


Occupational Qualifications
Occupational Qualifications
These are qualifications which demonstrate competence in the workplace. They are popular because they can be taken whilst still working and they can demonstrate an individual's true aptitude. The qualifications cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding that underpin competent performance.
Occupational qualifications can be taken as part of an apprenticeship programme, by full-time employees or by school and college students.
There is no written test or examination with an occupational qualification. They are assessed by the candidate proving that they can work competently through gathering evidence of work for a portfolio or through being observed by a qualified assessor.
The FSP has developed occupational qualifications in the following areas:
- Accounting, Bookkeeping and Payroll
- Credit Management
- Providing Financial Services
- Providing Financial Advice and Mortgage Advice
The table below shows which qualifications are available and which awarding bodies offer these qualifications. Further information including the QCF units, qualification structures and assessment strategies can be downloaded on the right-hand-side of the page.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland | |
Level 2 Certificate in Accounting | AAT, ACCA, City & Guilds and Edexcel |
Level 3 Diploma in Accounting | AAT, ACCA, City & Guilds and Edexcel |
Level 4 Diploma in Accounting | AAT and ACCA |
Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping | ABC Awards and IAB |
Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping | IAB |
Level 2 Diploma in Credit Management | ICM |
Level 3 Diploma in Credit Management | ICM |
Level 2 Certificate in Payroll | IAB |
Level 3 Certificate in Payroll | IAB |
Level 2 NVQ in Retail Financial Services | City & Guilds, Edexcel and EDI |
Level 3 NVQ in Retail Financial Services | City & Guilds, Edexcel and EDI |
Level 3 Certificate in Mortgage Advice | Edexcel |
Level 4 Certificate in Financial Advice | Edexcel |
Scotland | |
Certificate in Accounting at SCQF Level 5 | AAT |
Diploma in Accounting at SCQF Level 6 | AAT |
Diploma in Accounting at SCQF Level 8 | AAT |
Level 2 SVQ in Providing Financial Services | Edexcel and SQA |
Level 3 SVQ in Providing Financial Services | Edexcel and SQA |
Who to contact?
Lynn Bryson
Financial Skills Partnership
Qualifications and Policy Manager
E: [email protected]
T: 0845 618 2368