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Qualifications Explained
Different qualifications can seem confusing. This guide explains how qualification levels compare and how different courses can lead to further study, training or employment.
Level Of Course
Example Qualifications
Entry Level
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
First Certificate
GCSE grades 3–1 (or grades D–G in the legacy system)
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
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 (No longer available)
CSE - Grade 1 (No longer available)
Level 3
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 - available in a wide range of subjects, including Digital, Health, Science, Education, Construction, Legal, Finance and Engineering.
Tech Level
Level 4
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
Diploma of Higher Education (Diphe)
Foundation Degree
Higher National Diploma (HND)
Level 5 Award
Level 5 Certificate
Level 5 Diploma
Level 5 NVQ
Higher Apprenticeship
Level 6
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
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
Doctorate, For Example Doctor of Philosophy (Phd Or Dphil)
Level 8 Award
Level 8 Certificate
Level 8 Diploma
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are available at different levels and combine paid work with training. The level of apprenticeship you can apply for depends on your qualifications and experience.
Apprenticeships are available at different levels and combine paid work with training. The level of apprenticeship you can apply for depends on your qualifications and experience.
T Levels: what they are
T Levels: what they are
T Levels are new 2-year courses which are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent in size to 3 A Levels. Launched in September 2020, these courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or related technical study through further or higher education.
T Levels offer students practical and knowledge-based learning at a school or college and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days.
T Levels are a post-16 option and usually require specific GCSE grades for entry, particularly in English and Maths.
The courses are available at selected colleges, schools and other providers across England.
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