| NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. It is a | | | | experience in the job to complete the NVQ without |
| 'competence-based' qualification, students learn | | | | formal training. |
| practical, work-related tasks designed to help them to | | | | An NVQ allows prior learning and experience to be |
| develop the skills and knowledge to do a job | | | | recognised. If you have relevant skills from previous |
| effectively. | | | | training or work experience you may be able to use it |
| What is an NVQ? | | | | as evidence towards assessment for the NVQ. This is |
| NVQs were first introduced in 1986 and have become | | | | called accreditation of prior learning. |
| a very significant part of the UK training and | | | | NVQs are assessed on practical assignments and a |
| development landscape. | | | | portfolio of evidence. Normally, a qualified assessor will |
| NVQs are based on national standards for various | | | | observe you and question you about the work that |
| occupations. The standards say what a competent | | | | you do. Your knowledge and understanding will be |
| person in a particular job could be expected to do. | | | | tested as well as your performance. |
| There are more than 1300 different NVQs to choose | | | | Your assessor will give you a written report of the |
| from and they are available in most business sectors. | | | | assessment process and outcomes to add to your |
| Generally it would take about one year to complete an | | | | portfolio. Your assessor will 'sign-off' individual units |
| NVQ at level 1 or 2, and around two years for an | | | | within the NVQ when you have reached the required |
| NVQ at level 3. | | | | standard. |
| There are NVQs at different levels, ranging from 1 to | | | | Grades |
| 5, depending on the sector. This allows learners to | | | | You are assessed as being either 'competent' or 'not |
| study at a level that’s appropriate to their job | | | | yet competent'. |
| role and level of experience. | | | | More about NVQs |
| The assessment process | | | | One of the benefits of doing an NVQ is that your |
| You don't have to follow a specific course to | | | | mentor or assessor will be able to help you to identify |
| complete an NVQ. You may already have the | | | | learning and development opportunities to match your |
| necessary skills knowledge and understanding from | | | | personal training needs and learning style. |