfolio'. This is used to prove they have the competence to meet the NVQ standards.

Assessors ‘sign-off’ units when the candidates are ready - the assessor tests candidates’ underpinning knowledge, understanding and work-based performance to make sure they can demonstrate competence in the workplace.

An NVQ is achieved by you providing evidence to your assessor of your competent performance within the work role; this evidence is presented in the form of a portfolio. You will be given individual guidance about appropriate forms of evidence. Your assessor will judge this evidence against the appropriate national standard.

5.  How are they achieved?

Your assessor will regularly meet with you at a mutually convenient time and venue; this meeting will normally be held at your place of work.

6.  When can I start an NVQ?

When new candidates start an NVQ, their assessor will usually help them to:

  • identify what they can do already
  • agree on the standard and level they are aiming for
  • analyse what they need to learn
  • choose and agree on activities that would allow them to learn what they need.

NVQs at CTL start at various times throughout the year. Qualifications generally can be started within a few weeks, usually when your employer registeres an interest with the centre. If you or your employer is interested in starting an NVQ please contact us at:

7.  Who are the assessment / verification team?

The assessment and verification team have the appropriate occupational knowledge and skills for the NVQ that they are assessing against and also hold the appropriate Assessor / Verifier Awards. They are approved by the awarding bodies such as OCR, City & Guilds, LCCIEB, NCFE and many others as being appropriate to carry out assessment on that NVQ.

8.  How do the NVQ Levels work?

The following presents an explanation of the NVQ levels of competence that are associated with each NVQ qualification:

Level 1
Competence that involves the application of knowledge in the performance of a range of varied work activities, most of which are routine and predictable.
Level 2
Competence that involves the application of knowledge in a significant range of varied work activities, performed in a variety of contexts. Some of these activities are complex or non-routine and there is some individual responsibility or autonomy. Collaboration with others, perhaps through membership of a work group or team, is often a requirement.
Level 3
Competence that involves the application of knowledge in a broad range of varied work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts, most of which are complex and non-routine. There is considerable responsibility and autonomy and control or guidance of others is often required.
Level 4
Competence that involves the application of knowledge in a broad range of complex, technical or professional work activities performed in a variety of contexts and with a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy. Responsibility for the work of others and the allocation of resources is often present.
Level 5
Competence that involves the application of a range of fundamental principles across a wide and often unpredictable variety of contexts. Very substantial personal autonomy and often significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of substantial resources features strongly, as do personal accountabilities for analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation.
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