Qualifications Explained
Comparing Different Qualifications Levels
The table below shows how the most common qualifications compare. The levels show how difficult a qualification is, starting with Entry Levels at the bottom and then working up.
|
Level |
Qualification |
|
Level 4 plus |
Higher Education, University, Higher Apprenticeships, Degrees, Masters etc |
|
Level 3 |
· A Levels · A/S Levels · BTEC Awards, Certificates, Diplomas at Level 3 · NVQ Level 3 · Advanced Apprenticeship |
|
Level 2 |
· GCSE grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A* to C · BTEC Awards, Certificates, Diplomas at Level 2 · Functional Skills Level 2 · NVQ Level 2 · Intermediate Apprenticeship |
|
Level 1 |
· GCSE grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D to G · BTEC Awards, Certificates, Diplomas at Level 1 · Functional Skills Level 1 · NVQ Level 1 |
|
Entry Level Each entry level is available in three sub levels – 1, 2 and 3. Entry 3 is the highest. |
· Entry level award · Entry level certificate (ELC) · Entry level diploma · Entry level functional skills (ELFS) · Skills for life |