National/Scottish Vocational Qualifications (N/SVQs)

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in England and Wales - and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) in Scotland - are underpinned by National Occupational Standards developed by the Financial Services Skills Council on behalf of employers.

N/SVQs are vocational qualifications which define what employees do in their jobs, based on practical skills demonstrated in the workplace. The qualifications range from level 1 (lowest) to level 5 (highest). A level 3 N/SVQ is recognised as equivalent to A-levels and can be used to apply for a Higher Education course while a level 4 N/SVQ is an intermediate qualification between Further and Higher Education/advanced training.

N/SVQs form one strand of Apprenticeships (Key Skills and Technical Certificates form the other two strands).

There is no written test or examination with an N/SVQ. Success is determined by an assessment of the individual's ability to do his or her job competently to the required standard. The candidate is required to present evidence of competence taken from their everyday job. The assessment is performed by a qualified assessor, usually someone senior, who is experienced in the same area of work. Assessments are made on the basis of performance evidence.

Examples of evidence include:

• Observations on the individual's performance, e.g. from their line manager or assessor;
• Written commentary, or confirmation of the individual's actions by their colleagues and/or line manager;
• A written or spoken report by the individual describing what they did and why, and any relevant outcomes;
• The individual's responses to questions that might be asked by their line manager or assessor.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive.

N/SVQs are organised into a coherent classification based on the competence levels required. The following definitions provide a general guide and are not intended to be prescriptive.