There are 9 qualification levels.
Entry level
Each entry level qualification is available at three sub-levels - 1, 2 and 3. Entry level 3 is the most difficult.
Entry level qualifications are:
- entry level award
- entry level certificate (ELC)
- entry level diploma
- entry level English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
- entry level essential skills
- entry level functional skills
- Skills for Life
Level 1
Level 1 qualifications are:
- first certificate
- GCSE - grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G
- level 1 award
- level 1 certificate
- level 1 diploma
- level 1 ESOL
- level 1 essential skills
- level 1 functional skills
- level 1 national vocational qualification (NVQ)
- music grades 1, 2 and 3
Level 2
Level 2 qualifications are:
- CSE - grade 1
- GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C
- intermediate apprenticeship
- level 2 award
- level 2 certificate
- level 2 diploma
- level 2 ESOL
- level 2 essential skills
- level 2 functional skills
- level 2 national certificate
- level 2 national diploma
- level 2 NVQ
- music grades 4 and 5
- O level - grade A, B or C
Level 3
Level 3 qualifications are:
- A level
- access to higher education diploma
- advanced apprenticeship
- applied general
- AS level
- international Baccalaureate diploma
- level 3 award
- level 3 certificate
- level 3 diploma
- level 3 ESOL
- level 3 national certificate
- level 3 national diploma
- level 3 NVQ
- music grades 6, 7 and 8
- T Level
- tech level
Level 4
Level 4 qualifications are:
- certificate of higher education (CertHE)
- higher apprenticeship
- higher national certificate (HNC)
- level 4 award
- level 4 certificate
- level 4 diploma
- level 4 NVQ
Level 5
Level 5 qualifications are:
- diploma of higher education (DipHE)
- foundation degree
- higher national diploma (HND)
- level 5 award
- level 5 certificate
- level 5 diploma
- level 5 NVQ
Level 6
Level 6 qualifications are:
- degree apprenticeship
- degree with honours - for example bachelor of the arts (BA) hons, bachelor of science (BSc) hons
- graduate certificate
- graduate diploma
- level 6 award
- level 6 certificate
- level 6 diploma
- level 6 NVQ
- ordinary degree without honours
Level 7
Level 7 qualifications are:
- integrated master’s degree, for example master of engineering (MEng)
- level 7 award
- level 7 certificate
- level 7 diploma
- level 7 NVQ
- master’s degree, for example master of arts (MA), master of science (MSc)
- postgraduate certificate
- postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE)
- postgraduate diploma
Level 8
Level 8 qualifications are:
- doctorate, for example doctor of philosophy (PhD or DPhil)
- level 8 award
- level 8 certificate
- level 8 diploma
As an education specialist with extensive experience in qualification frameworks and credentialing, I can confidently delve into the comprehensive structure you've provided, spanning from Entry Levels to Level 8 qualifications.
The breakdown you've shared outlines various education tiers, from basic to advanced levels, encompassing different certification types, such as functional skills, national diplomas, apprenticeships, and even music grades. These qualifications are standardized and recognized across various educational systems, offering individuals a path to progress academically or vocationally.
At the entry levels, the progression from Entry Level 1 to Entry Level 3 demonstrates increasing difficulty, with qualifications such as Entry Level Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), and Essential Skills.
Moving up to Level 1, we encounter qualifications like GCSEs, Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, ESOL, Essential Skills, Functional Skills, NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications), and even music grades at specific levels.
Level 2 extends further, encompassing CSEs, higher grades of GCSEs, apprenticeships, diplomas, ESOL, Essential Skills, Functional Skills, national certificates, national diplomas, NVQs, and O Levels.
Level 3 marks the advancement towards A Levels, access to higher education diplomas, apprenticeships at an advanced stage, AS levels, International Baccalaureate diplomas, various awards, certificates, diplomas, ESOL, national certificates, national diplomas, NVQs, and higher music grades.
Moving forward, Level 4 introduces qualifications like Certificates of Higher Education, higher apprenticeships, Higher National Certificates (HNCs), awards, certificates, diplomas, and NVQs.
Level 5 brings in Diplomas of Higher Education, foundation degrees, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), alongside awards, certificates, diplomas, and NVQs.
Level 6 signifies higher education achievements with degree apprenticeships, degrees with honors, graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, awards, certificates, diplomas, and NVQs.
Level 7 showcases integrated master’s degrees, postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees (e.g., MA, MSc), and specialized education such as PGCEs.
Lastly, Level 8 represents the highest academic achievements like doctorates (PhDs or DPhils), alongside respective awards, certificates, and diplomas.
This comprehensive structure offers individuals a clear and systematic pathway to advance academically or professionally, catering to diverse learning styles and career aspirations.
