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This section will help you find the answers to some of your questions about qualifications, such as:
- what kinds of qualifications are there?
- what do the different qualification levels mean?
The National Qualifications Framework (see the table below) is a good place to start. It shows how the main types of qualifications relate to each other and how you can progress from one level of course to the next.
National Qualifications Framework
Click anything in the table to learn more about it.
| General Qualifications | The Diploma | Vocational Qualifications | Apprenticeships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Education | ||||
| Level 3 | A Levels & Baccalaureate | Advanced Diploma | BTEC National, OCR & others | Advanced Apprenticeship |
| Level 2 | GCSEs | Higher Diploma | BTEC First, OCR & others | Apprenticeship |
| Level 1 | Foundation Diploma | BTEC Introductory, OCR & others | Young Apprenticeship | |
| Foundation Learning | ||||
The higher the level, the greater the depth of knowledge and skills
How do the levels work?
The higher the level, the greater the depth of knowledge and skills
Qualifications in the national framework are arranged in levels, from Certificates of Achievement at Entry Level to courses such as A Levels and Advanced Diplomas at Level 3. Beyond that there are degrees and other higher education qualifications, which have their own Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).
The higher the level, the greater the depth of knowledge, skills and understanding you have to demonstrate to gain the qualification.
