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NVQ's Explained

Many of the qualifications available on this site are NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications). These nationally recognised qualifications, developed by leading companies, measure an employee's competence in the workplace against national standards. Employers play a vital role in setting the standards for NVQs. This means that not only will they meet your needs but offer significant benefits such as:

  • Improved productivity and competitiveness
  • Improved employee performance and motivation
  • Lower staff turnover
  • Improved staff-supervisor relations
  • Improved recruitment
  • Benchmarking standards and provide targeted training for your employees


How are NVQs Assessed?

With NVQs practice is as important as the theory. Employees don't have to sit through hours, days, weeks or even years of a course, and there are no exams at the end. NVQs are about putting learning into practice and preparing a portfolio of work for assessment.

Who are NVQs Designed For?

NVQs are available to anyone at any age or stage of their career from junior to senior management level.

There are 5 Levels of 'Competence':

Level 1

The application of knowledge in the carrying out of a range of varied work activities, most of which are routine and predictable.

Level 2

The demonstration of skills and knowledge of a range of varied work activities, some of which are complex and non-routine.

Level 3

The demonstration of skills and 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

The demonstration of skills and 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

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 are essential for the completion of this level.