NVQ courses

Whether you're just starting out or are experienced in your role, an NVQ can provide on-the-job training that gets you to the next level and gives your career a boost

What is an NVQ?

A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) is a highly practical, work-based qualification available in the UK (apart from Scotland) to help individuals develop the industry-specific knowledge and skills that enable them to perform their roles to the required standard.

These competency-based qualifications evaluate a person's ability to carry out the tasks needed for their job. This could range from those new to a field and completing routine tasks to senior manager level, with a focus on leadership ability and successfully overseeing projects.

Similar to the NVQ, the Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) aims to train workers in Scotland to nationally accepted standards for their sector.

NVQs can be completed while at school, college or at work and are offered by various course and training providers.

Who are NVQs for?

NVQS are available in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland for people of all ages. They are a popular option for those looking to boost their career prospects or achieve formal recognition for their skills and experience.

These qualifications are equally as viable for school and college students on a work experience placement or part-time job as they are for full-time employees, as the NVQ allows you to develop the necessary skills for a specific profession.

While there are no age restrictions on NVQs, some higher-level courses may expect candidates to have reached a certain level of experience or hold particular qualifications.

What are the benefits of completing an NVQ?

Flexible and hands-on - a straightforward pathway to gaining a qualification in a school, college or workplace. You'll learn on the job, and there are no exams to sit through at the end.
An industry recognised qualification - by completing an NVQ, you'll have met a national standard for a particular field, and your certification will show employers that you have the knowledge, skills and understanding required for the role.
Highly accessible - with qualifications at every level, NVQs are ideal for those with no other formal education. This can help grow your confidence and achieve job satisfaction as you progress through the different stages.
Increase your employability - the skills you'll gain through an NVQ can be used to show you're ready to progress your career and take on more responsibility.

What levels are NVQs available at?

You can study at seven levels, which are determined according to the degree of responsibility and skills required:

Level 1 - ideal for those with no previous qualifications or experience, this entry-level qualification is the same as achieving three or four GCSEs at grades 3/D to 1/G.
Level 2 - a popular entry point for those starting a career or looking to build on their existing skillset. This is equivalent to five GCSEs at grades 9/A* to 4/C, the BTEC First certificate and intermediate apprenticeships.
Level 3 - by achieving this standard, you'll have a strong knowledge in a particular field. This level equates to two A-levels, a BTEC National diploma or an advanced apprenticeship.
Level 4 - similar to having completed the first year of a Bachelors degree, Higher Education Certificate (CertHE), or Higher National Certificate (HNC), this is aimed at those with some management experience.
Level 5 - to achieve this level, you'll need to be in a supervisory or management role with a high level of expertise within your industry. It's equivalent to the second year of a Bachelors degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND), Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), or a foundation degree.
Level 6 - requiring a high level of competence as a senior manager, this NVQ is equal to a full Bachelors degree.
Level 7 - again, it's for those working at the top of their profession in a senior management role. This is at Masters degree standard, so it is similar to achieving the Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc).
Level 8 - at the highest vocational level in the UK, this is equivalent to studying for a PhD, such as a professional Doctorate.

These qualification standards relate to levels on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Read about this at GOV.UK - Find a regulated qualification.

Explore the full range of college courses at further education (FE) level.

To compare courses at Level 4 and above, see our guide to undergraduate qualifications.

What NVQ subjects can I study?

Over a thousand courses are available across the different NVQ levels, with more than 500 subjects for the SQA. For the latter, see the full list at SQA - Browse SVQ and other SQA-accredited qualifications.

Popular subjects include:

beauty and hairdressing
business and administration
construction and trades (bricklaying, carpentry, groundwork and plastering)
counselling
engineering
health and social care
hospitality and tourism
sports development
teaching and childcare.

How long does an NVQ take?

There is no fixed time limit for completing an NVQ; this depends on a number of factors, including:

the NVQ level you're studying at
your chosen subject
how quickly you learn alongside your day job
your current level of experience.

Generally speaking, NVQs can take anywhere from a month to two years if studied full time. If you take the qualification part time, this can increase to one to three years.

For instance, the NVQ Level 4 Diploma in Business Administration from the Britannia School of Leadership and Management can be fast-tracked so that you can complete it within four months of full-time study. Alternatively, you can study it part time over a year.

Where can I find NVQ courses?

The NVQ qualification is available through:

employers
FE/HE colleges
online learning providers
private training centres.

You can search online for NVQs through course directories like Findcourses.co.uk - NVQ courses.

Information on the course content for NVQs can also be found on the websites of awarding bodies, such as:

NVQs can also be used to progress in your chosen field as part of an apprenticeship. Explore the websites of recruiters that take on apprentices in the following sectors:

How are NVQs assessed and graded?

To secure an NVQ or SVQ, you'll need to demonstrate an ability to perform particular work-related tasks.

You'll be assessed by:

Portfolio - you'll keep a record of what you've achieved at work, ready to show assessors.
Observation - you'll be watched and assessed as you attempt to carry out the tasks.

Your assessor will sign off on units once they feel you are ready. You will be tested on your knowledge and understanding of various tasks to ensure you can perform them competently.

To keep track of your progress, you can consider:

what you have already achieved
the work you still need to do
how you can reach the NVQ standard.

As you'll be judged on your practical performance, unlike other qualifications, such as BTECs, where you'll be graded at a set level like 'Distinction' or 'Merit', you'll either be described as Competent' (a pass) or 'Not Yet Competent' (fail). You'll need to meet this standard for all required units of the NVQ.

What do NVQs involve?

This depends on the level you're studying at and the nature of your work.

To give you an idea, the NVQ Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies at the Counselling & Psychotherapy Training Academy is for those who want to become professional counsellors or enter nursing, social work or teaching.

This NVQ is aimed at those who have completed a Level 2 qualification, and you'll get to:

build a strong foundation in theory
hone your counselling skills
understand various approaches to counselling.

The course programme involves a range of activities, including:

case studies
demonstrations
essays
group work
personal development
presentations
seminars.

Tutors assess your skills and supervise your training groups. There will also be an opportunity to self-review.

Many who do this course progress to the NVQ Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.

How much does NVQ training cost?

If you're aged 16 to 19, you'll find that NVQs are usually free.

For all other learners, you can expect to pay:

拢100 to 拢600 for NVQ Level 1
around 拢750 for Level 2
拢1,000 to 拢3,000 for Levels 3 to 5.

To give you an idea, here are some examples of course fees offered by training providers in 2025:

PIP Services - 拢149 (plus VAT) for the ProQual NVQ Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment.
CAW Business School - 拢1,195 for the 14 to 18-month City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Business Administration.
Semester L&D - 拢1,512.99 for the NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Maintenance.
Coral & Reed - 拢1,200 (plus VAT) for the nine to 36-month NVQ Level 4 Diploma in Adult Social Care.
Reddish Training - 拢1,400 for the NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership.

Will my employer pay for my NVQ?

Some employers may be willing to fully or partially cover the costs of completing an NVQ.

However, you may need to pay for it yourself or be willing to commit to the company for a set time after achieving the award. This will need to be discussed with your employer, as a repayment clause may form part of their terms and conditions.

Is funding available for NVQs?

Yes, but it is often only available in certain sectors, and is usually payable to employers rather than learners.

For example, if you're planning on working in the construction sector, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) offers a number of grants for NVQs and SVQs lasting over and under a year.

These include the Specialist Applied-skills Programme (SAP) grant for 18-month Level 2 or 3 courses. The money to cover the course costs is paid directly to your employer, as long as it's a CITB member.

Read about construction management courses.

Those 19 or older may be able to apply for financial support through the government's Advanced Learner Loan scheme. It can help cover course fees for those at Levels 3 to 6. Check that your NVQ qualifies and you are eligible for this loan. Remember that repayments start once you are earning above a certain threshold. In 2025, this is set at 拢27,295 a year (拢2,274 a month).

Can I do an NVQ without going to college?

Yes, as it's common to achieve the qualification through work-based learning, you won't typically need to attend college full time. However, while some of the study may take place online, you may still need to attend college or a private centre to carry out any compulsory on-site assessments.

What can I do after completing an NVQ?

Many workers use it as a stepping stone to the next level of the qualification, as well as other FE and higher education (HE) courses.

If you have achieved NVQ Level 3 qualifications, along with A-levels, universities will often consider these for entry onto Bachelors degree courses. Discover the process for getting into university.

Find out more

Explore CPD opportunities for graduates.
Consider postgraduate employer sponsorship.
Read about changing careers.