Who is this qualification for?

 The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business is an Applied General qualification. It is post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment in the business sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to half an A Level and aims to provide a basic introduction of the business sector. 

What does this qualification cover?

 The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. Employers and professional bodies have also been involved and consulted to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners planning to enter employment directly in the business sector. Learners taking this qualification will study mandatory units, which make up 100% of the learning programme covering the following content areas:

 • business environments 

• marketing and budgeting. 

What could this qualification lead to? 

Learners who have completed this qualification may progress to further learning at Level 3, for example a larger-size BTEC National in the business sector. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses if taken alongside other Level 3 qualifications as part of a programme of learning. Depending on the other qualifications learners have taken, they can progress to a degree programme from a range of programmes in the business sector. Progression can be direct to an honours degree or to a Higher National, a Foundation Degree, or a Higher Apprenticeship. Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers.

 How does the qualification provide employability skills?

 In the BTEC National units there are opportunities during the teaching and learning phase to give learners practice in developing employability skills. Where employability skills are referred to in this specification, we are generally referring to skills in the following three main categories: 

• cognitive and problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology

 • interpersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing 

• intrapersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development, self-presentation. 

There are also specific requirements in some units for assessment of these skills where relevant. For example, where learners are required to undertake real or simulated activities. 

How does the qualification provide transferable knowledge and skills for higher education?

All BTEC Nationals provide transferable knowledge and skills that prepare learners for progression to university. The transferable skills that universities value include: 

• the ability to learn independently 

• the ability to research actively and methodically 

• being able to give presentations and being active group members. BTEC learners can also benefit from opportunities for deep learning where they are able to make connections among units and select areas of interest for detailed study. BTEC Nationals provide a vocational context in which learners can develop the knowledge and skills required for particular degree courses, including: 

• effective writing 

• analytical skills 

• creative development

• preparation for assessment methods used in degrees. 

You are studying the Extended Certificate which consists of 3 Mandatory Units and 1 Optional Unit.

You can access the full specification for this course at the following link.

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Nationals/Business/2016/specification-and-sample-assessments/btecnationals-bus-excert-spec.pdf