• ABOUT THE COLLEGE
  • ERG Refurbishment Tender Information
  • Courses
  • News
  • Events
  • How to find us
  • Vacancies
  • Publications
  • Get in touch
  • Essential Information
  • The Job Shop
  • Treat yourself
  • Corporate Information
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Safeguarding
  • College History
  • Ofsted
  • Active Inside Out
• YOUNG LEARNERS
  • Welcome
  • Courses
  • Applications
  • Past Results
  • Essential Information
  • Transport
  • 16-18 Bursary Fund
  • The Job Shop
  • Full Time Guide
  • College Videos
  • Supported Learning
  • Student Unions
  • 14 - 16 Learners
  • myNCS
  • 999 Academy
  • Enrichment
  • GCSEs
  • FreshFM
  • Active Inside Out
• UNIVERSITY COURSES
  • Welcome
  • Courses
  • Applying and Contacts
  • Modules
  • Life in North Devon
  • Tuition Fees
  • HE Course Guide
  • University of Plymouth Colleges
  • Scholarships
  • Studying at Petroc
  • Access to Higher Education
  • Staff Scholarly Activity
  • Workbased HE
  • Arts: End of Year Show
• EMPLOYERS
  • Welcome
  • A course to suit you
  • Courses
  • Working with You
  • Benefits of Training
  • Why Petroc?
  • Apprenticeships
  • Contact Us
  • Qualifications
  • Work Based Training
  • Security at Petroc
  • Innovation
  • The Job Shop
• ADULT LEARNERS
  • Welcome
  • Part time Courses
  • Categories & Fees
  • Adult Learner Support Fund
  • How can I enrol?
  • Part Time Course Guides
  • Extra Help
  • Essential Info
  • Supported Learning
  • Essential Skills
  • Arts on Prescription
  • Active Inside Out
• APPRENTICESHIPS
  • Welcome
  • Courses
  • Applications
  • Overview by Area
  • Costs and Funding
  • How Does it Work?
  • Earn and Learn
  • Framework
  • What we offer
  • Qualification Guide
  • Apprenticeship Guide

• Adult Learner Support Fund
• Learning Resources
• Qualifications
• Reset Password
• Term Dates
• Student Transport
• EMA
• Food Outlets (Bple)
• Severe Weather (Bple)
• Severe Weather (Tiv)
• Food & Retail Outlets (Tiv)
• Reporting Absences

Qualifications

Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

QCF is the new framework for creating and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. As part of a major reform of the vocational qualifications system, QCFs will have replaced NVQs by December 2010.

As a qualification they are simpler to understand and use, more accessible to a wider range of learners, and more relevant to learners' and employers' needs. The QCF enables work based training and learning to be recognised and formally accredited as a qualification and gets employers actively involved in designing qualifications. It also enables learners to work towards qualifications bit by bit, allowing them to shape their learning around their home and work lives.

Everything learnt under QCF is valuable. All qualifications are made up of smaller units of learning. Every unit and qualification has a credit value showing how much time it takes to complete (one credit represents ten hours) and a level between Entry Level and Level 8 which represents how difficult it is. The learner achieves either an Award, Certificate or Diploma at a Level equivalent to the number of credits achieved.

National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)

NVQs are work related qualifications based on national occupational standards. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively and competently.

NVQs outline and expand upon the skills and knowledge expected of proficient individuals in a specific area of employment. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including the most up-to-date techniques, best practice and the knowledge & understanding that underpin competent performance.

Learners are visited and assessed in the workplace and the training they receive is usually on the job. Evidence is submitted by the learner to prove that they have met the standard of competency to satisfy the course requirements. This method of training ensures minimum disruption to your business and the learner has the flexibility & time to develop the appropriate skills.

There are no age limits or special entry requirements for undertaking an NVQ, but candidates need to be committed to their training.

Qualification levels

The qualification levels and what they are equivalent to:

1. NVQ LEVEL 1
   Equivalent to five or more GCSEs at grade E or above
2. NVQ LEVEL 2
   BTEC FIRST DIPLOMA LEVEL 2
   FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP
   Equivalent to five or more GCSEs at grade C or above
3. NVQ LEVEL 3 BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA
   ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP
   Equivalent to three A Levels
4. NVQ LEVEL 4
   Equivalent to a Foundation Degree