Introduction

Introducing NVQs shouldn't involve excessive costs. In fact, an NVQ programme should provide a cost-effective way of encouraging staff development, offering increased efficiency, higher productivity, and improved staff morale. Find out how in this section. 

Why NVQs are cost-effective

Because they focus on assessment in the workplace, NVQs won't involve candidates spending a lot of time away from work. And it is possible that your existing training, development, and assessment functions can be adapted to NVQs.

For some employers, particularly small companies, cost-effective solutions may be found by setting up partnerships with training providers, or with a consortium of other employers.  

What are the costs?

There will be two types of cost: direct and indirect.

 Direct costs  

The direct costs of offering NVQs are the fees payable to the awarding body. These are:  

• approval fees

• registration and certification fees for each candidate

• verification costs

The fee payable for each NVQ will vary according to the number and level of the units but there will be a complete listing of registration and certification costs which will be available from the TVET Council.  

Indirect costs  

The types of indirect costs you might incur in offering NVQs include:  

• the human and physical resources needed for training and development

• training for assessors and verifiers 

• work time taken by assessors and verifiers

• work time taken by candidates during induction, training and development, assessment, and planning

• work time taken by the person whose job it is to liaise with the TVET Council (the central contact)

 For further information, please contact the TVET Council.