What’s the Difference Between Levels of Qualifications?

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There are a large number of qualifications available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland at 8 different levels of education (plus entry-level). These qualifications and levels are set out by the RQF; Regulated Qualifications Framework. But what exactly does each level mean, and how does one differ from another?

Entry Level

Entry-level qualifications are the most basic ones. They are usually an introduction to a specific subject or a language. There are sub-levels within this category at entry-level 1, 2, and 3. Entry-level qualifications include:

  • Functional/essential skills;
  • Awards, certificates, and diplomas;
  • ESOL (English for foreign language speakers);
  • Skills for life.

There are well-over 100 entry-level qualifications available. They’re a great way to help build skills, increase knowledge, and boost your confidence. And as they are entry-level, they don’t have any entry requirements!

Level 1

Another ideal place to start if you’re just beginning to learn about a specific subject area, Level 1 qualifications cover basic knowledge. This level of qualification is most often achieved in years 10 and 11 at secondary school, so they are best for students aged 15-16; alternatively, they’re also great for those looking to further their education. You don’t have to have completed an entry-level qualification to move onto a level 1 qualification. But they are the first formal numbered qualifications in the RQF system. Level 1 qualifications mostly include:

  • GCSE grades D, E, F, and G (or as they are now numbered; 3, 2 and 1);
  • Functional/essential skills;
  • Awards, diplomas, and certificates;
  • National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ);
  • Music grades 1, 2 and 3;
  • ESOL (English for foreign language speakers).

Level 2

The next step up from level 1, is obviously, level 2. It’s ideal (but not always required) to have some knowledge or experience in the area you’re wanting to qualify at this level in. These qualifications are also commonly achieved in years 10 and 11 at school, so again great for students aged 15-16 or anyone wanting to make progress in education. Examples of level 2 qualifications are:

  • GCSE grades A*, A, B or C (now known as grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4).
  • Functional/essential skills;
  • Awards, diplomas, and certificates;
  • NVQs;
  • Music grades 4 and 5;
  • Intermediate apprenticeships;
  • ESOL.

Those completing level 2 qualifications often move higher to level 3 qualifications…

Level 3

As level 3 qualifications show greater knowledge in specific subjects, they are most commonly completed in years 12 and 13 or in further education centres (like ourselves!). For those who are looking to continue their education after the minimum school leaving age, level 3 qualifications are ideal for you. These qualifications include:

  • A level grades A, B, C, D or E (studied over 2 years);
  • AS levels (studied over 1 year);
  • Tech level;
  • Applied level;
  • Awards, diplomas and certificates;
  • NVQs;
  • BTECs;
  • Music grades 6, 7 and 8;
  • Advanced apprenticeships;
  • Access to higher education diploma;
  • International baccalaureate diploma;
  • ESOL

It’s quite clear that the category of level 3 qualifications is by far the largest.

Level 4

Level 4 qualifications act as the bridge between level 3 and level 5, as they help people progress on to the next stage of education when they might not have been able to with their previous qualifications. This level shows a greater understanding and a higher level of learning than qualifications gained at secondary school/16-18 education. At level 4, the qualifications available are:

  • Higher National Certificate (HNC);
  • Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE);
  • Awards, diplomas, and certificates;
  • NVQs;
  • Higher apprenticeships.

Level 5

Now we’ve come over the level 4 bridge and safely arrived at level 5, these qualifications are mainly for anyone wanting to go to university, or study at any other form of higher education. So within this level, we have:

  • Foundation degrees;
  • Higher National Diploma (HND);
  • Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE);
  • Awards, diplomas, and certificates;
  • NVQs.

Level 6

Those looking to pursue a masters degree will want to take their first step in this direction with a level 6 qualification. Level 6 qualifications are degree-level and show the holder has graduated from further education. For anyone that wants to take their knowledge of a subject past secondary education level, whether that’s to gain a degree of higher-level NVQ or certificate, this level is perfect. It includes:

  • Bachelor’s degree (with or without honours);
  • Graduate diploma;
  • Graduate certificate;
  • Awards, diplomas, and certificates;
  • Level 6 NVQ;
  • Degree apprenticeships.

Level 7

At level 7, we’re nearly at the top of the tree of qualifications. Anyone looking for a qualification which validates knowledge beyond degree level will want to aim to complete a level 7 qualification, for example:

  • Master’s degree;
  • Integrated master’s degree;
  • Postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE);
  • Postgraduate diplomas and certificates;
  • Awards;
  • NVQs.

Level 8

It’s been a long journey of levels of education, now we’re right at the top. Lastly, level 8 is the highest level of education in England,  Wales, and NI and is also the smallest category as it simply includes:

  • Doctorates or PhDs;
  • Awards, diplomas, and certificates.

Anyone wanting to become a fully qualified doctor will need a level 8 qualification.

So that’s the different levels of qualifications. Basically, the higher the level, the more difficult the qualification will be. Only certain qualifications are available at certain levels. If progressing in your education is something you’re thinking about, hopefully, this has helped to guide you where you could go next.