Last updated: 11 Dec 2007

Large choice

The large number of language-related qualifications include:

• Certificate in business language competence

Award in practical languages
Asset Languages: four levels
National vocational qualifications in languages: levels 1-4
GCSE MFL
GCSE (short course) MFL
A level MFL
AS level MFL
Advanced extension award in French, German, Irish and Spanish

Criteria and specifications
The qualifications, developed by QCA, provide the broad framework from which awarding bodies create their specifications. Specifications describe the syllabus content, aims, assessment methods, objectives, and how the qualification is graded. Each awarding body offers a slightly different specification, which gives schools and colleges a choice on the qualification that is best for their learners.

The criteria are the broad framework from which exam boards develop their examination specifications.

Visit Criteria and specifications: modern foreign languages, at left, for more details.