Qualifications in the UK are categorised by level. There are nine levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 12 levels in Scotland. The guidance below will help you understand the knowledge, skills and experience each level represents.
If you/your employee doesn’t have any prior experience then this level could be a good place to start. Qualifications at this level can be taken at any age in order to continue or return to training.
This level covers routine tasks and basic knowledge and is good for people just starting out or new to the subject area. Qualifications at this level are comparable to GCSEs graded D to G or 3 to 1 (or General Standard Grades in Scotland). Find out more about the new GCSE grades.
Individuals at this level are ready to enter skilled employment. Qualifications at this level are comparable to GCSEs graded A* to C or 9 to 4 (or Credit Standard Grades in Scotland). Find out more about the new GCSE grades.
Skilled workers will generally be at level 3 and above and could be ready to enter higher education. Qualifications at this level are comparable to A/AS levels, Welsh Baccalaureate, and Highers in Scotland.
Higher education starts at this level, with qualifications including Higher National Certificates (HNC), CertHE, and Advanced Highers in Scotland. Skilled workers at this level are likely to be supervisors or managers, and could benefit further from specialised training (Continued Professional Development/CPD).
Qualifications at this level include Foundation Degrees and Higher National Diplomas (HND). Experienced employees at this level are likely to have management experience, and it is the equivalent of the second year of studying a Bachelor’s (BA or BSc) degree.
Individuals at this level are graduates, achieving a BA, BSc or other degree level qualification, or skilled and experienced workers at senior management level.
Individuals at this level are graduates, achieving a MSc, MEng or other Masters degree, or skilled and experienced workers at senior management level generally having membership of a professional body.
Individuals at this levels will have a PhD or Doctoral degree. In business, they would generally be directors with fellowship of a professional body.