A Level - General Certificate of Education at Advanced Level	This is a higher level of qualification than GCSE, A levels are used for entry to higher education, and offered in a similar range of subjects. For some (e.g. maths, French, chemistry) the subject will need to have been studied before. For others (e.g. sociology or psychology), previous study is not necessary. Each course is made up of six modules and the first three modules lead to an AS level qualification.
Access To Higher Education Courses	A recognised alternative pathway for adults to progress to higher education avoiding the need to take GCSEs and A Levels. Some are designed for people aiming for specific courses or training, e.g. teaching, nursing, and science.
Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE or Vocational A Level)	This qualification replaces the Advanced GNVQ and is available in subjects such as Business, Health and Social Care, Engineering/Manufacture, Art Design, Leisure and Recreation. The same levels of knowledge, analysis and independent thought are required as at A Level. These qualifications provide experiences and education relevant to working life but do not provide training for a specific job. Some may have had work experience.
AS Levels	An AS level is the first half of an A level, achieved by successfully completing three AS units. If intending to study an AS level wishing to go on to the full A level, always check that the intended place to study offers the second part as some do not.
AVCE - See Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education
Basic Skills (Wordpower / Numberpower)	Basic Skills refers to the levels of literacy and numeracy needed to get by in everyday life. The Adult Basic Skills strategy was established due to concerns about the levels of adult literacy and numeracy. A national curriculum for this has been established, dovetailing into the Key Skills qualifications.
BTEC - National Award / Certificate / Diploma	BTEC has changed to EDEXCEL, although �BTEC� is retained in the title and signifies the distinctiveness of the qualification. The qualifications are available in a range of vocational areas and require students to develop an understanding of the theory and many of the practical skills, which apply in the specified vocational area. They are divided into units, assessed either by assignments or external examination. There are 3 sizes of BTEC National: BTEC National Award: 6 units: equivalent to one A level BTEC National Certificate: 12 units: equivalent to 2 A levels BTEC National Diploma: 18 units: equivalent to 3 A levels All units must be passed to achieve the full qualification
Certificate in Computer Literacy and Information Technology (CLAIT)	A very popular certificate in computer literacy and information technology, CLAIT is completed in modules. There are three levels of completion: Level 1 - New CLAIT Level 2 - CLAIT Plus Level 3 - CLAIT - Advanced There are 4 units to be completed successfully before gaining the full certificate. Less than 4 units, a Certificate of Unit Achievement will be awarded, providing the employer with areas of proficiency.
Certificate in Higher Education - Cert HE	This is a first level qualification in higher education and can be recognised as the completion of the first year of a degree.
City and Guilds	Offers over 400 vocational qualifications in a wide range of industrial and commercial fields. It is the largest provider of NVQs, other vocational qualifications, Key Skills and Senior Awards.A variety of assessment systems are employed, including projects, work-based observation, oral questions and some written tests. Pitman and NEBS Management are awarded by City and Guilds
DipHE - Diploma of Higher Education	This can be a qualification in its own right or the equivalent of the first two years of a degree. A variety of subjects are covered, ranging from humanities to Sciences.
Diploma in Chlidcare and Education	Known previously as the Diploma in Nursery Nursing (DNN) or NNEB, theory and practice of childcare is developed. Those achieving this level are capable of unsupervised work in employment.
European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)	This is a European wide qualification enabling people to demonstrate competency in computer skills. It is designed specifically for those wanting to gain basic qualifications in computing, covering key concepts, practical applications and their use in the workplace and society. There are 7 module tests making up the qualification: Basic concepts of IT Using the computer and managing files Word processing Spreadsheets Database Presentation Information and Communication This is a professionally recognised, relevant and up-to-date qualification.
First Degrees (Bachelor)	Offered at universities, colleges and institutes of higher education. The BA degree has a general emphasis on the theoretical and creative basis of the subject and is designed to develop an advanced knowledge of the particular subject of study. First degree courses lead to: *BA (Bachelor of Arts)* *BAed (Bachelor of Arts in Education)* *BEng (Bachelor of Engineering)* *Blitt (Bachelor of Letters)* *BSc (Bachelor of Science)* *Btech (Bachelor of Technology)* *Bmus (Bachelor of Music)* *Bphil (Bachelor of Philosophy)*
Foundation GNVQs - General National Vocational Qualifications	Provides experience and education relevant to working life but does not provide training for a specific job or skill. Knowledge, skills and understanding relevant to a broad vocational area is developed. Most will have had work experience incorporated into the programme. At Foundation level, a 3-unit may be taken, equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grades D-G. A 6 unit qualification, equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grades D-G may also be taken and is awarded at Pass, Merit, or Distinction.
GCSE - (General Certificate of Secondary Education)	This is the main qualification for students of compulsory schooling age, and covers a variety of subjects, both academic (e.g. Geography) and vocational (such as Leisure and Tourism). They are graded A-G with grades D-G deemed to be equivalent to level 1 and A-C at level 2.
Higher National Certificate - HNC	Requiring the completion of fewer units than HNDs, this is largely a vocationally focused course generally studied part time over two years. Entry can be gained without any other formal qualification if there is work related experience.
Higher National Diploma - HND	An advanced level (post A-level standard) qualification related to a particular occupational field. These prepare for roles at technician, supervisory, or management level. Examples are: business, engineering, leisure management, textile design and food technology management.
Integrated Business Technology (IBT)	IBT is a progression from CLAIT and puts the use of IT into a business context. Divided into units, with each assessed by tests, all units must be passed to achieve the full qualification.
Intermediate GNVQ / Vocational GCSE	This qualification provides experience and educational relevant to working life but does not provide training for a specific job or skill. Knowledge, skills and understanding relevant to a broad vocational area will be developed. Fields can include Business, Health and Social Care or Travel and Tourism. Some work experience may be included in the programme. Intermediate GNVQs are awarded as Pass, Merit, or Distinction.
International Baccalaureate	Offered in over 100 countries and in some areas of the UK, this qualification was established over 30 years ago. More subjects are taken than at A Level with the ability to combine arts subjects with language and science. Assessed through coursework and examinations, a broad education at a higher level than GCSE is maintained.
IT Qualifications - See: European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Certificate in Computer Literacy and Information Technology (CLAIT) Integrated Business Technology (IBT)	There are many qualifications in IT, including City and Guilds. With all, skills are developed in the main applications of information technology, such as spreadsheets, databases and word processing.
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations Board - LCCIEB	Offers business-related qualifications
Master of Arts - MA	This is a degree awarded to graduates (or equivalent) educated to a higher level within an arts related field. Those with an MA have a higher level of understanding at greater depth than a first degree and are awarded after completion of taught modules, assignments, and substantial research project/thesis. *Mas awarded by the universities of Oxford and Cambridge are not academic qualifications.
Master of Business Administration - MBA	This is a higher degree for those who have studied a discipline with business or related subjects. It is awarded to those who already have a first degree or sufficient related experience. The MBA is designed in conjunction with business to enhance and further the knowledge of those within the discipline and can be offered in areas such as personnel management or public administration. Many MBAs have substantial course fees due to the �added value� the qualification brings to the individual and the business or organisation.
National Vocational Qualifications - NVQs See also Intermediate GNVQ	These are qualifications designed to develop the skills and understanding required for someone to function effectively in the workplace. Designed by industry lead bodies ( National Training Organisations (NTOs) or Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) competency is developed across a range of work related activities, usually whilst in employment. Available in a wide range of occupational fields, such as construction, forestry, business, and social care, they can be awarded from levels 1 to 5, covering basic to professional-level skills. To gain an NVQ, �competency� must be shown in the various skills the work requires. The emphasis is on what you ‘can do’ rather than purely on acquiring knowledge. The full NVQ can be gradually built up at one’s own pace, allowing for flexibility. It is not necessary to attend a ‘course’. Skills and competencies developed in the workplace can be assessed towards an NVQ. Skills developed in previous jobs or voluntary work can be awarded credit towards an NVQ with sufficient, relevant evidence as proof of competence. A number of different bodies award NVQs, but the standards and competencies are always set by the industry itself.
NVQ 1	At level 1, employers can expect skills at the foundation level of a semi skilled occupation.
NVQ 2	At this level, employers can expect a required level of competence in a semi-skilled occupation.
NVQ 3	At this level, employers can expect a technician level and supervisory skills.
NVQ 4	This level indicates an individual’s ability to think and work independently and/or with responsibility for others.
NVQ 5	This level is of a level broadly equivalent to a PGDip. Qualifications as this level are studied part time and alongside employment. NVQ 5 is generally perceived to be at the same level as many postgraduate professional qualifications but not at the same academic level as higher degrees such as masters or PhD.
Qualifications from Professional Bodies	Many professional bodies make awards at this level.For example: Certificate of Supervisory Management Chartered Certified Accountants (accounting qualifications)
Vocational Qualifications See also: Intermediate GNVQ/Vocational GCSE	Many vocational qualifications are available with some awarded by professional bodies and others by those who specialise in awards in a particular vocational area. For example: Diploma in Childcare & Education
Post Graduate Certificate in Education	This is designed for graduates (or equivalent) from any National Curriculum discipline. The qualification is Qualified Teacher Status
Post Graduate Certificate - PGCert	This is a postgraduate qualification, assessed through taught modules and project work.
Post Graduate Diploma - PGDip	This is a postgraduate qualification for graduates within a variety of disciplines. It can often be awarded to those who have completed the taught components of an MA or MSc programme but without the research project/dissertation.
Vocational A Level See Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education
Vocational Qualifications	These qualifications are the starting point for developing skills at a higher level, and include fields such as plumbing, word processing, shorthand and electronics. The certificate from the awarding body will often clarify the exact skills acquired. To be independently effective in the workplace, higher levels will usually be needed.