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What are NVQs

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. They are ‘competence-based’ qualifications which means that you learn practical skills and knowledge, and complete tasks relevant to the industry that you work in.

NVQs are based on national standards set by your industry’s skills council. These standards say what a competent person in a job could be expected to do. As you progress through the qualification, you can compare the skills and knowledge you have against the standards, so you can understand what it is you need to do meet them.

Taking an NVQ could be appropriate if you already have skills and want to improve them, or if you are starting from scratch.

NVQs are available to adults and young people alike. You can take NVQs if:

• you are employed
• you are studying at college and have a part-time job or access to a work placement

You can also take an NVQ qualification at level 2 or 3 as part of an Apprenticeship.

Course length

Within reason, there is no maximum time limit to complete an NVQ; it is designed to be taken at a pace that suits your needs. However, many learners take about one year to complete an NVQ at level 2, and around two years for an NVQ at level 3.

How you are assessed

NVQs are assessed on practical assignments and a portfolio of evidence. A Total People Training Adviser will observe you and question you about the real work you carry out in the workplace to test your knowledge and understanding as well as your actual performance.

Your Training Adviser will ’sign-off’ individual units within the NVQ when you have reached the required standard.