Ever wondered what an apprenticeship is or what in the blazes CIPD stands for? Well, have and so we’ve decided to put together a glossary of terms and qualifications you’ll most likely encounter when looking at what to do as a school leaver or college leaver.
The first thing to bear in mind is that because there are so many different qualifications, they’ve now been split into five qualification levels to help people and employers (not that employers aren’t people!) to recognise them. Don’t forget the system in Scotland is slightly different.
Level 1 qualifications
Level 1 qualifications are aimed to give you (the learner) basic skills and knowledge which you have the ability to apply with guidance.
Which qualifications are level 1?
- GCSEs grades D-G
- BTEC Introductory Diplomas and Certificates
- OCR Nationals
- Key Skills level 1
- NVQs
- Skills for Life
Level 2 qualifications
Level 2 qualifications are designed to give you (the learner) a good knowledge and understanding of a subject with the ability to apply skills appropriate for many job roles.
Which qualifications are level 2?
- GCSEs grades A*-C
- BTEC First Diplomas and Certificates
- OCR Nationals
- Key Skills level 2
- NVQs
- Skills for Life
Level 3 qualifications
Level 3 qualifications give you (the learner) the ability to gain or apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding, at a detailed level. Level 3 qualifications are appropriate if you’re planning on working or going to university.
Which qualifications are level 3?
- A-levels
- Advanced Extension Awards
- GCE in applied subjects
- International Baccalaureate
- Key Skills level 3
- NVQs
- BTEC Diplomas, Certificates and Awards
- BTEC Nationals
- OCR Nationals
Level 4 qualifications
Level 4 qualifications are designed to give you a high level of knowledge in a specialist subject or work area. Level 4 qualifications are designed to lead people into professions and high-level technical roles.
Level 4 qualifications are equivalent to level ‘C (Certificate)’ of higher education.
Which qualifications are level 4?
- BTEC Level 4 Professional Diploma
- BTEC Level 4 Professional Certificate
- BTEC Level 4 Professional Award
- City & Guilds Licentiateship
- Certificate of higher education
Level 5 qualifications
Level 5 qualifications give you (the learner) a vast knowledge of a complex specialist area of work or study, appropriate for high technician and professional levels. Level 5 qualifications are equivalent to level ‘I (Intermediate)’ of higher education.
Which qualifications are level 5?
- BTEC HND
- BTEC HNC
- BTEC Level 5 Professional Diploma
- BTEC Level 5 Professional Certificate
- BTEC Level 5 Professional Award
- City and Guilds Full Technological Certificate (FTC)
- Foundation degrees
- Bachelor degrees
- Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
Other qualifications
There are a range of other qualifications that might not be familiar to you, which we’ve got more information on.
- Cadetship - a trainee role
- CeMAP – mortgage qualification
- CIM – marketing qualifications
- CIPD – Human Resource qualifications
- Foundation Degrees – vocational and work-based qualifications
- IAB – finance qualifications
- Microsoft Certification – IT qualifications
