Diagram

The National Vocational Qualifications Hierarchy and its Relation

to other Academic Qualifications

NVQ  LEVELS

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

Level V -      Recognises the ability to exercise personal    professional responsibility for the design, development, or improvement of a product, process, system or service.  The award recognises technical and managerial competencies at the highest level and should include those who have occupied positions of the highest responsibility and made outstanding contribution to the promotion and practice of their occupation.         

Postgraduate Degree, Professional Qualification

Level IV -    Recognises competence involving the application of a range of fundamental principles and complex techniques across a wide and unpredictable variety of contexts. Very substantial personal autonomy and often significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of resources, as well as personal accountabilities for analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation.

  Undergraduate Degree

Level III -  Recognises competence in a broad range of complex, technical or professional responsibility and autonomy.  Responsibility for the work of others and the allocation of resources are often a requirement.  The individual is capable of self-directed application, exhibits problem-solving, planning, designing, and supervisory capabilities.

Associate Degree/ A - Level

Level II -   Recognises competence in a broad range of complex, technical or professional work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts, some of which are complex and non-routine.  Some responsibility and autonomy.  Collaboration with others through work groups or teams and guidance of others may be required.       

  O - Level

Level I -    Recognises competence in a range of varied     work activities performed in a variety of contexts.  Work activities range from simple and routine to more complex and non-routine involving some individual responsibility and autonomy.  Collaboration with others through work groups or teams may often be a requirement.  Substantial supervision is required especially during the early months evolving into more autonomy with time.

Basic Certificate