Qualifications explained

If you're baffled by the qualifications available at various levels, the chart and descriptions below should help.

	Qualifications taken at school or college	Qualifications taken at college - WORK BASED	Qualifications taken at college	Qualifications taken at college in Childcare
Pre-entry Level			ASDAN Pre-entry Level
Entry Level		Entry Level	ASDAN Edexcel Entry Level	Entry Level
Level 1	GCSE Grades D to G	NVQ 1	Edexcel Level 1	CACHE Foundation
Level 2	GCSE Grades A to C	NVQ 2	BTEC First Diploma GNVQ Foundation	CACHE Certificate
Level 3	AS Level A2 Level	NVQ 3	BTEC National Certificate BTEC National Diploma	CACHE Diploma
Level 4	Foundation Degree HND Degree	Foundation Degree HND Degree	Foundation Degree HND Degree	Foundation Degree HND Degree

NVQs

These are practical, work-related qualifications developed by industry and based on the practical skills needed for the jobs, rather than on exams. You are assessed continually at college, or work, or both. The advantage of them is that you can follow your choice of career and gain a recognised qualification at the same time.

BTECs

These qualifications cover a range of work-focussed areas such as media, sport or engineering. Assessment is through assignments and a portfolio of work. These are practical programmes that will give you qualifications that are highly valued by employers.

GNVQs

These qualifications give you a good knowledge and broad-based understanding of practical work areas such as health and social care. GNVQs prepare you for employment, with sought-after skills and qualifications.

Foundation Degrees

These are higher education qualifications, developing skills that employers have identified as essential for the workplace. A foundation degree may be topped up to a full degree by studying for an additional year at university.