NVQ Web

NVQs in England, Wales & Northern Ireland

NVQs are a particular type of VQ in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which means that they must meet a specific set of regulatory criteria. They are unit-based qualifications which were created to demonstrate occupational competence and they are predicated on National Occupational Standards (NOS).

The different sectors have developed NVQs and an awareness of these qualifications to varying extents, and for some sectors they have very high brand awareness.

For further information about NVQs, see QCA's website

NVQs in the QCF

In the reformed system, Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) develop Sector Qualifications Strategies (SQSs) and action plans for creating VQs based on these SQSs. Under this system, all VQs will be based on NOS, making the distinction in content between NVQs and other VQs less apparent. The Qualifications & Credit Framework (QCF) has therefore been developed with sufficient flexibility to contain a wide range of qualifications without the limitation of categorising them into 'types'.

However, in August 2008 Ofqual published 'Operating rulesfor using the term 'NVQ' in a QCF qualification title' which enables awarding organisations and SSCs to continue to use the NVQ brand where desired. The QCF Regulatory Arrangements specify (paragraph 1.22) that the term 'NVQ' may be used as a bracketed addition to a qualification title for certain occupational qualifications, provided it meets the specified requirements. As qualifications titled in this way will not be considered a separate 'type' in the QCF, they are not subject to a separate regulatory regime from other qualifications in the QCF.

Scottish Vocational Qualifications

In Scotland, SVQs work well and are regarded positively by employers. SVQs are already unitised and work is underway to credit rate SVQs into the SCQF. This work will continue, particularly as SVQs underpin Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland.

See the SQA website for details about SVQs.