Understanding NVQs

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) reflect the skills, knowledge, and understanding that employees possess, much like competencies. As with other accomplishments, NVQs enable transfer and progression, both within areas of competence and between them.

The national Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) coordinates the development and specification of NVQ standards. Refer to the QCA website http://www.qca.org.uk for further information. NVQ competence areas derive from a functional analysis of business roles and provide structure for competence-based qualifications. The qualifications are unit-based; the number and size of units varies between areas of competence. A unit is achieved when an enrolled employee is assessed as having competent skills and knowledge.

The following areas of work are currently covered by the NVQ system:

  • Tending animals, plants, and land.

  • Extracting and providing natural resources.

  • Constructing.

  • Engineering.

  • Transporting.

  • Providing health, social, and protective services.

  • Providing goods and services.

  • Manufacturing.

  • Providing business services.

  • Developing and extending knowledge and skill.

  • Communicating.

NVQ competence levels include the following:

Level

Definition

Level 1

Competence that involves the application of knowledge and skills in the performance of a range of varied work activities, most of which may be routine or predictable.

Level 2

Competence that involves the application of knowledge and skills in a significant range of varied work activities and performed in a variety of contexts. Some of the activities are complex or non-routine, and there is some individual responsibility and autonomy. Collaboration with others, perhaps through membership of a work group or team, may often be a requirement.

Level 3

Competence that involves the application of knowledge and skills in a broad range of varied work activities performed in a variety of contexts, most of which are complex and non-routine. There is considerable responsibility and autonomy, and control or guidance of others is often required.

Level 4

Competence that involves the application of knowledge and skills in a broad range of complex, technical or professional work activities, performed in a wide range of contexts and with a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy. Responsibility for the work of others and the allocation of resources is often present.

Level 5

Competence that involves the application of skills and a significant range of fundamental principles across a wide and often unpredictable variety of contexts. Substantial personal autonomy and significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of substantial resources is important, as personal accountability for analysis and diagnosis, design, planning, execution, and evaluation.

Several organizations develop, deliver, award, and preserve the quality of NVQs:

  • Sector bodies identify, define, and update employment-based standards of competence for groups of occupations.

  • Awarding bodies also develop NVQ standards. Additionally, they monitor the assessment process and award NVQs and unit certificates. They verify that employees are assessed fairly and consistently across all assessment centers.

The National Database of Vocational Qualifications contains comprehensive information on NVQs, including the units that make up each qualification, key skills, and units specifically developed for assessors and verifiers.