Standards and skills frameworks

National / Scottish Vocational Qualifications

Access direct at www.e-skills.com/nvq
or www.e-skills.com/svq

NVQs / SVQs

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) - in England and Wales - and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) - in Scotland - are underpinned by National Occupational Standards (NOS) articulated and maintained by e-skills UK on behalf of employers.

NVQs/SVQs define what employees do in their jobs, based on practical skills demonstrated in the workplace. They help to validate and build on the technical but also personal and inter-personal skills that are vital to the sector.

Using NVQs / SVQs

NVQs/SVQs form one strand of Apprenticeships (Key Skills and Vocational Related Qualifications / Technical Certificates form the other two strands).

They can also provide an alternative, vocational route to Higher Education. The qualifications range from level 1 (lowest) to level 5 (highest). A level 3 NVQ is recognised as equivalent to A-levels and can be used to apply for a Higher Education course while a level 4 NVQ is an intermediate qualification between Further and Higher Education / advanced training.

There is no written test or examination with an occupational standard or vocational qualification. It is an assessment of the individual’s ability to do his or her job competently to the required standard. The candidate is required to present evidence of competence taken from their everyday job. The assessment is performed by a qualified assessor, usually someone senior, who is experienced in the same area of work.

Last modified: 13 Mar 2008