An NVQ is a 'competence-based' qualification: this means that candidates learn practical, work-related tasks designed to develop the skills and knowledge to do a job effectively.
NVQs are based on national standards for various occupations. The standards say what a competent person in a job could be expected to do and know. As candidates progress through an NVQ, their skills and knowledge are compared with these standards as they learn.
To which region does this information apply
The information below is broadly relevant to the United Kingdom (UK) though there are differences between qualifications in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK.
Who offers NVQs
A number of Awarding Bodies in the UK formulate, specify and award NVQs for particular occupations. These NVQs are based on National Occupations Standards (NOS) derived by the relevant sector skills council (SSC) for a particular industry. The Tech Partnership is the SSC for IT and Telecommunications.
A training provider must have "approved centre” status to manage the delivery of an NVQ. This means attaining approval from an Awarding Body such as NCFE, Pearson or City and Guilds.
Which levels can you take NVQs at?
NVQs can be at levels of difficulty from 1 to 5 on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). Level 1 focuses on basic work activities, while Level 5 is appropriate for managers and project leaders. Completing an NVQ at one level can lead to further training at the next level up.
NVQs consist of a number of units, some mandatory and some optional, each worth a number of credits depending on the number of learning hours needed to complete that unit. A candidate must accumulate a certain number of credits to achieve an NVQ. An Award requires from 1 to 12 credits, a Certificate from 13 to 36 credits and a Diploma 37 credits or more. Awards, Certificates and Diplomas are achieved at a particular Level.
NVQ assessment
Candidates are assessed using evidence arising from the workplace. This evidence is gathered by assessors who have knowledge of, and experience in, the occupation that is being assessed and who have a Assessor qualification. Evidence of competence can come from work colleagues acting as "expert witnesses".
An internal quality assurer (IQA) – previously known as an "internal verifier" - is responsible for overseeing the assessment process. An IQA is appointed by the Approved Centre responsible for managing the NVQ. The IQA will have an appropriate IQA qualification and sufficient experience to make judgements of a candidate's competence in the particular occupation being assessed.
An external quality assurer (IQA) – previously known as an "external verifier" - is appointed by the relevant Awarding Body to monitor and assure quality and consistency of assessments within and between Approved Centres.