About Levels

You will often come across information about courses offered at a particular levels - for example NVQ Level 1. But what do these levels mean? The table below shows how each qualification compares with others. The rest of the page tells you what you need to make progress between levels.

Entry Level

No formal qualifications are normally needed to take courses at this level. Example qualifications include Pre vocational Certificates in Life, Employment and Learning Skills. You could progress to E2E, employment, work based training or further education / training at Level 1 or Level 2.

Level 1

Some GCSEs and / or a clear interest in the chosen subject would be useful if you want to take a Level 1 course. You could progress to employment or further training / education at Level 2.

Level 2

Four GCSEs at grade G or above and / or a clear interest in the chosen subject would be useful if you want to take a Level 2 course. Examples of L2 courses and programmes include Intermediate GNVQ, BTEC First Diploma, Apprenticeship. You could go on to employment, further education at college or into the Sixth Form.

Level 3

At least 4 GCSEs at grade C or above (preferably including Maths and English) would be useful if you want to take a Level 3 course. Level 3 courses and programmes include AS/A2, BTEC National Diploma / Certificate, Advanced Apprenticeship and NVQ 3. You could go on to higher education (university / college), employment or further training at Level 4.