Confused by the title of qualifications e.g. BTECs, GNVQs, GCSEs? The number and range of qualifications has increased over the past few years, so here is a quick guide:

GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education

GCSEs replaced O Levels, CSEs and other 16+ examinations in 1988. Grades for each subject are awarded on a point scale: A*-G (passes); U (fail). Four Grade Cs or above count as a Level II qualification. Level III qualifications consist of a number of units. General and Vocational A Levels are graded A-E.

A & AS (Advanced Subsidiary) Levels

Schools and colleges may expect a certain number of good GCSEs (A-C grade) or equivalent before enrolling on A and AS Level course. This is to show students can cope with the advanced level of study. In some subject areas, for example Chemistry or French, a certain amount of subject knowledge is needed before proceeding to A or AS Level. In other subjects such as Sociology and Economics, no previous related study is required.

AS Level qualification is gained by successfully completing three AS units. It is both the first half of an A Level course and a qualification in its own right. It counts towards entry to higher education courses. Students following this academic route generally study 3 or 4 subjects in Year 12.

A Levels are divided into six units with each unit being separately assessed. For each subject, three AS units are taken as the first year of an A Level course. In the second half of the course, three A2 units are studied, to complete the A Level qualification.

GNVQ - General National Vocational Qualifications

The GNVQ family of qualifications prepares people for entry to employment or to further and higher education. There are 14 GNVQ titles, offering broad-based courses, which cover different areas of employment. These include Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Leisure and Tourism, Business Studies, and Construction and the Build Environment. GNVQs are offered at Foundation and Intermediate level, and are awarded through continuous assessment of assignments and short tests.

The Vocational A Level or Advanced Certificate of Vocational Education (AVCE) is the new name for advanced GNVQs. They are available as a 3 unit (broadly equivalent to an AS Level), a 6 unit (comparable to one A Level), a 12 unit double award (equivalent to two A Levels). Vocational A Levels are graded at A-E, in line with A Levels, and count towards entry requirements for university courses.

NVQ - National Vocational Qualification

NVQs are work-based qualifications, which prove competency in a job. They are available in a wide variety of occupations, such as construction trades, horticulture, office work, hospitality and catering. They are awarded at five different levels, from basic to professional-level skills. People progress at their own pace, achieving units which build towards an NVQ as they gain more skills. NVQs at levels 2 and 3 can be gained through Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships.

BTEC - Business and Technology Education Council

BTEC qualifications are related to particular fields of employment, such as agriculture, construction or art and design. Some BTEC qualifications are in more specific job areas, such as interior design or polymer technology. BTEC First are at introductory level, while the Diploma/Certificates are roughly equivalent to A Level standard and can lead to higher education courses - such as degrees and HNDs. Diplomas are awarded following full-time study; certificates after part-time study. BTEC First is comparable to 4 GCSEs at A-C (Level II) 1-year full time. BTEC National is (Level III) 2 years full time.

Key Skills

So that everyone has the basis of a good broad education, young people have to follow the National Curriculum. In all subject areas of the curriculum, and at all levels pupils are encouraged to develop the key skills of communication, application of number, information technology, improving own learning and performance, working with others, problem-solving. These are the skills all employers look for, in addition to the specific skills needed for a particular job. Most post-16 courses include teaching and assessment of key skills of communication, IT and application of number is available as part of the curriculum.