The primary purpose of the national qualifications framework (NQF) is to create a coherent classification for NVQs and to facilitate transfer and progression, both within areas of competence and between them.

The areas of competence within the NVQ framework result from an analysis of work roles and provide the initial organising structure for competence-based qualifications. Further refinements to the system are being made as the qualifications are developed and routes for progression/transfer are identified.

NVQs are accredited for a maximum of five years and sometimes for three and, as a result, new and revised NVQs are constantly becoming available.

The NQF areas

• Tending animals, plants and land
• Extracting and providing natural resources
• Constructing
• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Transporting
• Providing goods and services
• Providing health, social and protective services
• Providing business services
• Communicating
• Developing and extending knowledge and skill

The NQF levels

The following definitions of NVQ levels provide a general guide and are not intended to be prescriptive.

Level 1

Competence which involves the application of knowledge and skills in the performance of a range of varied work activities, most of which may be routine or predictable.

Level 2

Competence which involves the application of knowledge and skills in a significant range of varied work activities, performed in a variety of contexts. Some of the activities are complex or non-routine, and there is some individual responsibility and autonomy. Collaboration with others, perhaps through membership of a work group or team, may often be a requirement.

Level 3

Competence which involves the application of knowledge and skills in a broad range of varied work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts, most of which are complex and non-routine. There is considerable responsibility and autonomy, and control or guidance of others is often required.

Level 4

Competence which involves the application of knowledge and skills in a broad range of complex, technical or professional work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts and with a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy. Responsibility for the work of others and the allocation of resources is often present.

Level 5

Competence which involves the application of skills and a significant range of fundamental principles across a wide and often unpredictable variety of contexts. Very substantial personal autonomy and often significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of substantial resources feature strongly, as do personal accountabilities for analysis and diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation.

Listings of NVQs

Available NVQs are listed by area of competence and show:

• the full NVQ title
• the level of qualification
• the Q number or reference code as used on NDAQ
• the names of joint awarding bodies
• the expiry date.

Some individual NVQ entries may show an expiry date that has passed. These are likely to be reaccredited, but had not been reaccredited at the time of posting this information.

More information about particular NVQs is available from the awarding body or bodies listed with each entry.

A list of qualifications accredited by QCA and contact details for the awarding bodies can be found at NDAQ.