WHAT IS AN NVQ?

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are work-related, competence-based qualifications. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively, and show that an individual is competent in their area of work.

NVQs are based on National Occupational Standards. These standards are statements of performance and knowledge that describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding that underpin competent performance.

Within reason, NVQs do not have to be completed in a specified amount of time. They can be taken by full or part-time employees whose job enables them to develop the appropriate skills. There are no age limits and no special entry requirements.

HOW ARE NVQ'S ACHIEVED?

Candidates produce work based evidence to prove that they have the skills, knowledge and confidence to do their job to an industry standard.

When new candidates start an NVQ, the assessor will help them to:

• Identify what their current skills are

• Agree on the qualification and level they are aiming for

• Help the candidate identify existing evidence that can be used to prove their competence.

Candidates compare their performance with the standards as they are being assessed. They look at what they have achieved, how much they still need to do and how they should go about it, until they are assessed as competent for a unit or a whole NVQ. The system is not only suitable for candidates who already have skills and want to increase them, but also for those who are starting from the beginning. As the system is so flexible, new ways of learning can be used immediately.

WHAT ARE THE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS OF AN NVQ?

• Acknowledges and validates work that employees are already doing against industry standards

• Gives employees the confidence and drive to succeed in their role

• No age limits - NVQs are totally flexible

• Shows a level of competence in any field that is universally recognised by employers

• Enables employees to develop transferable skills that are valued by employers

WHAT ARE THE EMPLOYER BENEFITS OF AN NVQ?

• Improved staff retention rate

• More motivated and valued staff

• Allows easy benchmarking of standards against company processes and procedures

• Ensures employees are up to date with industry standards and best practice

• Increased efficiency

• Demonstrates a commitment to quality

• Carried out on the job, minimising disruption and down time

• Is based on what an employee can actually do rather than what they know

• Nationally and Internationally recognized and well respected qualification

WHAT IS THE ACADEMIC STATUS OF AN NVQ?

NVQs are a valuable addition to your existing qualifications. For example; an NVQ Level 5 in Construction Management can be equivalent to a doctorate:

You can see examples of where some of the qualifications sit in relation to the NQF and QCF on the table provided below. There are thousands of qualifications accredited to the NQF and QCF and the examples below give only a small sample of qualifications provided.

(Ref - Ofqual) http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/2368.aspx