A National Vocational Qualification, or NVQ, is a certificate of vocational education that reflects the skills and knowledge required to do a job effectively, and shows that a candidate is competent in a particular area of work.
NVQ Levels
NVQs are based on national occupational standards, which are statements that describe what proficient individuals in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including the knowledge and understanding that underpin competent performance, current best practice and the ability to adapt to future requirements.
There are five levels of NVQ, based on the competences required.
Level 1
Equivalent to Level 1 in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Involves the application of skills and knowledge in the performance of a variety of different work activities, most of which may be predictable or routine.
Level 2
Equivalent to Level 2 in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Involves the application of skills and knowledge in a significant variety of different work activities, performed in a range of work contexts. Some of the activities are non-routine or complex and there is some autonomy and individual responsibility. Collaboration with others, perhaps through membership of a work group or team, may often be a requirement.
Level 3
Equivalent to Level 3 in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Involves the application of skills and knowledge in a broad variety of different work activities, performed in a wide range of contexts, most of which are non-routine or complex. There is considerable autonomy and responsibility, and guidance or control of others is often required.
Level 4
Equivalent to Levels 4-6 in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Involves the application of skills and knowledge in a broad variety of complex professional or technical work activities, performed in a wide range 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 required.
Level 5
Equivalent to Level 7-8 in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Involves the application of skills, and a significant range of fundamental principles, across a wide and often unpredictable range of contexts. Very substantial personal autonomy and often significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of substantial resources feature strongly as do personal accountabilities for diagnosis and analysis, design, planning, execution and evaluation.
Achieving an NVQ
NVQs may be taken by full-time employees or by school and college students with a work placement that enables them to develop the appropriate skills. Assessment is usually through on-the-job observation and questioning. When the student begins the NVQ, the assessor will help them to identify what they can already do, what they need to learn, and the learning activities that they need to undertake.
Candidates produce evidence to prove they have the competence to meet the NVQ standards, then assessors 'sign-off' each unit as they are ready - this involves testing the candidate's underpinning knowledge, understanding and work-based performance to ensure they can demonstrate competence in the workplace.
