NVQs/VQs - Level 4 and above

National Vocational Qualifications/Vocational Qualifications (NVQs/VQs) are practical qualifications that show you can do a specific job

They are:

• usually taken by people in work
• offered in, for example: social care, retail, motor vehicle work, electrical installation, business administration, hairdressing, leisure and recreation, construction, engineering and childcare
• equivalent to the first year of a degree.

Entry qualifications vary. You may:

• have to take an entry or selection test
• need a level 3 or equivalent qualification to do a lor level 4 course.

Higher apprenticeships involve doing a Level 4 NVQ and are usually studied by apprentices who have completed their level 3 NVQ or students who have passed A levels and want an alternative to university.

Assessment is through practical tests and a range of evidence, which show you can complete tasks well.

Look on GOV.UK for what different qualification levels mean