A Guide to Qualifications at 16+ - Transition Guide

Qualification Levels

Qualifications are grouped into 8 levels. The level tells you how difficult the study is and what entry requirements there are. If you do well, you can move up to the next level.

Please note that some of the entry level courses teach you life skills. You can ask the education provider about this and what the skills cover.

You can ask the education provider about entry requirements for specific courses.

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Entry Level is split into Entry Level 1,2 and 3. Level 3 is the hardest.

Examples:

  • Entry Level Award
  • Entry Level Certificate/ Diploma
  • Entry Level Functional Skills

Entry requirements:

  • There are no set entry requirements

Examples:

  • GCSE Grades 3-1
  • BTEC Level 1
  • NVQ 1

Entry requirements:

  • Normally GCSE grades 2-1 or equivalent

Examples:

  • GCSE Grades 9-4 BTEC First
  • NVQ2
  • CACHE Level 2
  • Intermediate Apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

  • Normally GCSE grades 3 or equivalent

Examples:

  • A Level
  • AS Level
  • BTEC National
  • Advanced Apprenticeship
  • NVQ 3
  • Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
  • Level 3 Cambridge Technicals
  • T Levels

Entry requirements:

  • Normally at least 4-6 GCSE grades 9-4 (or equivalent), including English and often maths.
  • Some subjects require grades 9-5/9-6

Examples:

  • Degree
  • Foundation Degree
  • HND
  • Higher/Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

  • Normally qualifications at Level 3

Examples:

  • Masters degree
  • Doctoral degree (PHD)
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