Student Advice 2 min read

NVQs: All you need to know

A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) is a great way of expanding your skills and getting you set for the world of work in over 1000 subjects!

Ben Maples

Published Jul 30th 2024

The NVQ has been around since 1986 and has been a great option for those looking to go into a specific career or have a more hands-on learning experience. Here, we'll go through exactly what an NVQ is, what the course looks like and how you apply.

What is an NVQ?

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. It's a work-based qualification designed so you can show employers that you have the skills and knowledge to apply to a specific role once completed. If you're studying in Scotland, this is known as the SVQ.

NVQ subjects

There are plenty of subjects to choose from when selecting an NVQ across many different industries. These subjects include the following:

Building and construction, and warehousing and distribution
Engineering, manufacturing, and transportation operations and maintenance
Science, horticulture, animal care and veterinary science
Sport, leisure and recreation, and travel and tourism
Hospitality, catering and service enterprises
Language, literature and culture
Health and social care, public services and child development
Marketing, sales, administration and business management
Crafts, creative arts and design, and media and communication
Direct training and support

NVQ levels

There are eight levels of the NVQ. You can start the qualification at a level that suits your current understanding and work your way through each of the levels. Here we have a brief overview of what each level will look like.

NVQ Level	Equivalent qualifications	NVQ details
Entry Level		If you have yet to gain any previous qualifications or knowledge of the job, this will include a basic, general understanding of the role.
NVQ Level 1	3-4 GCSEs at grade D-G	You'll apply basic knowledge to routine tasks within the chosen role that complement your subject area.
NVQ Level 2	4-5 GCSE at grade A*-C	You'll undertake more complex studies, gain a deeper understanding of the subject and apply the skills to more varied work scenarios.
NVQ Level 3	2 A-Levels	You'll start to take on more responsibilities and have the independence to do certain tasks, with less guidance.
NVQ Level 4	BTEC or Higher Education Certificate.	You'll gain more detailed knowledge in a specific area of the subject. Great for if you want to manage others or specialise in your chosen field.
NVQ Level 5	DipHE or foundation degree	Building on Level 4, you'll go even deeper and apply your skills to complex scenarios. This will include developing your management skills.
NVQ Level 6	Undergraduate degree	If you're a senior manager looking to gain a deeper understanding of your specific area, this level will build on the knowledge you already have.
NVQ Level 7	Master's Degree or PGCE	The highest level you can achieve. By completing, you'll demonstrate you're an expert in your area.

How are NVQs assessed?

One of the reasons NVQs are popular is because the structure is more experience-based and you won't have to sit any exams. Assessments will be in the form of:

Portfolio of your work. This will include evidence of the work you've done, tasks you've completed and any achievements.
Observations. Assessors will come to watch you while you work to make sure you're reaching the required level of understanding across your tasks and duties.

After your NVQ assessor has completed all the necessary steps to observe and record your progress, you'll be awarded either a successful ‘competent' award to show you've completed your NVQ level, or a ‘not yet competent', and you can try again. Throughout the five levels, you will be assessed against national standards for the job that you wish to do.

How long is an NVQ course?

The first three levels typically take a year to complete. But, NVQs can be taken at your own pace and can be completed part-time too.

Who can do an NVQ?

A NVQ is open to all! Whether you're an employee looking to upskill or a school or college student who learns better in a hands-on environment. NVQs require you to have little to no prior qualifications, making it a great entry-level qualification.

Why choose an NVQ?

An NVQ is a great, accessible option. If you currently don't hold any qualifications, you can start an NVQ at a level that works for you and your current skillset. There is also the option to study many of these part-time, so you can continue to work alongside gaining your qualifications. Many students love the NVQ option due to the assessment type - no exams here!

Some jobs also require you to have certain qualifications to reach a higher level and the NVQ is a great way of showing this.

How to get an NVQ

There are over 1000 NVQ courses in the UK across different subjects and levels. You'll want to search and find a subject and course that suits you before applying. The requirements for an NVQ will likely depend on the level you're looking to start at.

Your NVQ will be attached to a school or college, and many are even done online. There is a cost to sit these qualifications and will vary depending on the course provider.

How much does an NVQ cost?

NVQs are free for all between the ages of 16-18. Many employers will also support you by paying for you to complete the qualifications after this age.

However, there are some instances where you may need to pay fees depending on the level you're looking to study. For example, many courses are free to those who haven't completed a level 3 education qualification such as A Levels or BTEC.

The price of 1 year NVQ can be anywhere in the range of £500 to £1600 depending on the subject and where you are looking to complete the qualification. Employers may offer to pay for your course as a way of enticing new workers, as well as improving the knowledge of their staff.

Part of your NVQ includes on-site work experience, and you will likely be paid for this time, similar to an apprenticeship. There is a specific apprenticeship wage scale starting at £6.40. Other employers might pay a minimum wage of £8.60 an hour or the national living wage of £11.44. Some may pay differently depending on the role as well as your age.

What can I do after an NVQ?

As the path for an NVQ is very specific, you'll likely find yourself working in a job that uses the skills you've gained. You can continue to work your way through the NVQ levels if you're hoping for a management position or could even reach a level that would allow you to take other qualifications to improve your employability.

After achieving the first three levels of an NVQ, you can continue with further study in the same area as your NVQ, such as working towards a Higher National Certificate (HNC), or Higher National Diploma (HND). You could also apply for a foundation degree or even a Bachelor's degree.