GCSE equivalents for BTec level 2 grades explained on results day 2022 (2024)

Btec Firsts students are scheduled to receive their grades on Thursday 25 August, the same date as GCSE results day.

Around 235,000BTec Firsts, Technicals and Tech Award gradesare supposed to be sent out to students today.

However, the exam board Pearson said that about 7,000 will not get them, with the missing results understood to be a result of grades not being logged in the system.

Level 1 and 2 qualifications are most commonly studied by 14 to 16-year-old pupils, just like GCSEs, while for those studying Level 3 BTecs results day fell last week, alongside A-levels, and faced similar disruption.

While BTec courses are vocational, these grades can be compared to GCSEs, although the equivalents can only be approximate – here’s what you need to know.

What are GCSE equivalents for BTec grades?

According to Pearson: “It’s not always easy to compare grades for BTec qualifications with grades for GCSEs and A levels.”

It’s also more difficult for Level 1 and 2 BTecs because, unlike Level 3, they don’t earn Ucas points – which allow more precise comparison.

However, Pearson advises that BTec Tech Awards, which cover Level 1 and 2, are equivalent to GCSE grades A to E under the traditional grading system, while Level 2 BTec Firsts are comparable to grades A* to C in old money.

Within Level 2 grades, guides issued by various schools give the rough equivalents as follows:

  • Distinction * (D*) = A* at GCSE
  • Distinction (D) = A at GCSE
  • Merit (M) = B at GCSE
  • Pass (P) = C at GCSE

Since 2017, GCSEs have operated a numerical rather than letter-based system, which adds a complicating factor to comparing BTec grades. However, the new Level 2 equivalents would roughly be as follows:

  • Distinction * (D*) = 8 or 9 at GCSE
  • Distinction (D) = 7 or 8at GCSE
  • Merit (M) = 5 or 6 at GCSE
  • Pass (P) = 4 or 5 at GCSE
GCSE equivalents for BTec level 2 grades explained on results day 2022 (1)

How do GCSE grades work?

Four years ago the Government changed the GCSE grading system from A* to G to a numerical system of 9 to 1 (9 being the top grade and 1 being the lowest).

As per the guide below, issued by the exams regulator Ofqual, the numerical system essentially boils down to the following:

  • 9 = High A* grade
  • 8 = Lower A* or high A
  • 7 = Lower A grade
  • 6 = High B grade
  • 5 = Lower B or high C
  • 4 = Lower C grade
  • 3 = D or high E
  • 2 = Lower E or high F
  • 1 = Lower F or G
  • U = U remains the same

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Why have there been problems with BTec results?

The missing grades are thought to be due to processing errors or because certain pupils may have chosen not to continue with their BTec studies.

Pearson said the percentage of missing grades is “typical” for this stage in the awarding process and tracks against what it saw in pre-pandemic years.

School leaders’ union, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), said exam boards had “a responsibility to ensure that results are issued on time”, noting that students’ “next steps may depend on their result”.

“This will cause unnecessary anxiety and stress as young people seek to confirm their places with sixth forms, colleges and training providers,” said Sarah Hannafin, its senior policy advisor.

“And with no result, how can they celebrate their achievements with family and friends?”

Pearson has come under fire since thousands of students failed to get their final Level 3 grades on the same day as A-level results day last Thursday.

The company, Britain’s largest for-profit exam provider, apologised last Friday night and said staff would be working through the weekend to resolve the issue.

GCSE equivalents for BTec level 2 grades explained on results day 2022 (2024)

FAQs

What grades is BTEC Level 2 equivalent to GCSE? ›

For example, a Level 2 BTEC First Diploma is worth the equivalent of 4 GCSEs grade A*-C. This means a student can do a Level 2 BTEC First independently alongside GCSEs, or work towards them both in the same subject area. These are Level 2 qualifications, the equivalent of traditional GCSEs grades A*- C.

What is A-level 2 pass equivalent to in GCSE 2022? ›

GCSEs are now graded 9-1, with 9 the highest grade. Vocational qualifications are graded pass, merit, distinction at level one, then level 2 pass (roughly equivalent to GCSE grade 4) then climbing to Level 2 distinction (roughly GCSE level 7) before the top grade of Level 2 Distinction star (L2D*).

What is A-level 2 GCSE equivalent to? ›

Level 2. Level 2 qualifications are: CSE - grade 1. GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C.

How is BTEC Level 2 graded? ›

BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Firsts (RQF)

Certification may show a grade of Level 2 Pass, Level 2 Merit, Level 2 Distinction or Level 2 Distinction*. If these are not achieved, a Level 1 grade may be awarded. Learners whose level of achievement is below a Level 1 will receive an unclassified (U) result.

What is the BTEC equivalent in the US? ›

​UNITED STATES AND CANADA

That is, 'two years of undergraduate' and the BTEC Level 7 Professionals as equivalent to 'Graduate Certificates'. That is, one year of the master's degree.

What is a BTEC Level 2 it equivalent to? ›

Btec Level 1 and 2 = equivalent to GCSEs. Btec Level 3 = equivalent to A-levels. Btec Level 4-5 = equivalent to 1st and 2nd year of an undergraduate degree.

What are the 2022 GCSE grade equivalents? ›

The new GCSE grading system

Grade 9, Grade 8 and Grade 7 are equivalent to the old Grades A* and A. Grade 6, Grade 5 and Grade 4 are equivalent to the old Grades B and C. To pass you need at least a Grade 4 or Grade 5. Grades 1 to 3 are like the old D to G.

Is Grade 2 GCSE a pass? ›

Anything below a 4 is a fail under the UK grading system, with U standing for 'ungraded', which was the same in the previous system.

What are the marks for GCSE grades 2022? ›

The GCSE grade boundaries for summer 2022 exams are available here. While the maximum mathematics mark was 140, students had to achieve 94 marks to get a A* equivalent, but 49 to earn a C grade. Meanwhile, those sitting English Literature exams saw their overall maximum mark, includin three units, standing at 300.

How many level 2 credits is a GCSE? ›

A minimum of 6 credits must be achieved at Level 2 with a maximum of 3 credits being achieved at Level 1. 3 credits must be achieved from the Mandatory Group A - Core Skills at either Level 2 or Level 1.

What does level 2 pass mean in GCSE? ›

Achieving a Level 2 Pass (L2P) is equivalent to a GCSE Pass at grade 4.

How many GCSEs is a level 2 pass? ›

A Level 2 qualification is equivalent to five GCSEs at grades A* to C.

How are BTEC grades graded? ›

The highest-grade being Distinction star and the lowest grade Pass. * For BTEC, see BTEC qualifications. A* to E = Grade A* is the highest grade and E is the lowest grade. A grade 'U' may be awarded, this is where the paper or overall grade has been considered ungradable.

What grade is a pass equivalent to in BTEC? ›

New analysis
BTEC gradeUCAS tariffUCAS equivalence to A-Level
Starred distinction56A*
Distinction48A
Merit32C
Pass16E

What grade is A-level 2 pass in BTEC sport? ›

What are the grades in BTEC? The grades range from a level 1 pass (equivalent to a GCSE 3), a level 2 pass (GCSE 4/5), a level 2 merit (GCSE 6), level 2 distinction (GCSE 7) and a level 2 distinction* (GSCE 8/9).

Is BTEC Recognised in USA? ›

The BTEC HND, along with IGCSE and A level, is widely recognised and understood in the USA and many institutions will grant advanced entry onto a same-subject degree course. Subject to meeting minimum requirements, these universities will accept BTEC HND students onto degree courses.

Do US colleges accept BTEC? ›

The BTEC awards are recognized globally, affordable, practical and transferable to final year/s of Universities in the UK, all 50 US States, and Canada.

What is UK A-level equivalent to in USA? ›

According to the British Council, A Levels are similar to the American Advanced Placement courses which are themselves equivalent to first-year courses of America's four-year bachelor's degrees.

What does BTEC 2 * mean? ›

Level 2 BTecs, including BTec Firsts, are equivalent to GCSEs and are most commonly taken by people aged 14 to 16. Level 1 and 2 BTEC Tech Awards are equivalent to GCSE grades A to E, according to exam board Pearson. Level 2 BTec Firsts are roughly the same as GCSE Grades A* to C.

How many credits is BTEC Level 2 worth? ›

A learner completing a 15-credit Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate achieves the points required to gain a merit qualification grade.

What is BTEC Level 3 equivalent to? ›

BTEC level 3 courses are the same level as A levels, are more vocationally focused than A levels, and include real-life practical tasks and work experiences.

What grade is equivalent to GCSE in us? ›

New GCSE
ScaleUS Grade
7.00 - 9.00A
5.00 - 6.00B
4.00C
1.00 - 3.00D
1 more row

What is the American equivalent for GCSE? ›

The closest thing that would be considered an American equivalent to GCSEs is thought to be the high school diploma (although that isn't the exact equal).

What is the American equivalent of GCSE level? ›

A young person can get a job with their GCSE. In the US, while it is possible to leave school before 18 you would struggle to get a decent job without a high school diploma or GED, so in terms of how they function, the nearest equivalent to the GCSE is the high school diploma.

Is English GCSE 2 grades? ›

How Many GCSEs is English Worth? English is made up of two subjects, English Language and English Literature. These would give you one GCSE each, meaning you receive two grades for the course.

What does a Grade 2 pass mean? ›

Any postgraduate credit which is exceptionally counted down into an undergraduate Honours Degree will have their grades converted to undergraduate grades for the purpose of Honours classification as follows: Distinction (Pass grade 1), Merit (Pass grade 2) and Pass (Pass grade 4).

What is Grade 2 in UK GCSE? ›

Grade 2 is the equivalent of in between grades E and F. Grade 1 is the equivalent of in between grades F and G.

How do you calculate a GCSE score? ›

You get your total mark by multiplying your raw marks by the weighting factor and then adding these marks together. We check the total mark against the qualification grade boundaries to get your qualification grade.

What GCSE grade is 84%? ›

If a paper is allocated 120 uniform marks, the range of marks allocated to grade B is 84 to 95 (70% to 79% of 120); for grade C, 72 to 83 (60% to 69% of 120).

What is the average GCSE mark 2022? ›

In 2022, 6.6 percent of GSCE entries in the England were awarded the highest grade of 9, with a further 8.5 percent of entries being awarded an 8, the second-highest grade. A 5 grade was the most common individual grade level achieved by GCSE students, at 17.4 percent of all entries.

How many credits do you need to pass level 2? ›

NCEA Level 2

60 credits at Level 2 or higher. 20 credits at any other level.

What is a Level 2 qualification equivalent India? ›

GCSE. General Certificate of Secondary Education: Level 2 of the NQF Framework for GCSEs grades A* - C. Students can take up to 9-12 GCSE's including English and Maths at A*-C level. GCSE's are available in more than 40 academic and nine 'applied' subjects.

What is level 2 essential skills equivalent to? ›

About numeracy essential skills qualifications:

Level 2 qualifications are equivalent to GCSEs. No matter what level you start at, all courses lead to a qualification in numeracy that is recognised by employers.

What are the mark equivalents on GCSE results? ›

It can be said to be an alternative version of your 9-1 grade and therefore can be considered to be your GCSE score or mark. Ultimately, the mark equivalent is the grade which you achieved in the old grading format, and allows you to compare your number grade with a (perhaps more familiar) letter grade.

How many GCSE grades do you get? ›

How GCSEs are graded. Grading is on a scale of 9 to 1: Grades 7, 8 ,and 9 are equivalent to A/A* but fewer students will get a 9 compared with the 7 —8% in the past who achieved A*s. The threshold for Grade 7 is equivalent to that required for an A Grade.

What is a Grade 3 GCSE equivalent to? ›

3. Is a 3 a pass in GCSE? No, the GCSE grade 3 equivalent is in between the traditional grades D and E.

What is a distinction grade in BTEC? ›

Distinction grade equivalent to A Level grade between B and C (225 points). Formerly equivalent to A grade – 270 points. • Merit grade equivalent to A level grade between C and D (195 points).

What are the levels of BTEC? ›

BTECs are broken down into three main levels of study:
  • BTEC Firsts are available from entry level to Level 2 (similar standard to GCSEs). ...
  • BTEC Nationals are available from Level 3 (similar standard to A levels). ...
  • BTEC Apprenticeships are available at Levels 2 to 5 across more than 25 sectors.

How many points is a BTEC? ›

The type of award, and the grades for each unit, with dictate how many UCAS points a BTEC is worth, with a Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma Pass worth 40 UCAS points (equivalent to an A level grade E), and a Level 3 Extended Diploma with triple Distinction* being typically worth 420 points (equivalent to three grade 'A*' A ...

How do BTEC grades compare to GCSE? ›

Each BTEC is equivalent to one GCSE and is recognised by higher education institutions. They tend to offer the chance to get more practical, 'hands-on' learning opportunities, including work experience, to prepare students with transferable skills for future employment.

Is BTEC Level 2 higher than GCSE? ›

BTECs at levels 1 and 2 are equivalent to GCSEs, with levels 4 to 7 holding the same status of achievement as a degree.

What BTEC levels are GCSE? ›

BTECs are broken down into three main levels of study:
  • BTEC Firsts are available from entry level to Level 2 (similar standard to GCSEs). ...
  • BTEC Nationals are available from Level 3 (similar standard to A levels). ...
  • BTEC Apprenticeships are available at Levels 2 to 5 across more than 25 sectors.

What is a BTEC Level 3 equivalent to? ›

BTEC level 3 courses are the same level as A levels, are more vocationally focused than A levels, and include real-life practical tasks and work experiences.

What is GCSE equivalent? ›

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the qualification most equivalent to GCSEs. Just like GCSEs, it is a two-year programme students study with the result being certified by examinations. IGCSEs have the same grading system as GCSEs.

How does BTEC grading work? ›

Students are given points for each unit they've completed. As you'll have been taking units throughout the course, you should already know how many points you have in some of the units. Once you've finished all your units, all the points are added together and you're awarded a final grade.

What are the new GCSE grades equivalent to? ›

The reformed GCSE qualifications will be awarded on a grade scale of 9 (the highest grade) to 1 (the lowest). This new scale will be aligned to key grades on the current A* to G scale. broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 1 and above as currently achieve a grade G and above.

Is BTEC harder than GCSE? ›

Level 2 BTECs are more complex and can come in three different forms. The BTEC level 2 Certificate is equivalent to one GCSE at a grade A*- C. If you go further, and take a level 2 Extended Certificate or Diploma, this is the equivalent to four GCSEs, at grade A*- C.

What do the 1 9 GCSE grades mean? ›

Every GCSE subject is assessed using the 9-1 grading system, with all exams set at the end of Year 11. Grade 1 is the lowest grade, and Grade 9 is reserved for the very top students. Grade 4 is the Standard Pass grade.

What is A-level 2 certificate equivalent to? ›

Level 2 qualifications

Thus attaining a Level 2 qualification can be equivalent to achieving GCSE grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, or 4 previously graded A*, A, B, or C. Other examples of Level 2 qualifications include: O level (grades A, B, or C)

Is a BTEC a full level 3? ›

Alongside A levels, BTEC Nationals are the most widely-recognised qualification for admission to higher education. They are level 3 vocational qualifications that provide specialist, work-related learning across a range of sectors.

What's the difference between BTEC and GCSE? ›

Studies for GCSE examinations usually take place over a period of two academic years starting in Year 10 for most students, with exams being sat at the end of Year 11. BTECs, on the other hand, are more practical, specialist courses that are focused on a specific industry or job area.

What does d2 mean in BTEC? ›

BTEC (QCF) qualifications. Level 2 Distinction (D) Level 2 Distinction (L2D) Distinction (D) Distinction (D)

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